# Relationship Fundraising – the hard way

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/04/30/relationship-fundraising-hard-way/
- Published: 2007-04-30T21:44:02+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**I have just come back from doing a masterclass and a couple of workshops from 
the German Fundraising “Kongress”. It was in a small town called Fulda, about an
hour from Frankfurt by train, and attracted more than 500 fundraisers mostly from
Germany, but also Switzerland and Austria.**

Two things struck me (apart from obviously being put to shame by delegates’ fantastic
command of English). First, how friendly and self-deprecating the folk were – happy
to turn instantly from speaking German to English over breakfast or coffee or in
the bar, and overwhelmingly to cheer on Liverpool against Chelsea in the Champions
League. As a lone Englishman, I probably spoke to more people there than I ever 
have at the IoF Conference (at least sober). There was also huge knowledge and understanding
of fundraising, some great ideas, and a willingness to share and learn that was 
very refreshing to be part of.

The second interesting thing was on the topic of relationship fundraising – the 
subject of my masterclass. Having talked about motives, segmentation, propositions,
and outstanding supporter care, I was approached by a delegate at the end of the
class who said (very politely), “Mr Grain, I was very disappointed with the masterclass
today”. A little taken aback, I asked why and she said, “because I think it is wrong
to ask donors about themselves and what they like. I wanted to know about relationship
fundraising that didn’t involve any of that and there wasn’t any.” And with that
she left.

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