Once again, the contributions and generosity of businesses and individuals supporting the Crossroads Hospice Society's annual Treasures of Christmas fundraiser demonstrates the deep commitment our community has to support worthwhile projects. We at Crossroads Hospice are truly grateful for this. But this year in particular brought home a growing concern.
Perhaps it is the coincidence of a packed season of fundraisers in combination with the municipal elections and the financial contribution requests from candidates.
Maybe it is that a tipping point has been reached.
What is increasingly evident is the large and growing number of fundraising activities in our community - perhaps to the point of overwhelming the generosity of donors.
This is in no way a comment on the worthiness or merits of the causes; rather, it is a call to recognize a trend that can lead to increased anxiety for fundraisers and donors alike.
Reflecting on the competing interests within our community of 225,000, it is pretty well conceded that we are a giving community. Judging by the variety and number of events ranging from walking, hiking, running, biking, dining, auctioning (online and real-time), letter writing, quizzing, dancing and drinking, there is no shortage of creativity when it comes to fundraising. One can even purchase virtual tickets and stay home.
All requests are framed and presented for good causes and the causes are diverse and growing. But there are questions that should be considered, such as: How much more can our community support? Is there more asking? If so, why? Whose responsibility is it to support the causes? Are we in fact enabling offloading of the financial burden that used to be covered through taxation? Is this it for 2014?
No, it is not. Nipping at our heels on Dec. 2 is another commendable endeavour on behalf of all Canadian charities. Crossroads and other local charities are in the mix for Giving Tuesday, described at givingtuesdaychallenge.com as "the day when all of Canada shifts the focus from shopping to giving back. On Giving Tuesday and throughout December, charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others."
Yikes, let's hope we haven't achieved saturation yet.
Individuals face an array of donor and volunteer opportunities. Decisions are based on personal preferences, priorities and resources. It seems that more often than before, people must say "No" as the number of asks increase.
But how about businesses? Talking to the owner of a small, local restaurant recently, I was told that it receives nearly 100 requests a month.
In the value proposition presented to local businesses, who are you going to support? How will businesses make their corporately responsible decisions?
I have posed a lot of questions here and the answers are not easily discernible. But one thing is certain: Donor fatigue is a real concern for all of us who work in non-profits that rely on donor vibrancy. At Crossroads Hospice, we count on those who have benefited from our services to support us. We also depend upon corporate and business sponsorships. We support end-of-life care but we understand that there are many needs to be met along the way to end of life.
It is time that many of us take a good long look at our services and how we fund them with an eye to long-term sustainability. I think we can make a decision to be part of the solution. Our asking should be measured and mindful. Our focus must be acute, our services targeted and effective, and our administration lean.
We all share the responsibility for our community's well being. We must be careful not to overwhelm the overwhelming generosity in our community.
Jill Cook is executive director of Crossroads Hospice Society (www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca, twitter.com/CrossroadsCares).
