“…The leadership of individuals or groups who can back their beliefs financially is particularly essential in the field of cultural amenities, in the fine arts, in education and research, in the preservation of natural beauty and historic treasures, and, above all, in the propagation of new ideas in politics, morals, and religion.”

This week, I’m reflecting on this quote by Friedrich Hayek from The Constitution of Liberty, published in 1960.

Reflection question:

• As you plan for your small town capital campaign, how are you reaching out to potential donors, not to ask, but to persuade them to become a partner in the vision?

Reflection on Quote:

Today is our second in the series on having patience in the planning process of a capital campaign.  Last time, we looked at the role of strategic planning and envisioning the future.  This week, we will look at the relationship building and persuading partners. 

In my rural community, a local nonprofit was building a beautiful arts and culture building and, in the middle of the campaign, the building costs spiked, adding millions to the cost.  I can only imagine the initial despair.  But, that despair only lasted for a moment.  This nonprofit went back to their lead donor, explained what had happened, and the donor then filled the gap.  Why was the donor so ready to fill the gap?  Twenty years.  That is how long the nonprofit had been weekly reaching out to this donor to build a relationship, persuading this partner to join the vision of the nonprofit and the future of arts and culture in my community. By being patient in the planning, the nonprofit persuaded this partner to become a devoted idealist willing to change the community with their wealth.  While planning for capital campaigns may not last 20 years, it is essential to bring potential donors into the planning process long before any ask will occur.

What do you think? Send me a text.

To explore small town capital campaign coaching deeper and to schedule an free explore coaching call, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop