Episode Details

"...Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by the covering,
Cast them away as ugly, or heavy, or hard."

This week, I’m reading a poem written by Greville MacDonald to his father George MacDonald in 1930.

Reflection question:

Who on your list of donors who have already given can you call this week to hold onto joy in the midst of your stress?

Reflection on the quote:

Capital campaigns are full of some many moments that can be also hard and taxing on the staff, volunteers and the organizations.  In this series, we will look at ways to manage the stress. It is easy to become overcome by the enormity of the capital campaign goal and the number of donors who need to be cultivated and asked.  When we are overwhelmed by the enormity of the goal and the number of donors who need to be cultivated and asked, this is when we must take the joy within our reach. One of the most beautiful ways to take hold of that joy is through stewardship of the donors who have already given.  Rather than seeing stewardship as one more task in the campaign, instead it can be a way to manage the stress.  By reaching out to donors who have already given to say thank you again and to give an update again, they will likely respond with joy and gratitude.  That joy then gives further meaning and purpose to the other cultivation and asking calls on your to-do list.The day breaks, and the shadows flee away.

This work has entered the public domain.

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