"...It is not the critic who counts..." This week, I am sharing a musical version of the Man in the Arena from Citizenship in a Republic, a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910 and with original music written and performed by Deidre Corson. Reflection questions: Imagine with the ending of your current campaign will look like.  What joy will you feel?   How can you encourage the donors and volunteers who are with you in the arena that the horizon of joy is coming? Reflection on the quote: This evening, I have the joy of celebrating the grand opening of a music school.  The Executive Director of this music school had reached out to me for a one-time coaching call during a challenging season of the capital campaign. A few months later, after I released a podcast with this quote, this Executive Director sent me a musical version of the Man in the Arena. In the middle of any challenging campaign, it can seem like the sweat, blood, and failures are unending.  Like this Executive Director who continued to be in the arena, fund development is making effort after effort without knowing how each effort will turn out. Yet, by pressing…

"We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous; we experience joy in the actual act of giving something; and we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given." This week, I’m reading 3 quotes from the Buddha. Reflection questions: When you approach potential donors this week, are you apologizing for an interruption or celebrating an invitation to experience joy? How might your follow-up conversations change if you viewed them as helping donors complete their joy cycle rather than simply maintaining relationships? Reflection on quote: There's something beautiful about discovering that ancient wisdom and modern science keep arriving at the same truths. The writers from centuries ago understood things about human nature—about giving, receiving, and gratitude—that we're just now proving with brain scans and research studies. These quotes show something we in the nonprofit world often forget—giving isn't a burden we place on people. It's a gift we offer them. Think about your own experience. Remember the last time you gave something meaningful? That warm feeling you got? That wasn't just sentiment—that was your brain releasing actual joy chemicals. The quote reveals this beautiful truth: we experience joy when we decide to give, joy when we actually give, and…

"...It is only the spirit of giving that counts, and the very poor give without any self-consciousness..." This week, I’m reading from Random Reminiscences of Men and Events by John D. Rockefeller, published in 1909. Reflection question: Do you celebrate and promote the generosity of Board members, especially those at the lowest income levels?  Reflection on quote: I had a conversation with a colleague on whether the requirement to give to prevents lower income Board members from serving. This is a bit of a soapbox for me and I have some strong feelings. When we assume that lower income Board members can’t give, we are making an assumption that has been easily contradicted for generations. When we assume that a lower income Board member can’t give and therefore don’t allow them to participate in a Board giving requirement, we are making the decision for the Board member.  We are removing agency from that Board member.  We are asking for their opinions, advice, and expertise as a Board member and at the same time, we in essence don’t believe they have the ability to make giving decisions.  Eek.  That smacks of privilege. Professionally and personally, I believe and wisdom from ages past shows…

Fundraising work can feel isolating, with endless tasks pulling you in every direction. But what if you stepped back from the techniques and trends to discover something deeper? Welcome to Reflections on Generosity — a weekly five-minute pause to explore the beautiful space where generosity occurs. Drawing from ancient wisdom to modern insights across all cultures, we'll ground you with thoughtful reflections and coaching questions for the week ahead. This isn't another podcast for your to-do list. It's a moment to reconnect with the profound, timeless work you're already doing. Join me each week for Reflections on Generosity. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. 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

"...O let us live in joy, although having nothing! In joy let us live like spirits of light!.." This week, I’m reading a quote from the Dhammapada, written down in the 1st century BC.  Reflection questions: First, when was the last time you stepped back to view the greater horizon of your mission? Maybe it's time to do that again—to reconnect with the love, health, peace, and joy of what you get to fundraise for. Second, think about your donors. Who are the people you could share that joy with—not to cultivate, ask, or steward them, but simply to have a conversation filled with genuine excitement about your mission? Who's coming to mind right now? Reflection on quote: I read a reflection on generosity from various world religions and science.  One insight comes from Buddhism in how we show up in the spaces where we work. Working with nonprofits across every sector imaginable—from arts and culture to human services, conservation to animal welfare—never gets old. My reaction is always the same: "You get to do what and raise money for that? Your mission is incredible!" When people ask what I do for work, I find myself talking about the amazing missions I…