Great fundraising is not superficial. It’s quite the opposite. 

I hope you have the opportunity this summer to be more contemplative about your work and your donors. 

If you’re intentional (and a bit lucky) you may have the honor of being in a conversation with a donor where they get further clarity about what matters most to them in their lives. 

What’s really cool is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time to have a big impact. 

Why? Because we’re talking about people, not “donors.” Connecting with people authentically is what seasoned fundraisers do really well. It’s the EQ thing and something that emerges when you just “get it.”

If you’re new to this, you may be good at it too, but it can be nuanced – a wonderful skill to acquire. It takes a great deal of self-awareness.

Not many people get these opportunities in their jobs or volunteer roles. I consider it an honor and a privilege. 

So here’s the tip.

Right now, TODAY, pick a volunteer that stands out. 

Someone that did a ton of work throughout the year, but now that it’s summer you don’t see her as much.

You know the one – she chaired the gala, hosted a house party, served on your board, volunteered in one of your programs, took a shift at your booth at a local fair (the one job NO one wanted to do.)

Try and put yourself in her shoes and think about everything she did (even if there were kinks).

Give some thought to how her involvement feels for her. This is where the EQ thing comes in. 

Chances are she cares a lot. Oftentimes people that are the most active get neglected. They’re usually the ones taking care of everyone else. 

Make some notes to jog your memory and get in a space of sincere appreciation.

Here’s the fun part. Catch her off guard.

Pick up the phone and call her out of nowhere. Make this a little different than your run of the mill thank you call.

Don’t leave a message on voice mail unless there’s no other option.

This may be the magical moment to listen and learn about what she’s been pondering.

Perhaps there are programs that have special meaning for her that you were not aware of.

Who knows? She may be re-thinking about how she could contribute her time, talent, creativity and financial support in new and different ways. 

Rather than “Rhonda, just calling to thank you for serving on the board this year. You did an amazing job chairing the gala – you’re going to be a hard act to follow.” Then on like this. 

Instead try something like this. 

“Rhonda, I’ve been sitting here thinking about you and wanted to spontaneously give you a call. Summer is typically a bit calmer around here and it’s nice to have time to reflect on the year.

You’ve had quite an impact on (name of organization) in so many ways. (then name a few of them).

You’ve inspired me personally and modeled what it means to be a great leader to others. I’m just calling to thank you.”

You can also thank her for her family’s financial contributions, but keep in mind that you’re not calling about that.

Or, you can say “your financial contributions are very much appreciated of course, but that’s not what why I’m calling today.” 

You’re calling to acknowledge her as a human being. Someone that has chosen to invest her time and heart in your organization.

She has demonstrated repeatedly that she cares about the mission and shares the values that it represents. It doesn’t get much better.

If you do this authentically and have no other agenda, chances are you’ll make her day.

And she won’t soon forget it.

Does this resonate? Share your magical moment below.