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"Thenceforth they are no longer isolated individuals, but a power conspicuous from the distance whose actions serve as an example; when it speaks, people listen...." This week, I’m reading selected quotes from Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville. Published in 1835. Note: his use of the word association is our current word for nonprofit. Reflection questions: How are we sharing the impact of the causes we serve?  In sharing our impacts, are we welcoming our communities to unite with us and have their power enhanced? How are we showing donors the collective impact we have together by combining our efforts? Reflection on quote: In this time of anxiety, let us not forget the power nonprofits have to create purpose. When each of us trying to work independently, we are weak.  We can cause little change and we can’t force others to help.  When, however, we combine as nonprofits to meet the needs in our community, our communities listen.   This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"....The Stage which was not for low Farce design'd,But to divert, instruct, and mend Mankind." This week, I’m reading from the play The Modern Husband by Henry Fielding, published in 1732. Reflection Question: There are times when stress is only relieved with a bit of dark humor.  How will you gather with your community of friends and colleagues to laugh in the face of the absurdities we face in our fund development work? Reflection on the Recorded Quote: There are days that if we are not laughing, we are crying. Those are the times for a bit of dark humor. When our work feels like a dark comedy or a nightmare, we can remind ourselves that past generations faced similar challenges.  They too saw folly perceived as brilliance.  This is why in 1732 Fielding wrote, “a rich man without charity is a rogue, and perhaps it would be no difficult matter to prove that he is also a fool.”  This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...Where there is quiet and meditation, there is neither worry nor dissipation...." This week, I’m reflecting on Of the Virtues putting Vices to Flight by Francis of Assisi, first published in English in 1906. Reflection questions: Which virtue do you want to cultivate this week? Complete this sentence, This week, I want our donors to know and feel... Reflection on quote: As I record this week’s reflection, there continues to be so much upheaval for nonprofits.  How we respond matters to our missions in the long-term.  Yes, from the last two episodes, we can lean into enmity or we can pull back from engaging with our donors.  Yet, both options lead to long-term damage to our donor relationships and our communities.  As we continue in our work amidst the uncertainty, what posture should we have?   In the face of uncertainty, what do these virtues do?  When we lean into patience and humility, we react calmly.  This leads to increased trust by our donors.  This increased trust helps when we share hard news of funding losses or program closures.  When there is poverty borne with joy, we communicate an attitude of abundance.  This allows generosity to become contagious among our donors who…

"...for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts;..." This week, I am reflecting a quote from George Eliot’s Middlemarch, published in 1871. Reflection questions: When you feel caught up in the uncertainty of this time, what are a few acts of love and kindness that you can do? When was the last time you brainstormed small ways that donors can be involved as a partner with the mission you serve? Will you take time this week to do that? Reflection on quotes: Last week, I shared quotes about generosity in uncertain times, especially times when personal insults become the norm and it can be tempting to use enmity in fundraising.  While insults and enmity can lead to short-term fundraising boosts, the boosts are rarely sustained; whereas, the damage to our community remains.  This damage is partly due to the apathy that it creates. During uncertain times, the ordinary people who are our donors often feel overwhelmed.  When we ratchet up that uncertainty through fundraising with enmity, over the long-term, donors then begin to feel powerless and apathetic. This leads to a decrease in their giving. And, yet, neuroscience has proven that the act of giving boosts a…

"...God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!..." This week, I am reading the words of Jesus and His approach to opponents from Matthew 5 and 6. View the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon about Enmity and Fundraising Letters from July 7, 1995. Reflection questions: If you were to give your fundraising appeal to an opponent to read, how would they respond?  Would the letter be consider fair?  Considerate?  Even loving? When you are speaking with a donor about an opponent of your mission, are you portraying the opponent in the best possible light even if you are outlining policy or tactical disagreements?   Reflection on quote: My favorite cartoon is Calvin and Hobbes.  On July 7, 1995, the cartoonist Bill Watterson published a particularly apt description of a trend in fundraising.  While I encourage you to view the cartoon and I have placed the link in the show notes, let me read the captions. Calvin states, “I’m writing a fund-raising letter.  The secret to getting donations is to depict everyone who disagrees with you as the enemy.  Then you explain how they’re systemically working to destroy everything you hold dear.  It’s a war of values! Rational discussion…

"..No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” 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 this week? Reflection on quote: 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.  Yet, relationships with donors can be so much more than that. Relationships with donors can be filled with small kindnesses.  It’s the time we spend getting to know them and showing them that we see them for who they are.  It’s the opportunities to give a kind word.  It’s the giving space to the donor to find more meaning in their lives.  And, sometimes it’s even practical help.  During the toilet paper shortage of COVID, one of my clients had excess toilet paper and offered it to donors.  A kindness is never wasted in our relationships with donors. This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to…