There is a certain fixated notion of what fundraising is or what it looks like. Indulge me for a moment; let me paint a picture.
A need arises, as is always the norm; a group of people famously known as ‘committee members’ are selected, they hold evening meetings as they wait for tea and mandazi to be served; heads are scratched because it is not easy to have money conversations (Stole this phrase from our ever joyful fundraising manager at Impact Africa Network, Joy-;)
Moving on, cards are printed- Fundraising cards, Whatsapp groups are created, people are added, some get annoyed because they were not consulted, or because it is rude and disrespectful. Ellen Harmon left. Mark Orina left. Phyllis left. Then the rest of us stay. Friends and foes are made in equal measure.
Then there is the grand day, the fundraising d-day. It almost always goes without saying, the M.C of this day is always a middle aged humorous loud man(sorry guys) ; because he has to make people dig deep into their pockets, purses, handbags, wallets, socks or smartphones. I tell you, money has been to places.
More often than not, the M.C is dressed in a brown kaunda suit and a matching hat. He always sings certain songs off tune, as he counts money brought to him. Let’s call this M.C Japesa.
Japesa is our person of interest. He sets the tone for us today.
Photo shared by Rashid Abdi on his Twitter account (https://twitter.com/RAbdiCG/status/1172037897631031296/photo/3)
Currently, I am in this space, where I am learning that fundraising is all about building relationships. Because money comes and goes, but solid, genuine relationships created, last a lifetime. It is about being strategic in selling your vision and being passionate about it. It is not about creating Whatsapp groups and dissolving them once the deal is closed. It is about an attitude of gratitude once your potential donor agrees to have a conversation with you (I have learnt that this is called, ‘a soft yes’)
In this environment I’m learning that once you create solid relationships with your target audience, the money conversation is always seamless or it always seems so. Because Japesa will tell you to take a cup of tea and leave at your own pleasure, but at Impact Africa Network, the fundraising culture encourages you to stay and be part of the journey. The amazing and unfolding journey of Changing the African Narrative, we are building a community.
Fundraising is about authentic conversations. Talking about conversations, this is what is currently happening with our very own Japesas at IAN. And they are good at what they do, just that they don’t adorn matching brown kaunda suits; what a tragedy ;-)
I have the opportunity of a lifetime to also learn that storytelling is very vital in the fundraising journey. You see, what Japesa does is; he entices you for instant gratification. But the culture at IAN is one that is focused on creativity with a balance of authenticity. Japesa is rarely, if at all, interested in the entire fundraising goal.
I am also learning that telling our organization’s story and our amazing founder’s journey is key to connecting with our supporters; and that authentic storytelling is POWERFUL. Impact Africa Network is focused on creating content that has a longer life cycle and has more value over time.
We are consistent in making an impact to ensure that young talented Africans can participate in the digital transformation of Africa as creators and owners. IAN is clothed with a culture of high performance, high integrity and high collaboration.
Oh, and Japesa is most of the time, a paid stranger.
