Have you heard the saying, “If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product”? This wisdom applies perfectly to fundraising services that sound too good to be true.
Yes, billions of dollars flow through philanthropy every year. Hundreds of billions, in fact. But that money isn’t sitting in a holding account, waiting to be released like water from a dam. It’s in the hands of donors and foundations who need to be cultivated, engaged, and asked properly. You can’t just send an invoice and expect people to pay.
So when a service or platform tells you it’s “super easy” to raise money with their product—and you don’t even have to pay—it’s time to ask questions. What’s their revenue model? Do they charge donors by disguising fees as “topping up” donations? Or do they barrage your supporters with slash-and-burn fundraising that might deliver short-term gifts but destroys long-term relationships?
Be Wary When Hiring Too
This same caution applies when hiring fundraisers who claim extraordinary success in previous positions. They may indeed have impressive numbers, but dig deeper. How does their previous organization feel about their efforts now?
Some nonprofits struggle with operational cash flow because a former fundraising staffer secured lots of restricted, multi-year pledges. The money sounds great until that person leaves and the organization can’t pay operational bills despite donors faithfully fulfilling their pledges.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
P.Y.I.T.S. (Put Yourself In Their Shoes) is a principle I often share with clients. How would you feel being bombarded with aggressive fundraising tactics? Or discovering that the platform you donated through took a substantial cut without clear disclosure?
Many nonprofits genuinely struggle with asking for money effectively. Working with experienced fundraising professionals can produce tremendous results. But be wary of those promising the moon without explaining the journey.
Real fundraising takes consistent, intentional work—sometimes boringly so. Because long-term fundraising success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about building sustainable relationships with donors who believe in your mission as much as you do.
And relationships worth investing in always take time.
