I use the term “career boosting” broadly.

The truth is, the better you become at fundraising, the more impact you’ll have in the world.

That holds true whether you’re a volunteer or staff.

The fact is, you’ll always be marketable and in demand if you can effectively develop relationships and raise major gifts.

It may take time to find an organization that’s a good fit for you, but there will be options.

I’m reading the Power of Habit, a great read btw. It got me thinking about the possibilities if you turned the right tasks with the right outlook into habits.

This post is not about asking for money. It’s about forming habits that will make fundraising intuitive, rewarding, and “career boosting.”

It’s about building relationships and an organizational culture so strong that donors will be attracted to you like flypaper.

It’s about leadership!

Without a doubt, YOU have the power to raise tons more money if you take these ideas to heart.

Fundraising Mastery and Psychology 101

Those that have mastered the art of asking for large sums of money – and have experienced the power of making a huge impact in their community, typically have a great deal of self-awareness.

They understand basic human needs, including their own. It makes them relatable.

Yearning for connection, being valued for who you are (not your money), and making a contribution in the world are human needs.

They’re the same whether you’re buying girl scout cookies or making a $1M donation. 

Form habits that require connection

You already know the importance of building relationships with your donors.

Whether it’s newsletters, thank you calls, or a house party, many of you already do these things well and work hard at developing connections.

I wonder though about how you might make this work more personal.

How you could break through the formalities and create a different kind of connection with your donors and volunteers.

One where you think about them as people looking for ways to be valued and connect, just like you and me. 

These ideas are personal and can’t be prescribed. 

I have found that by gaining a new level of self awareness and approaching your work from an ever changing place, you’ll make deeper connections.

Ones that are less about “donors” and more about real people.

Give these ideas some thought and create habits that work for you.

Habit #1: Pay attention, wonder, and act

Keep a running list of your most loyal, impactful volunteers – anyone that cares about your cause.

Pay attention to them. Think about them. Wonder about them.

If you identify just 1 person from this list each week, it’s not that big a deal. 5-10 minutes and you’re done.

The key is taking this seriously and acting from the heart.

Think of something you can do to reach out and let them know you value them. Assign a staff or board member to help.

Focus on one thing. A story about something special that they did. Or acknowledge the mundane, or how well they handled a mishap.

Let them know they are part of the solution and you value them.

Do this randomly out of nowhere and blow them away. I guarantee – you’ll touch them.

• Write a note
• Send a spontaneous email
• Give them a hug the next time you see them

Habit #2: Create a kick-ass culture

Do one tiny thing to create a dynamic culture that enthusiastically supports your mission. 

I love Peter Drucker’s message “culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Google it and have fun thinking about it. 

What you’re after is an organizational culture where everyone understands that your purpose is philanthropic in nature.

You do what you do to make the world a better place, and that’s done by connecting with people and raising the money your organization needs to thrive. 

Here’s what you need to know from everyone that touches your nonprofit:

Are you in?

The goal is for every staff, board and volunteer to be in the game – with intention.

When everyone considers themselves an advocate, ambassador, and/or asker, (regardless of their official role) and they’re able to stand tall in that role, you’ve got a kick-ass culture.

As you’re evolving to that point, your donors, and their friends, and their friends will increasingly want a seat at the table.

Do this in increments and you’ll set your nonprofit apart from all the others by leaps and bounds.

Check out these ideas to create a culture that is rooted in the principles of philanthropy from fundraising superstar Pam Grow.

Take one small step each week. You’ll build a powerful organization that moves mountains.

Habit #3: Take a walk

Do this smack in the middle of your workday at a time when you think you have no time.

Unplug and think about the big picture – your vision.

Think about possibilities and let your mind wonder. Think about your donors, board members, staff, and volunteers.

Or people in the community that aren’t donors at all, but are curious and would love to get involved. But they don’t know how.

Big ideas come to those that take time to wonder.

Make it a habit!

Is there a donor or idea that you want to think about on a walk today?

If not, take a longer walk and it will come to you.