Over the past few weeks I’ve been preparing for a retreat focused on fundraising for our board of directors. It is not uncommon for the development director to be the most avoided person in a board room, because “we’re only after your money.” Luckily, I have the privilege of working with a fantastic group of leaders. While many of them have not had a lot of experience raising money as a board member, they are coming around to the challenge. Still, most people have some fear of asking for donations. So how do you make fundraising not scary? 

The key is to understanding why people give. Here are my top 5 reasons why individuals give to charity. 

1. People give to improve lives.
2. People give to people.
3. People give because they believe in the mission.
4. People give because they are asked.
5. People give because they want to.

See! People aren’t so scary! They want to give. But they have to be asked and they have to know why their support matters. Here are my top 5 reasons why YOU should give to Girls Inc.:

1. A gift to Girls Inc. supports the positive development of girls. We want girls to be healthy, educated, and independent, and our programs help girls identify their own beauty, potential, and goals.
2. There are over 104,000 school-aged girls in greater Indianapolis. Help us reach more of them. 
3. Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our hands-on programs address the challenges that girls face today, such as self-esteem and bullying. 
4. You can help us continue to provide our educational and empowering programs to girls. Click here to make a donation now.
5. You know you want to.

What do you think of my reasons? Why do you give? Most importantly, why do you support Girls Inc.?