Conclusion The new fundraisers

Summary

In the introductory chapter it was noted that fundraisers are not like a light bulb ‘which performs one unambiguous task … at the flick of a switch’. Panas elaborated:

Light bulbs are produced by the millions. All have the same components. The fundraiser is a product of background, training, heredity, a mysterious combination of skills, and almost certainly a great deal of luck … Among the finest, most effective in the field, there is at work a magnificent alchemy of mind, spirit, and creative genius that somehow generates sums significantly greater than its parts. (Clark Kerr, quoted in Panas, 1988, p 8)

The complexity and subtlety of the fundraising role has been the subject of this book, which has sought to highlight the ‘magnificent alchemy’ involved in the art and science of fundraising. In this concluding chapter, I argue that we have recently witnessed the emergence of the ‘New Fundraisers’ who organise generosity in contemporary society. These ‘New Fundraisers’ exist in a necessarily complementary relationship to the already identified ‘New Philanthropists’ (see, for example, Handy, 2006). These two groups are shown to share many similar traits and attitudes, including shared passion for the cause and convictions about its importance; a desire for impact; and a joy in asking and giving. These similarities enable them to build mutually beneficial relationships that can achieve transformational results, despite a general lack of public affirmation in the UK for either givers or askers.

The new fundraisers

In recent years there has been extensive claims-making that a new type of donor has emerged. The ‘New Philanthropist’ has been the subject of many discussions and debates, newspaper articles and academic studies. One book dedicated to describing and profiling New Philanthropists, describes them as follows:

They are individuals, still in the prime of life, who have been successful in their chosen careers … Having made enough for their own needs they now want to use their money, their skills and their abilities to get things done to create something transparently useful in society. They talk of making a difference, of giving something back … These people want to be in the driving seat, because that's where they belong and, being by nature entrepreneurs of one sort or another, they like to fill gaps and to meet needs neglected by others. (Handy, 2006, pp 8–9)