Yesterday, I heard of yet another public benefit organization in financial trouble through lack of funding. Turns out this organization doesn’t ask their volunteers (a huge group of very committed folks) to give financially. While this may not be the cause of their current problems, for me it brings up an important set of issues.

The Myth

“Our volunteers give us their time and their talent, which are quite valuable to us. If we asked them to make a financial gift, they might think we don’t value their time and talent, and only want their money. To avoid insulting them, we don’t include volunteers in our solicitations.”

The Reality:

There MAY be a volunteer out there who opens your [gracious] letter or e-mail solicitation and says, “How dare they ask me for money when I give them so much of my time”! This way of thinking does exist, but it’s quite rare in these days of widespread familiarity with our sector.

Many organizations find that the following works very well: Write a special letter to your volunteers, thanking them for their work on your group’s behalf and asking them to consider a financial gift as well. Tell them you will understand if they’re not able to give, but that you want to make sure they are invited to give. Position giving as another way to help your organization.

In reality, for every one of those volunteers who object to being asked — and I’m not sure they even exist! — there are many volunteers who respond to an ask by thinking, “This group does important work. From my volunteering, I know they use contributed dollars well. I’m happy to give as much as I can, to help them even more.”

Another way to look at it: By NOT inviting our volunteers to give financially, we are leaving them out. Remember, for most of us, it’s not a burden to give charitable gifts to our favorite organizations. It’s a joy. And it’s even more of a joy to give when we know the organization’s work, as a volunteer often does. Volunteers often see the lack of resources your organization experiences, in contrast to the needs. They want to help, so PLEASE include them. Plus, it’s not as if you can afford to miss any charitable support that should come your way!

So— with an extra dollop of gratitude and respect — invite your volunteers to give financially to support your organization. You will be glad you did.