When I was asked to write this article about international fundraising, I had some initial thoughts about how I wanted it to unfold – and then one the world’s worst natural disasters hit. The year 2004 will forever be marked for the pain and suffering that has been caused by the Tsunami. In the wake of this tragedy, the world has responded. At the time of this writing, unprecedented levels of support have already been received and if it continues, will dwarf other disaster relief funds by a substantial margin. Without question the “Americas”, like many other parts of the world have enthusiastically jumped in to help the victims. Financial aid and volunteer support has been rapid and substantial. But will this outpouring of support to this particular crisis, forever change the face of philanthropy in the world? Time will tell. If history repeats, there will be an initial rush and then a fall back to complacency once the crisis is perceived to be over.

But is the world changing towards an enlightened view that recognizes the need for ongoing philanthropy beyond the immediacy of a crisis? I believe there are signs that indicate we are at the edge of a global awakening to the need for philanthropy.

More than ever, philanthropic support is becoming a fundamental base to sustain and enhance the lives of millions of people throughout the world. While fundraising is well entrenched in some cultures, in others, until recently, it has been almost non-existent. As governments across the world continue to pull back funding sources, many organizations are forced to seek funding from what would have been unthinkable a few years ago – private donations. It is a brave new world for many as they venture into the unknown world of having to raise charitable dollars. Without question, this trend will set fundraising firmly in a position of prominence on the world stage over the next few years. While a crisis helps to change our focus, it is generally short lived. It is the need for sustainability that will change our minds about the urgency for improved fundraising throughout the world.

As North Americans, we tend to be rather insular in our view of the international community. Activities outside of our borders, with the exception of extraordinary events like the recent tsunami that has devastated hundreds of thousands of lives, generally go unnoticed or are viewed with minor interest. Our view of fundraising mirrors this attitude. We have a tendency to look at fundraising outside of North America, not with a thought of what could be new that we can learn from, but more as a passing interest. Or, even more unfortunately, with a sense of, "What can we do to help them change to be more like us?"

This clearly is a very broad generalization, not founded by a stack of research journals or developed by learned scholars, but rather a personal view. I have arrived at my conclusion after having been blessed with the opportunity to travel internationally for both personal and professional reasons. On the professional front, my company has worked in South Africa, Germany, Austria, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. I have recently moved back to Canada after working in Australia for 16 months. My experience Down Under helped me to view things from a different angle (no pun intended –well maybe just a little).

In my opinion, the next three years will produce some of the most dramatic changes in fundraising and that these changes will not be driven by traditional organizations or marketplaces.  I also believe we will see Asia and Australia become major influencers for two different reasons.

In Asia, governments are shifting funding priorities in a significant way. In this process, Universities are beginning to look at philanthropic dollars as a crucial funding source. As philanthropy takes hold in this part of the world, we will be witness to some philanthropic gifts that will substantially raise the bar for the rest of the world.

Australia will be one to watch because, like in our part of the world, government funding is drying up for many organizations. My experience in that part of the world has led me to believe that the entrepreneurial spirit that exists will challenge conventional thought about fundraising. Australians, by virtue of geography, are fiercely patriotic and this is coupled with a strong sense of the international community. As a result, with philanthropic dollars so pressing, fundraising professionals in Australia are quickly gaining knowledge about fundraising techniques conducted in other countries. With the blending of best practices across the world and this entrepreneurial spirit, the Aussies have the opportunity to be leaders in helping to transform fundraising and philanthropy.

Finally, for me, one of the most significant stories relating to the Tsunami is how much the media is focusing on fundraising. It is not just the relief effort that is the total focus but also the need to improve our ability to respond to these types of disasters. I don’t remember a time that fundraising has taken on such a high profile with the media. The ability to bring the world closer for fundraising may be the “ray of hope” out of this tragic event.

About Ronald J. Fairchild, CFRE:  As the CEO, of DVA Navion, an international fundraising consulting firm, Ron is responsible for overseeing client services worldwide. Ron has recently returned from working in Australia.  Prior to this, he built one of the most impressive fundraising track records in Canada. Ron began his fundraising career in 1983 and since then has successfully directed and supervised campaigns for more than 100 organisations. He has played an instrumental role in helping his clients to raise approximately $490 million collectively.

Specializing in the hospital and healthcare sectors, Ron has conducted and/or supervised campaigns, planning/feasibility studies, foundation and organisational audits, board forums, strategic planning, planned giving, and major gift development for his clients. He is also an expert in Total Development planning and is highly regarded for his creative strategies and tailored approaches. Ron is a frequent speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator