The Tyranny of (Some) Major Donors

Jeremy Gregg of Central Dallas Ministries continues the conversation about major gifts versus many small gifts.  The post is long, carefully reasoned and balanced. Here is one bit that caught my attention:

And yes, as a fundraiser whose organization relies on major donors, I can tell you that there are people who have given upwards of $100,000 per year who suddenly stopped giving because we invited the wrong speaker to an event or our CEO made a comment with which they disagreed.

This is the downside of major gift programs: the tyranny of the donors.

Working on the other side of the table with wealthy people who are used to being in charge we as advisors know the magic word is "Control." Some consider this tyranny, I suppose, though I have always found that I agree with with the views expressed by my sole patron. She did not get where she is without always being right.

Comments

[Jeremy Gregg]

Thanks for continuing the conversation here, Phil. Beware... they are watching:

http://tinyurl.com/2k4zav

I hope your patron is less concerned about what you write on your blog in the midnight hour than mine is.

Alas. The life of a beggar.

Your fellow dumpster dweller,
Jeremy

[Phil]

Welcome to the public square, Jeremy. Parables, fables, and allegories may be more artful as weapons of the weak than are candid midnight ramblings. Candidia supports me financially. I support her with my writing. What happens in Wealth Bondage stays in Wealth Bondage.

[Jeremy Gregg]

Thanks for the encouragement, Phil. I posted a follow-up on the blog today. I think I'll take a break from airing CDM's donors' dirty laundry for a bit, though.

[Phil]

Yup, never blog about work unless you do it as part of your job under the usual supervision and checks and balances. Blog as a citizen, respect confidences, and consider the best interests of your employer, patrons, and constituents. I do not always agree with my generous patron, Candidia, but I never say a word against her. That would be a Career Limiting Move.