Yearly Archives: 2023

"...One would give generous alms if you had the eyes to see the beauty of a cupped receiving hand..."This week, I am reading various quotes from the writings of Goethe who lived in present-day Germany from 1749 to 1832.Reflection questions:What are you carrying in your heart this week: generosity, abundance, or scarcity?When will you take time this week to jot down a reflection on the beauty of the mission you serve?To explore more: the writings of GoetheThese quotes have entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...our first moral criticisms are exercised upon the characters and conduct of other people; and we are all very forward to observe how each of these affects us..."This week, I’m reading a quote from The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, published in 1759.Reflection question:In your network of influence, perhaps in your family or friends, how are you sharing the joy of giving as a model to the younger generation?To read: The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.Copyright expired. This work has entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"... just as those tools which are kept in use, and are daily touched by the hand, are never in danger of growing rusty, while those which are not brought before our eyes, and lie as if superfluous, not being required for common use, collect dirt by the mere lapse of time..."This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD.Reflection Questions:When will you pause this week to remember the donors from yesterday or last week or even last year?How can you structure your days to spend time each day in grateful remembrance? To read this writing: On Benefits by Seneca the YoungerThis work has entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"... by complaining I shall not make myself deserve to receive more, but shall become unworthy of what I have received...."This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD.Reflection Questions:Have we noticed signs of self-esteem, greed or jealousy slipping into our thinking when we consider our donors or donors to other organizations?What are ways you can lean into gratitude this week?To read this writing: On Benefits by Seneca the YoungerThis work has entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...the moral challenge of generosity can also push people to confront and overcome their emotional, existential fears about insufficiency, their psychological perceptions of scarcity as a mode of life that governs their world..."This week, I’m reading a quote from The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. 2014 edition.Reflection questions:If you work in an organization with a culture of insecurity and scarcity, what are ways you fortify a culture of abundance in yourself and that which you have direct control over?If one of your community partners is stuck in a culture of insecurity and scarcity, how can you create boundaries so that culture doesn’t permeate the culture of the nonprofit you serve?  And, how can you model the culture of abundance in your organization to your community?To purchase this book: The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. Copyright: Oxford University Press 2014. Reproduced with permission of the Licensor through PLSclear.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop