124: More than Asking and Thanking

Reflections on Generosity

"...No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted...."

For some ancient wisdom about donors who don’t give, 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 who have previously said no to the capital project?

Reflection on quote:

Last week, we discussed building communities of donors during the campaign. 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. What are those donors to your organization who aren’t interested in giving to the capital project? Relationships with donors must be more than just their status during the campaign.

When a donors chooses not to give to the capital campaign, it can feel like a personal rejection and there can be a pulling back from that donor, which can then feel like rejection to that donor. Instead, in that moment, it’s important to lean into kindness. It’s looking for the opportunities to give a kind word. It’s the giving space to the donor to find more meaning in their lives through the other aspects of our cause. It’s the time we spend getting to know them and showing them that we see them for who they are. A kindness is never wasted in our relationships with donors.

What do you think? Send me a text.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop