"...All that happens, happens right: you will find it so if you observe narrowly..." This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD. Reflection questions: When you have failed in your work recently, how are you observing narrowly for the right things that came out of it? Are you seeking perfection or goodness in your fundraising activities? Reflection on the quote: In working with over 100 clients, it’s not surprising that I’m well-acquainted with failure as well. A donor event that no one shows up to. An email campaign that raises zero dollars. A year-end direct mail campaign that goes out in January. A fundraising event where no one gives.  As much as I want every campaign, event, fundraising activity to be successful, that’s not real life.  So how do we grapple with that. This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD. All that happens, happens right.  Notice that Aurelius didn't say, all that happens, happens perfectly.  Or, successfully.  But, he says “right if you observe narrowly.” We can get stuck in embarrassment or paralysis.  We can fear that donors will stop giving to us because of…

..."See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.     For in truth it is life that gives unto life—while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness...." This week, I’m reading on this poem On Giving by Khalil Gibran from The Prophet‍, published in 1923.  Reflection question: Are you an instrument of giving? Reflection on quote: What is the first action that every fund development professional should do upon taking a job?  Give. Give to the organization where you work. Once we ourselves are givers, it is then we can be receivers. This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...Acknowledging that one does not know is a humble kind of ignorance, one that is, in fact, filled often with the joy of discovery and wonder at what is discovered..." This week, I’m reading a quote from Imposed Ignorance and Humble Ignorance - Two Worldviews by Paul Heltne, published in 2008. Reflection Questions: Are we building structures and processes in our work that demand certainty or are we building those structures and processes to encourage discovery and wonder? Are we willing to be honest and humble with donors when we need to make a course correction? Reflection on the Quote Earlier this week, I was coaching a client through the process of asking for a corporate sponsorship.  She knew that this was an area that she knew little about, but instead of being defensive, she embraced this ignorance with openness and curiosity.  It stuck me.  How am I approaching my ignorance whether it’s about a donor or a fundraising technique or a trend in the field. This also applies to generosity.  We can approach donor relationships with certainty, with standard practices, and yet we may never find out the true reason a donor is giving to our organizations.  In the face of…

"...We cannot attempt to recount here the long story of all good causes which came to be recognized only after lonely pioneers had devoted their lives and fortunes to arousing the public conscience, of their long campaigns until at last they gained support..." This week, I’m reflecting on this quote by Friedrich Hayek from The Constitution of Liberty, published in 1960. Reflection questions:  As you consider this quote, are there donors that come to mind?  Donors who will devote their time and wealth sacrificially for the causes we serve? How will you walk beside these donors to support and encourage them in their community leadership? Reflection on quote: The role of wealth in our society and in nonprofit work has been much debated.  While we are all aware of demanding donors with unproductive ideas, on LinkedIn, someone posted a quote discussing how individual donors can create positive societal change. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of coaching a client through a gap campaign where the client had to raise $2 million in 6 weeks or face significant financial consequences. Quietly, a small group of major donors stepped in.  The leadership of these donors has and will lead to more giving…

"...Two different roads are presented to us, equally leading to the attainment of this so much desired object; the one, by the study of wisdom and the practice of virtue; the other, by the acquisition of wealth and greatness..." This week, I’m reflecting on a quote by Adam Smith from The Theory of Moral Sentiments, published in 1759. Reflection question: As we show generosity to wealthier donors, are we also cultivating a character of humble modesty and equitable justice? Reflection on quote: Last week, we talked about generous love to various categories of people: those poor, those wealthy, and those peers. As we show generosity to our donors, we can fall into a trap.  While we are no longer concerned with ordering society by class distinctions, Smith challenges us to take the path of humble modesty and equitable justice as we fashion our behaviors towards our donors.     This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woeisuhmebop