"...And expanding one's horizons in such ways, being exposed to new information and new possibilities in life, tends to enhance human well-being..." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. 2014 edition. Reflection questions: What unique stories can your program staff share about the necessity of the capital campaign? How can you best include their stories in the campaign? Reflections on quote: At the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference earlier this fall, I had the opportunity to meet Clay Buck, a consultant who has done significant work in helping organizations with more abstract missions connect donors to that work.  One of his key insights is the importance of bringing the stories of program staff to donors. For all types of missions, the stories of program staff have a role in capital campaigns, especially in small towns. Capital campaign donors are used to meeting with the Executive Directors, CEOs, Board chairs, and Campaign chairs.  Donors capable of making major gifts expect to see the organizational vision, building renderings, case statements, and beneficiary stories. Yet, when we consider the research into generosity, we see that donors want to expand their horizons.  That’s where the stories of program…

"...Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!.." This week, I’m reading from Give, an essay from Anne Frank, published in 1959. Reflection questions: Pick a task on your to-do list this week and imagine others in the campaign doing the same task.  What impact does your combined efforts have on the campaign? Where are you lacking in courage? To whom can you turn in our organization or the campaign committee to receive support in that area? Reflection on quote: Capital campaigns are huge endeavors. However, each successful campaign is made up of hundreds, if not thousands of small acts by staff and volunteers.  Each of those small acts are an act of courage. When we step back and look at the progress we are making, each of those acts are combining together to create a more beautiful, just, and caring world.   What is on the to-do list for the campaign this week?  It might be writing thank you notes. It could be meeting with a donor or preparing for the next visit. It could be sending a follow up text.  Each of these tasks may…

"...More is lost by indecision than wrong decision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity. It will steal you blind..." This week, I’m reflecting on the words of Cicero as weaved through several of his works, published between 89 BC and 43 BC. Reflection questions: Where you are stuck in indecision and procrastination?   How can you bring confidence, hope, or trust in a good outcome to the capital campaign? Reflection on quote: Although we have seen a greater vision for generosity in the community building aspects, we still give donors the opportunity to make a pledge or gift during the capital campaign.  And, that’s where we can get struck in procrastination and indecision.  Why does it become so hard to take the first step?  To follow though?  To pick up the phone? To schedule the meeting? To write the note? Our indecision and procrastination not only affects us, but it robs donors of the joy of generosity when we delay giving them the opportunity to be involved. Indecision can steal from our capital campaigns when we wait too long before asking a donor and they move onto a different cause.  When we are stuck in the misery of indecision and memories of…

"...No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted...." For some ancient wisdom about donors who don’t give, this week, I’m reading a story from Aesop’s Fables, titled the Lion and the Mouse as told sometime between 620 and 564 BC. Reflection question: What kindness can you give to a donor who have previously said no to the capital project? Reflection on quote: Last week, we discussed building communities of donors during the campaign. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the relationship with donors is only about asking or thanking.  A donor gives, and we thank them and report back on the impact their gifts has.  What are those donors to your organization who aren’t interested in giving to the capital project? Relationships with donors must be more than just their status during the campaign.  When a donors chooses not to give to the capital campaign, it can feel like a personal rejection and there can be a pulling back from that donor, which can then feel like rejection to that donor.  Instead, in that moment, it’s important to lean into kindness. It’s looking for the opportunities to give a kind word.  It’s the giving…