Nearly two years into a fundraising position, and NOTHING I have tried to do is taking hold. Today, talking about getting sponsorships for our annual event, our young office manager pipes up with "54 percent of all sponsorships are a result of cold calls (not true, except at About.com). We can email, send a letter, and call, so the person has three chances to say yes and not feel like a total ass." Oh, now there's a winning strategy!

I come from many years experience as a development person; I practice the proven and effective discipline of donor-centered fundraising. Build relationships based upon the mission & good work of the organization, and support is a logical next step when asked. Giving someone an "opportunity" not to feel like an ass after being harassed to give to an organization they've never heard of is so freaking stupid! I am ashamed to have my name on the staff list as the Devo Director.

The ED doesn't seem to give a flying fck... Actually, he's conflict avoidant, and a weenie when it comes to fundraising. As G-d is my witness, I am NEVER AGAIN going to be a development director!!! I cannot wait till I raise enough $$ in my half time ED position to leave this stupid Devo job behind.