“…But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts…”

Reflection question:

• where are you comparing your work with urban fundraising?

Reflection on quote:

You’ve just googled capital campaign and now you are overwhelmed. How do I know that?  Because I’ve talked to clients just like you. I have found that many capital campaigns in small towns and rural areas are launched out of necessity: your building is too small to serve increased need, your lease can’t be renewed, or your building was damaged.  In these moments of necessity, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the prospect of a capital campaign and wonder if a campaign is even possible in your area.  As you google capital campaigns, you see the news of $100 million raised for one campaign and over 4,000 donors to a different campaign.  You sit with a question: Are there enough donors who live in our community that would be able to fund our $5 to 10 million project?  In that moment, it’s easy to fall into the scarcity mindset.  Yet, I have found that rural generosity is deeper and more expansive than expected.

Your campaign might not be historic from a national perspective; but your campaign can succeed and will grow the good in your community.  From working with nonprofits in towns of 300 up to 100,000, I have experienced the beauty of rural generosity firsthand. It’s the donor who quietly gives an unexpectedly large gift, it’s the donations of grain or cattle contracts, it’s interconnectedness of relationships, it’s the resilience of committed volunteers who won’t quit until the project is funded. There are hidden gems in our small towns and rural areas that no urban capital campaign can replicate.  In this season of Reflections on Generosity, we’ll explore what makes rural giving so powerful: the relationships, the creative gifts, the volunteers who don’t quit, and the donors who surprise you. Every week in these 5 minute episodes, you’ll hear a quote to inspire you, an insight to encourage you, and a reflection question to ground you for the week to come. 

This work has entered the public domain.

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To explore small town capital campaign coaching deeper and to schedule an free explore coaching call, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop