42: Belonging

"...People have such a need for friendship and for community that fund-raising has to be community-building...."This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992.Reflection Questions:How does this perspective of communion, belonging, and friendship affect you in your work?Thinking back to your last fundraising appeal, was it just an ask for a donation or was it also an offer for belonging?To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri NouwenUsed with permission from Upper Room Books.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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41: Count That Year…

"...One glance most kindThat fell like sunshine where it went—Then you may count that day well spent..."I would like to share a poem from George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, published in 1887, and a quote from Aristotle which he wrote around 350 BC. Reflection question:Will you join me and challenge yourself to donate generously this year?To read: George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, and The Nicomachean Ethics of AristotleThe works have passed into public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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40: Lives Woven Together

"...Both generous and ungenerous people live lives that are less than ideal. But the generous possess an insight usually missing among the less generous. They know that they already have enough, and that clinging to what they have or clamoring for more will not bring about greater happiness. So they share some of their time, money, and care with others. They tend to see the beauty of life, the value of solidarity, and their connection to humanity. Their perspective tells them that the world, properly viewed, is a place of abundance. They take their hardships in stride, believing that life is good and still worth living, beautiful, and meaningful. Their problems in life do not set the dominant tone of life." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. 2014 edition.Reflection questions: How will you show this week the connection your donors have in bringing the beauty of life into your mission?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.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit:…

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39: Best of: Week 1: To Heal the Sorrows of Life

"Donors, grantees, and beneficiaries need each other to bring something beautiful and life-giving to fruition. It is a collaboration borne of deep desire to find meaning, to be a blessing, to be part of something successful and consequential, and to heal the sorrows of life....” This week I am reading two quotes from Imagining Abundance. Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. Kerry Alys Robinson. 2014.Reflection questions:In thinking about those who support our missions, especially those areas that deal with human tragedies, How are we helping to heal the sorrows of life for, through, and with our donors?How do we give space for donors to redeem their tragedies through generosity?To purchase this book:  Imagining Abundance. Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. Permissions granted for use of this quote.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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38: May I Be

"...May I be a guard for those who have no protector, A guide for those who journey on the road.For those who wish to go across the water, May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge..."This week, I am reading a reflection from Shantideva from the 8th century AD.Reflection Questions:Which metaphor most resonates with your work?Consider asking a donor which metaphor resonates with them about your work.To read:  Shantideva BodhisattvaThis 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

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37: Patience

"...For with wisdom cometh patience, And with patience cometh rest..."This week, I am reading the poem The Hardest Time of All, by Sarah Doudney. Written in 1896.Reflection Questions:Will you reflect on your current fundraising or mission challenges and consider where perseverance, patience, wisdom, and rest can enter in?Will you take the time to document those challenges and then schedule an email to send that reflection to yourself in a year?To read: The Hardest Time of AllWhat do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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