As we wrap up Season 4 of this podcast, we're re-airing one episode from each of our nine series—a chance to revisit the foundational wisdom on capital campaigns, from navigating uncertainty to leading with integrity. Next season, we're turning our attention to the specific context of rural giving, exploring what makes small-town fundraising different, how deep relationships shape generosity, and how to build capital campaigns that honor the unique dynamics and constraints of rural communities. Episodes in the Navigating Uncertainty series: 117: Navigating Uncertainty - Growing Generosity 118: Navigating Uncertainty - A Trusted Leader Makes the Case 119: Navigating Uncertainty - Avoid Rage Giving in a Campaign 120: Navigating Uncertainty - Hope in Giving 121: Navigating Uncertainty - Leaders Give Confidence 122: Navigating Uncertainty - When Failure Sparks Generosity What do you think? Send me a text. To explore small town capital campaign coaching deeper and to schedule an free explore coaching call, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...whatever you do, let your aim be goodness, goodness as it is rightly understood. Hold to this in every action..." This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD. Reflection questions: Think about a recent setback in your campaign. What would it look like to tell your donors about it honestly, seek their advice, instead of quietly working around it? Where could a moment of openness with a donor actually deepen their trust in the project rather than shake it? Reflection on quote: Throughout this latest series, we've talked about how leading a capital campaign is like standing at the base of a mountain where the trail is obscured from view by the undergrowth of the forest and how we are called to lead that journey with integrity. Along the way, we've explored curiosity when facing scrutiny, honesty when sharing the campaign's impact, and clarity in how we communicate with our community. In this final episode, we're looking at how openness fits into that same leadership: what it means to be honest with donors about the challenges we meet along the way. On a hike, you cannot avoid every root, every loose rock, every stretch…

"...And he will refrain from giving to anybody and everybody, that he may have something to give to the right people, at the right time, and where it is noble to do so..." I am reading from Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, written in 350 BC.  Reflection questions: Where are you being vague in your conversations with donors or in your campaign materials? How will you lean into providing clarity to our donors in your leadership? Reflection on quote: This month, we are exploring what it means to lead with integrity during a capital campaign.  For this series, we are using the metaphor of standing at the base of a mountain where the trail is obscured from view by the undergrowth of the forest. Each step is a step of faith, but the journey is grounded in building trust with our staff, volunteers, donors, and the community.  It is both exhilarating and challenging as we make our way to the mountain top to complete the capital campaign.  This trust building requires honesty, clarity, openness, and curiosity in our leadership. This week, we are exploring the principle of clarity through ancient wisdom.  Note: Aristotle uses the word liberal to denote a donor of money…

"...Admitting uncertainties or limitations, for example, saying, 'We can’t help everyone, but here’s how we are trying,' can actually boost credibility..."  I am reading from Neurogiving. The Science of Donor Decision-Making by Cherian Koshy, published in 2025. Reflection question: As you're preparing your case for support or talking with donors, consider where can you be more honest about limitations instead of glossing over them or exaggerating the impact your campaign will have. Reflection on quote: Last week, we discussed how leading a capital campaign is like standing at the base of a mountain where the trail is obscured from view by the undergrowth of the forest and one key principles is to be curious when facing scrutiny. This week, we will be looking how honesty fits into leading with integrity when sharing the impact the capital campaign will have on the community.  When we're leading a capital campaign in a small town, we know our neighbors and we want to appear competent and confident to them. There's a temptation, when we're asking for significant donations for something as big as a capital campaign, to want to present a version of our organization that looks like it has everything figured out. As if,…

"...that which is a hindrance is made a furtherance to an act; and that which is an obstacle on the road helps us on this road..." This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD. Reflection question: As we are facing scrutiny, is our posture one of defensiveness or invitation and curiosity? Reflection on quote: When we are at the beginning of a capital campaign, it is like standing at the base of a mountain where the trail is obscured from view by the undergrowth of the forest. It is a step of faith to stride ahead from the trailhead, but that is just the first step for a journey in building trust that is both exhilarating and challenging as we make our way to the mountain top.   Similarly, in capital campaigns, as leaders, our role is to lead both our organization and the community along the trail that begins obscured. This journey requires honesty, clarity, openness, and curiosity in our leadership. So, this month, we are starting a series on leading with integrity.  The first principle is to be curious when faced with scrutiny.  When the trail is obscured from view, it is…

"...We must now consider what is the main cause of ingratitude..." This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD. Reflection questions: Have we noticed signs of excessive esteem, greed or jealousy slipping into our thinking when we are reviewing our campaign goals and what donors have given? What are ways you can lean into gratitude this week? Reflection on quote: In our final episode on developing discipline during capital campaigns, we are discussing ongoing stewardship and the mindsets that can block gratitude.  Throughout this series, we used the metaphor of riding a wild stallion without a saddle. Previously, we discussed developing disciplines with money beliefs, prioritizing tasks, planting seeds of awareness, and the fear of rejection.  During capital campaigns, we can fall into one of these mindsets that block ongoing gratitude and stewardship because we are confident in the necessity of our work and this campaign project. As a result, we might believe that donors are duty-bound to give to our campaign. We might continually expect donors to give more and more to the campaign. Or, we might be jealous of other campaigns where a donor gave more.  It is easy for…