76: Accept Gifts with Cheerfulness

Reflections on Generosity

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1 yıl önce 4:55

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"...When we have decided to accept, let us accept with cheerfulness, showing pleasure, and letting the giver see it, so that he or she may at once receive some return for their goodness..."
This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD.
Reflection Question:

No matter the donor or the donor’s motivation, how are you and I receiving gifts? What is the attitude of our hearts?

Reflection on Quote:
When we look back over the last few months, what has been our attitude in accepting gifts? Seneca describes a number of attitudes that can accompany the receiving of a gift from cheerfulness to offense to slavish humility. Beyond the attitudes he describes, I would add one more. Busyness. When we do not add enough margin to our days, especially during busy fundraising seasons, we can neglect saying thank you and thus give the appearance that the donations are not needed. Or, we can instead take the time and aim to accept gifts with cheerfulness.

This work has entered the public domain.
What do you think? Send me a text.

To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.
Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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76: Accept Gifts with Cheerfulness

Reflections on Generosity

published 1 yıl önce

Paylaş

MP3•Bölüm sayfası

No matter the donor or the donor’s motivation, how are you and I receiving gifts? What is the attitude of our hearts?

This work has entered the public domain.
What do you think? Send me a text.

To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.
Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

95 bölüm

Tüm bölümler

1
95: Network of Care 4:58

2 gün önce4:58

4:58

..."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 just the transaction but "the most beautiful, the most noble side of neighbourly love, wherein the word has fully become deed." When we approach donors with this mindset, we invite them into a relationship built on genuine care rather than mere obligation. As fundraisers, we have the privilege of weaving these networks of care that strengthen our entire community. When we face challenges or donor fatigue, we return to this fundamental truth: we're not just raising money—we're connecting people to purpose and to each other. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
94: Strive for a Good Cause 5:30

16 gün önce5:30

5:30

"...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 and good? When we stand for principle decently, reasonably, sincerely, civilly, and tolerantly, it gives hope and it attracts donors to wish to stand with us. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
93: Sincere Charity without Delay 4:24

4 weeks önce4:24

4:24

"...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 Mohammad and the Quran. As I read the definition of sadaqah, I thought about how giving brings truth to the donor, the organization or person receiving it, and to our communities. By giving, the donor has the opportunity to engage more deeply with the causes we serve. By giving, the donor lives out their true intentions and desires for our communities. By giving, the donor speaks the truth that our missions matter. These quotes have entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
92: Execise of Virtue in the Face of Indecision 4:42

5 weeks önce4:42

4:42

“...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 of generosity when we invite donors into that space. These works have entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
91: (Nonprofits Have) A Power Conspicuous 3:37

6 weeks önce3:37

3:37

"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? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
90: When All We Can Do Is Laugh 4:52

7 weeks önce4:52

4:52

"....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? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
89: Generosity with Discernment 4:05

8 weeks önce4:05

4:05

"...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 know that we are not asking just to ask nor are we asking from a place of failure. When there is quiet and mediation, we have thought through the implications of decisions made outside of our control. This tempers any frantic worry or unwise spending decisions. We are then able to provide donors with a balanced view of what is needed now and what will be required in the future. When we embrace mercy and discernment with our donors, we don’t take them for granted nor do we become hardened to them when they hold a political position different than ours. This gives space to educate our donors to the impacts that this current uncertainty has on our mission and our partners. As we educate our donors, their generosity takes on more meaning for the donor and within their network as they discuss why are they giving now. These virtues truly do put vices to flight in our development work. This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
88: Generosity in Ordinary Acts 4:01

9 weeks önce4:01

4:01

"...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 donor’s mood and their feelings of agency. They no longer feel as powerless. As we share with donors the small acts of kindness and love that they can do through their donations, we empower them to partner with us to keep the uncertainty in check. We empower them to grow the good in each of our communities through these unhistoric acts. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
87: Generosity in These Times 4:59

10 weeks önce4:59

4:59

"...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 is hopeless! Compromise is unthinkable! Our only help is well-funded antagonism to keep up the fight. Hobbes replies. How cynically unconstructive. Calvin responds, Enmity sells.” Enmity in fundraising does sell. The short-term gains by creating enemies and fear are measurable. Yet, in the long-term, true generosity suffers. As I record this week’s podcast, the United States is in political turmoil. And, unfortunately, there are those in fundraising who will take the opportunity to double-down on enmity in their fundraising copy. And, I’m genuinely grieved when I read these fundraising appeals where people are made to be the enemy. People are never the enemy. We can disagree about policies and tactics. But, when we make people the enemy instead, we are creating fear among our donors with their own neighbors and in doing so we break down societal and community bonds. This not only hurts our opponents, but it will do long term damage to generosity and our own organizations. The text of Matthew 5 and 6 have entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

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86: Never Wasted 3:53

11 weeks önce3:53

3:53

"..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? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

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85: Contributions to Justice 4:10

12 weeks önce4:10

4:10

"...How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straight away!..." This week, I’m reading from Give , an essay from Anne Frank, published in 1959. Reflection questions: Pick a task on your to-do list this week and imagine your colleagues in other nonprofits doing the same task. What impact does your combined efforts have on your community? Where are you lacking in courage? To whom can you turn to receive support in that area? Reflection on quote: One of the unique blessings of being a fundraising coach is that I have the privilege of seeing the work of various nonprofits each week. While each of my clients may feel as though their work is small or insignificant that week, I get to see all of these works combining together to create a more beautiful, just, and caring world. What is on your to-do list this week? It might be writing thank you notes or helping out in the mission or programs of the nonprofit you serve. It could be meeting with a donor or preparing a lapsed donor campaign. Each of these tasks may seem insignificant; however, each task builds a foundation for a more generous society. Those tasks are then combined with the tasks done in other nonprofits in your community and in the world. Together, each day, we are creating a beautiful, just, caring, and generous world together, even when our work feels insignificant or hopeless. As Anne Frank wrote, give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
84: Striving Valiantly for Generosity 3:44

13 weeks önce3:44

3:44

"...It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong person stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better...." This week, I’m reading from Citizenship in a Republic , a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910, changing the word man to person. Reflection questions: Are you second-guessing yourself or letting criticism steal the joy of giving donors the opportunity to be generous? Is there an area where you simply need to let go and remember that this is a new week and new month to start over again? Reflection on quote: In my experience, January is one of the toughest months for fundraising professionals. Not because of the workload. No. No, it’s the exhaustion, doubt, and, at times, criticism after year-end giving season that makes January tough. Yes, January is often a debrief of what we could have done differently with year-end giving. And, yet, as the saying goes, “hindsight is 20/20.” In the moment, you were doing your best. Yes, there is a time for debrief and understanding the factors that led to increases or decreases in giving. Yet, remember that the fact you showed up, gave donors the opportunity to give, and then - something which is completely out-of-your-control - let donors decide. You strove valiantly. Rest in that fact. This quote has entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

1
83: Waiting for Generosity 3:28

14 weeks önce3:28

3:28

"...Patient living means to live actively in the present and wait there. Waiting, then, is not passive. It involves nurturing the moment.." This week, I am reflecting on selected quotes from Henri Nouwen from the The Path of Waiting , published in 1995 and Bread for the Journey , published in 1996. Reflection questions: When you are meeting with donors, are you listening with full attention and waiting with the donor to discover more about themselves? Think about the areas where you are waiting, is there something you can do to nurture the donor relationship? Reflection on quotes: For those of us in the fundraising field, learning to wait is essential. We wait for the right timing to ask. We wait for donors to decide to give. We wait for news about a grant application. We spend a lot of time waiting. We wait, trusting that our work will bring about the fruit of generosity. As we wait, we are active in nurturing relationships. We listen and wait while donors discover more about themselves and a potential connection to our cause. If we become impatient and just move onto the next new potential donor relationship, while it feel like we are doing something, in reality, we will find that the moment, that new space, is just as empty. We can’t avoid the waiting. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

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82: To the Days of Generosity Ahead 1:07

16 weeks önce1:07

1:07

As you know, this podcast highlights the transformative beauty of generosity. I will be taking a brief break until January 6, and in the meantime, I encourage you to reflect on the role of generosity within your own holiday traditions. As I consider the myriad of holidays during this season, I am reminded of the universal themes of generosity and connection that they all share. Yet, in the flurry of holiday preparations, it's easy to overlook the simple but profound gift of giving that is at the heart of each celebration. As we move through this season, I invite you to reflect on this question: How will you show generosity to yourself during this busy season, so you can pour from a full cup of love and kindness to others? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Until January 6. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

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81: Planting Generosity for Others 4:48

17 weeks önce4:48

4:48

"...Therefore one should not cease from planting. Rather, just as he found, one should still continue to plant even though he is old..." This week, I’m a story from Midrash Tanchuma Kedoshim 8:1 , written sometime between 500 to 800 AD and published in 1885. Reflection question: How will you plant seeds for fund development programs, like legacy giving, that take longer to see the benefits? Reflection on quote: Recently, I have been assisting my clients with starting legacy programs; that is, encouraging long-term donors to give through their will and bequest. Some of these organizations have donor bases of older donors who have already started to think about giving a gift upon their death. Other organizations don’t have many older donors. So a question might come up, why waste precious time now to create a program without an immediate impact? Yes, starting a legacy program may seem like a long-term endeavor with uncertain immediate rewards. However, the wisdom from this story underscores that we must begin planting the seeds of a legacy program now. By encouraging donors to consider legacy gifts, we are creating a sustainable future for ourselves. While the benefits may not be realized for years, the impact can be profound. Yet, as this story also alludes to, there may be a more immediate blessing to donors who wish to consider their legacy in the future. By considering their long-term impact, donors can find deep satisfaction in knowing that their values and passions will live on. The act of planning a legacy can be a transformative experience. It allows donors to reflect on their lives, identify why our organization is one of their most cherished causes, and consider their lasting mark in their community. This process can bring a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that their generosity will be a testament to the power of giving in their lives. This work has entered the public domain. What do you think? Send me a text. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com . Music credit: Woeisuhmebop…

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