Happiness is a gift you can give

You’re a fundraiser. And when your work means communicating with donors, you probably think about the gifts you hope your organization will receive.

But have you thought about the gifts you can give?

I’m not talking about stickers, keychains, or the like. I’m talking about something much more meaningful. Something that can build relationships.

We can all share gifts like these. We only need to be intentional about sharing them. And like many gifts, these benefit both the giver and the recipient.

Compassion

Before you pick up the phone or open a new page to write, you need compassion. I believe it’s necessary for all of us in the nonprofit world. (And beyond!)

Compassion for the people (or environment or animals) your organization helps. But also compassion for your donor.

Consider the world from a donor’s point of view. Consider with compassion what your program staff sees. And consider the compassion your donor brings to your mission. Who knows what’s happened in their life that makes them want to support your mission?

Maybe they lost a child or a parent to an illness you research. Perhaps your arts mission resonates with them because it reminds them of their past as an artist, rather than an audience member. Maybe the thought of someone hungry or without a safe home wrenches their heart.

Communicate with that compassion. Bring them to the scene, let them feel your mission. Connect them. Then thank them for that compassion – recognize it in them.

Humility

When you choose to approach your donors as human beings, not just a source of funding, you satisfy their need to be treated as individuals.

Lofty language that puffs up your organization risks making your donors feel small. Your mission can be big, bold, and important. But you are all servants to that mission.

So, embrace humility. Ask, don’t demand. Show problems, offer solutions. Showing the need doesn’t make you weak – it opens the door so that your donor can be part of the solution.

Connection

We’re all connected in this digital age. And yet, loneliness is a big problem. We’re not necessarily making the meaningful connections that fill our hearts.

Can you give that gift? Can you help your donor feel like a vital part of a group effort?

What about keeping donors updated, as you might key staff members? Can you do everything to help them feel that their particular skills or caring matter?

Salvation

Chances are you’re not in a position to offer religious absolution.

But we all want to feel like we’re good people. We want to know we’re doing something good and kind. Are you ensuring your donors know how caring you know they are?

Keep underlining the idea. Remind them at every opportunity that what they are choosing to do is truly important and truly good. You’re not making the world a better place alone. Be sure your donors know they’re an important part of that work, too.

Gratitude

You know this is key to successful donor relationships. And that donors deserve to be thanked, more than once, for their gifts. (Please see Thankology for everything you ever needed to know on the subject!)

You can also build gratitude into all your communications. When you ask for help. When you let donors know how they helped. Every touch.

No donor is obligated to give. Every donor chooses to give. And that deserves as much gratitude as you can communicate.

Don’t approach this clinically. Approach your work and your communications with a sense of gratefulness. Lead with your heart. (And you’ll find the work more rewarding when you do.)

Joy

Raising money isn’t easy. And it’s often misunderstood work. But try not to lose sight of the joy to be found in your work. You are essential to your mission. You’re doing good every day.

Still feeling sort of joyless?

Begin by being a donor yourself. Remind yourself how good the simple act of giving feels. Giving is joyful.

Think about how you can sustain that joyful feeling in your donors. Can you remind them about the impact of their gift? Show them, not just tell them?

Can you offer them other ways to feel the joy of giving?

You give as well as receive

If you approach your work with these feelings in your heart, you’ll be happier. Those feelings will pay emotional dividends well beyond your budget goals.

But they’ll also help you meet your goals. That’s something to feel proud of!