Storytelling, networking, and strategy: three keys to successful fundraising

Drawing on my 20+ years of experience raising philanthropic support for organizations like the Wikimedia Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, and New York Public Library, I will share tried and tested fundraising techniques that also can be applied in FOSS organizations like OpenSSL, where I am the Chief Funding Officer.

To provide context, I first will share a brief overview of some US-specific and global giving data as well as the lessons we can learn from this data (for example: giving from individuals far surpasses giving from other sources). We’ll then take a close look at the fundraising truism that it’s all about making “the right ask to the right person at the right time” and how to apply this in your fundraising. Storytelling is the key to setting up the “right ask.” Networking is the key to getting to the “right person.” And events (from networking at conferences to hosting a reception) are one strategy for creating “the right time.”