Raising funds in a polite place

Fundraising is a tricky thing. There’s something slightly counter-intuitive for us polite Canadians about asking others for money, whether they’re strangers or loved-ones. It’s sometimes even an issue for me to explain to someone new that I work in this field, to the point that I must admit to spinning it a bit on occasion by saying: “I work in fun-raising!”

It shouldn’t really be this way. No matter who we are, we should be able to talk to others about a need and provide them with ways to respond to it. I’m thankful to have had spent just enough time on the “front lines” here at The Mustard Seed to know that the money for which I’m politely asking through invitations to events, is much needed and well spent. Somehow, though, there are times when I still need to be reminded that I’m asking for good reasons. If that happens, I just have a chat with my good friends who are Employment Coaches, or read blogs and updates from Aftercare Workers to be reassured of exactly why I’m doing this. I’m fortunate this way, but I can imagine the difficulty other polite Canadians have when they try to raise funds for The Mustard Seed, especially if they haven’t had this front-row seat to the life change that happens here.

In my case, knowing the real impact donations make is the key to effectively asking people for them, so here’s my encouragement to you: stay informed and stay excited about the community, hope and change that’s happening here so that you can be an advocate for those experiencing it. Reading this blog is a great start, so keep coming back. But if you’re doing that, it’s inevitable that you’ll also want to take tangible action, and fundraising is a way to do that that should not be overlooked, even if it challenges our polite sensibilities.

If you need a clear way to get started with that, take to the streets on Sunday, May 27 with Team Mustard Seed for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon(find out more about by clicking the banner on our homepage). Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just trying out your first 5 km race, what the team will all have in common is the cause.

If cardio makes you cry, I have another suggestion. Click here to get started. I have lots of ideas for what could raise fun and funds, which I’ll share next time. Stay tuned. Or if you’re already excited, send me an email at lydianutbrown@theseed.ca and we can start right away! And remember, the more informed you are, the more likely others will be to respond to your "ask", whether it's polite or slightly obnoxious. Either way, thanks for reading. You're on your way to making a real difference.