Reflections on Generosity

"... If donors are largely unaware of fluctuations in the grants received by charities, then reductions in fund-raising becomes a sensible explanation for crowding out..." This week, I came across a large scale research article from 2009 titled, “Is Crowding Out Due Entirely to Fundraising?” Reflection questions: If your organization suddenly lost significant government funding, what unique strengths, especially through your donor relationships, could you leverage to better serve your specific community's needs? The nonprofit sector has faced profound shifts before.  Will you ponder with me how our current challenges could bring unexpected gifts as well? Reflection on quotes The last three months have highlighted a critical challenge many nonprofits face: the delicate balance between government funding and private donations. Many nonprofits have built programs around federal grants, only to see them reduced or eliminated, leaving the organization scrambling to fill the gap.  So many of my coaching sessions have centered around this issue.  One striking statistic from this 17 year look-back research is that every $1000 grant reduces giving by $727. So, I invite you to join me in reflecting on how the reversal of "crowding out effect” that federal funding has on fundraising may actually help us build more sustainable…

..."It is the most beautiful, the most noble side of neighbourly love, wherein the word has fully become deed..." This week, I’m sharing quotes from The Untapped Power of Jewish Fellowships and Forgotten Approaches to Care to connect the practice of hevrot to our work in fundraising. Reflection questions: How are you “thinking in relationship” to avoid depersonalizing our donors? How are you bringing groups of donors together to create networks of care? Reflection on quote: At its core, fundraising isn't just about securing donations—it's about fostering genuine human connections built on care and mutual recognition.  This week, I’ve been researching the Jewish practice of hevrot. The article, The Untapped Power of Jewish Fellowships, defines hevrot as small, local voluntaristic groups of individuals who join together to do good works or promote piety. The practice dates to at least the second century.  The research in Forgotten Approaches to Care further explores this practice.  Rather than seeing donors simply as sources of financial support, we recognize them as partners in a shared mission. When we frame our work through an ethics of care, we acknowledge the interdependence that exists between all members of our community. Think about what makes fundraising truly meaningful—it's not…

"...There's only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive for a good cause." This week, I’m reflecting on his words from Summer Meditations by Vacslav Havel, published in 1993. Reflection question: What is the internal battle within yourself that you are facing related to the external threats to the cause you serve?  And, how will you stand for principle in that internal battle? Reflection on the quote: When I consider the challenges we face in raising sufficient funding for the good causes we serve, I look for wisdom those who faced greater challenges that I will ever face.  I think of those who faced torture for speaking truth, those who faced imprisonment for desiring a more just world.  One such writer was Vacslav Havel. He was a playwright and political dissident - tortured and imprisoned for speaking against the lies of a repressive government.  His writings speak to persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.  When we face external threats to the cause we serve or the funding we receive, we also face an internal battle within ourselves.  Do we give up or give in?  Or, do we continue to work for what is right…

"...There's only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive for a good cause." This week, I’m reflecting on his words from Summer Meditations by Vacslav Havel, published in 1993. Reflection question: What is the internal battle within yourself that you are facing related to the external threats to the cause you serve?  And, how will you stand for principle in that internal battle? Reflection on the quote: When I consider the challenges we face in raising sufficient funding for the good causes we serve, I look for wisdom those who faced greater challenges that I will ever face.  I think of those who faced torture for speaking truth, those who faced imprisonment for desiring a more just world.  One such writer was Vacslav Havel. He was a playwright and political dissident - tortured and imprisoned for speaking against the lies of a repressive government.  His writings speak to persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.  When we face external threats to the cause we serve or the funding we receive, we also face an internal battle within ourselves.  Do we give up or give in?  Or, do we continue to work for what is right…

"...Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity..." This week, I’m reflecting on several sayings of the Prophet Mohammad and the Quran and along with the definition of Sadaqah. Reflection questions: How are framing our messaging around giving to include this meaning of charity as speaking truth? How do we give our donors the opportunity to speak truth, to speak up when our missions are facing some type of external challenge? Reflection on quotes: We are in the middle of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims. A common practice during the month is giving voluntarily to charity, which is also known sadaqah. The meaning of each religious concept of charity points to the underlying motivation. The word, sadaqah, is defined as to be truthful, true or sincere, to speak the truth, to establish or confirm the truth of what is said, sincerity, soundness, excellence in a variety of different objects and the giving for the sake of Allah.  In general, sadaqah means a noble act of giving by a person to others sanctified for the sake of Allah in many forms and ways according to one researcher. So, this week, I’m reflecting on several sayings of the Prophet…

“...Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself...” This week, I’m reflected on the words of Cicero as weaved through several of his works, published between 89 BC and 43 BC.  Reflection questions: Is there an area where you are stuck in indecision and procrastination?   How can you bring confidence, hope, or trust in a good outcome to that area of indecision? Reflection on quotes: This week, I’m been thinking about the effects of indecision and procrastination.  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 letter?  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 nonprofits 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 past blunders, we must reflect on the great and honorable causes that we serve.  And, trust that there is a beautiful space…