There are numerous myths that permeate the fundraising profession. The seven explained here are only a few of the more prevalent ones associated with fundraising.

"Difficult" is a relative term. Brain surgery is difficult work. Ditch digging is difficult work. Is the execution of a fundraising program difficult work? Not really. Fundraising is the simple act of asking for a gift. At times fundraising can be frustrating, aggravating, confusing, and disappointing, but asking for a gift, no matter how it’s done, is not difficult work.

The art of meeting and ingratiating yourself to others is hardly a prerequisite for a successful fundraiser. Most of the "smoozers" I’ve met over the years were either volunteers, very new to the field, or were constantly changing jobs. The fact is, to be successful in fundraising you need to be a very good writer. At least 75 % of fundraising is writing grant proposals, solicitation letters, brochures, newsletters, letters of appreciation, and a myriad of other documents. Smoozing may help build your circle of acquaintances and bolster your ego, but developing writing skills will greatly increase your success in fundraising.

Anybody can raise money, but not everyone is cut out to make fundraising a profession. Over the years I’ve known dozens of development employees who have abandoned the profession because they became frustrated and disillusioned. Fundraising can be a vastly rewarding experience if you have the ability to juggle many jobs and responsibilities; it can be a trap for people who are single-task oriented.

Not really, at least not any more than most positions in your organization. If you’re raising double or triple your annual budget then you might not be destined for the chopping block, but don’t count on it. In this era of outsourceing, any position or department is vulnerable. Fortunately, successful fundraisers who are a victim of downsizing, are in great demand. Dozens of charitable organizations are seeking qualified people who can help raise needed philanthropic income.

This myth probably causes more problems than any of the others mentioned. For most charitable organizations a big fundraising budget, which includes a hefty payroll, can’t be justified. Hiring full-time specialists to conduct annual giving, planned giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns, is a luxury that only a very few major organizations can afford. When these high priced employees start appearing in small and medium-sized organizations, charities who can’t point to fundraising success before these individuals were hired, the end result can be disastrous. When senior management and board members become disgruntled about excessive development budgets and not so spectacular returns, heads will roll.

Some do, but many don’t. The fundraising industry is rife with horror stories of incompetent consultants doing more harm than good. To be a successful fundraising consultant you must have a thorough working knowledge of fundraising that only comes from years of hands-on experience. But experience alone doesn’t make for a successful consultant. You must have a sincere desire to help others, possess outstanding people skills, understand business practices and ethics, and be capable of juggling multiple jobs at the same time.

For years I scoffed at professional certification. Like many others who have spent a lifetime in this profession, I felt my fundraising achievements spoke for themselves and certification was unnecessary. I was wrong. Professional certification serves two valuable purposes: 1. It elevates your status in the eyes of others. You may not think certification is a big deal, but your CEO will, the Chairman of your Board will and the many volunteers and supporters of your organization will. 2. Certification gives you a really good feeling of accomplishment. Don’t underestimate the exam. It’s long and tough, but once you pass you can pat yourself on the back and say "well done."