This is where I like to share with you some of the ideas that I have picked up that may be helpful, entertaining or just plain trivia.

I'd welcome feedback or suggestions as this section will be updated as time and ideas permit. Send me your ideas: I am happy to acknowledge contributions from not-for profit organisations. Here's a start.

Fundraising is a contact sport! I am surrounded by raffles. I go to the shopping centre: two cars, an oil painting or a dressed doll are mine for a dollar or two and the luck of the draw. Schoolchildren come to my door with tickets. We go to the local for a counter tea: a dozen chances for the meat tray or the seafood feast. To many people, a raffle is the epitome of fundraising. Leaving aside for the moment my belief that raffles are among the least effective ways to raise money, have you ever noticed the ticket sellers?

Many sellers are only there because they are 'rostered on' and couldn't get out of it! If the prize is desirable or the cause is catchy, you may buy a ticket out of loose change.

But, when the ticket seller greets you by name, or smiles enthusiastically as you approach, or actively promotes the cause and asks you:, then, you buy. And, at the end of the day, the most tickets are sold through that active, interested, enthusiastic, asking, seller

Face to face asking: there's an idea!

When you want to fundraise, poverty is everywhere! I once went to a small country town in Western Australia to speak with the community I had been told that they were in deep recession and fundraising was impossible. When confronted with an empty hall, I was told that 'everyone' was on holiday - in Bali or Perth or the Eastern States!

I did learn from that experience. Now, when I conduct a feasibility study, I often talk with local travel agents and ask: "How's business?".

Try it, next time the Board says: "This is the wrong time for fundraising."

Faith and a Plan of Action. One of the saddest sights as I travel the countryside, is a great idea that surrended to doubt. You see the sign as you pass: "On this site we will build..."

A brave statement. A bold vision. A desperate need. An opportunity foregone.

Sometimes a 'thermometer of funds raised' stands there with the red tide of achievement never rising from a lowly start.

And I see it all, as I drive past. Over the months, over the years. Sad.

When I get in touch with the promoters of the vision, I am told that: "Times are tough!." "It is the wrong time for fundraising!" "There is no money around!"

Doom, gloom and decay! Have you heard it?

Then I meet my clients where there is determination and vision and enthusiasm. Certainly, there is also doubt and concern: but the need is too great to ignore, so they fundraise and they achieve.

Fidel Castro said: "I began my revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I would do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith. It does not matter how small you are, providing you have faith, and a plan of action."

One consultancy used to advertise a "feasibility study" to "tell you HOW, not WHETHER" to raise funds.

That is not a feasibility study. That is a sales pitch. A feasibilty study should, firstly, test the feasibility of fundraising.

I have conducted studies where I have had to advise the client that their goals are not realistic at that time. Either they need to modify their goals, defer fundraising or undertake a complete change of strategy.

That is an honest feasibilty study.

A Feasibility study looks to the strengths and weaknesses in the case for support and assesses the likelihood of success for a fundraising campaign. It looks to where support may come from.

That is an honest feasibilty study.

Ours is a competitive business. I have lost out on clients because I don't charge enough. (True. Some Boards assess competence by price alone - and some consultancies use that to their advantage.) I have also lost out because I would not accept that all money would come from "corporate" donations.

I know of two recent campaigns and one feasibility study where other consultancies - who should know better - have assured the client that if they want corporate money, that is what they will get!

It didn't happen. It was never going to happen. It won't happen.

In Victoria - and New Zealand - the mantra is: "We'll get is all from the trusts"

When next you are told: "It will come from corporate/trusts" ask for examples: names of recent clients; recent clients who have got it all there. And check. Sadly, I think immediately of two major appeals which are now reduced to begging for any donation - dollars and cents - when they should have been guided to proper major gifts.