Fundraising ‘best practices’ may not suit every cultural context.

The article discusses the concerns raised by the international think tank Rogare regarding the influence of fundraising practices from English-speaking countries on global philanthropic efforts. It emphasizes that what is often labeled as “best practice” is typically shaped by dominant cultures, which may not align with local traditions and social constructs of philanthropy.

Key Points:

1. Cultural Context in Fundraising: The article highlights that fundraising approaches should be reflective of local cultures rather than universally adopted from the “anglosphere.” Rogare has begun a project aimed at creating professional standards that resonate with local social norms.

2. Challenge of “Best Practices”: Alice Ferris from GoalBusters points out that the concept of “best practice” often masks the underlying cultural biases, suggesting a need for both humility and critical examination of these standards within different cultural contexts.

3. Framework for Local Adaptation: The working paper titled “Does one size fit all?” proposes a framework for fundraisers to evaluate local traditions and social arrangements before adopting external standards, emphasizing the importance of effectively adapting practices to suit local conditions.

4. Different Views on Professionalization: Ian MacQuillin explains that professionalization should involve moving towards greater effectiveness and accountability specific to local philanthropy cultures, rather than mimicking the norms from the USA or UK.

5. Ethics and Cultural Differences: The project questions the existence of a universal code of fundraising ethics, asserting that ethical responsibilities may vary across cultures.

6. Collaborative Efforts: Rogare aims to establish working groups in various countries to engage with local communities, starting with discussions with the Hopi Nation in the US and the Māori community in New Zealand.

Overall, the article stresses the importance of honoring and integrating local practices in the development of fundraising strategies, rather than imposing externally derived standards that may not resonate or be effective in different cultural contexts.