flourishing

"...People have such a need for friendship and for community that fund-raising has to be community-building...."This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992.Reflection Questions:How does this perspective of communion, belonging, and friendship affect you in your work?Thinking back to your last fundraising appeal, was it just an ask for a donation or was it also an offer for belonging?To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri NouwenUsed with permission from Upper Room Books.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...One glance most kindThat fell like sunshine where it went—Then you may count that day well spent..."I would like to share a poem from George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, published in 1887, and a quote from Aristotle which he wrote around 350 BC. Reflection question:Will you join me and challenge yourself to donate generously this year?To read: George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, and The Nicomachean Ethics of AristotleThe works have passed into public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...May I be a guard for those who have no protector, A guide for those who journey on the road.For those who wish to go across the water, May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge..."This week, I am reading a reflection from Shantideva from the 8th century AD.Reflection Questions:Which metaphor most resonates with your work?Consider asking a donor which metaphor resonates with them about your work.To read:  Shantideva BodhisattvaThis work has entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...Remove gift and gratitude from human society, and what remains is not a community but a "lonely crowd," in the famous words of the sociologist David Riesman..."This week, I am reading various quotes from Being Generous by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, published in 2009.Reflection questions:Have you ever considered if some of the donors to your missions are giving because of that idea of community and dependency?  Seeking to acknowledge that we are interdependent on each other?What risks will you take this week in building relationships with donors?To purchase this book:  Being Generosity by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch.   To receive a 30% discount with free shipping, use code: RUSA30.Permissions granted by Templeton Press for use of this quote.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...One would give generous alms if you had the eyes to see the beauty of a cupped receiving hand..."This week, I am reading various quotes from the writings of Goethe who lived in present-day Germany from 1749 to 1832.Reflection questions:What are you carrying in your heart this week: generosity, abundance, or scarcity?When will you take time this week to jot down a reflection on the beauty of the mission you serve?To explore more: the writings of GoetheThese quotes have entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...our first moral criticisms are exercised upon the characters and conduct of other people; and we are all very forward to observe how each of these affects us..."This week, I’m reading a quote from The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, published in 1759.Reflection question:In your network of influence, perhaps in your family or friends, how are you sharing the joy of giving as a model to the younger generation?To read: The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.Copyright expired. This work has entered the public domain.Send me a Text Message.To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop