You Invest in Your Mission. Who Invests in YOU?
You give your time, your energy, your creativity—and a good bit of your heart—to your mission.
You work to make sure others have what they need to succeed.
But when an opportunity comes along for YOUR learning, do you hear yourself saying, “We can’t afford that,” “I don’t have time,” or “The place will fall apart if I’m gone”?
Your growth deserves a place in the plan, too.
In September, I had the JOY of spending two days with more than 125 nonprofit leaders, board members, and fundraising professionals in Greeley, Colorado. We had hoped for 100! Elizabeth Barber, Director of Capacity Building at The Weld Trust, was the vision behind this experience. Kelly Jackson, Executive Director of the Aims Foundation, provided an amazing space for us to learn and connect. Jodie Riesenberger, Vice President, Community Impact for the NoCo Foundation provided a book sponsorship so that every attendee received a copy of my book to anchor the sessions.
The Weld Trust covered most of the expense, making the participant fee just $30!
What a powerful message and meaningful investment for these 3 organizations to support the people who carry these missions forward.
We practiced artful asks, explored relationships, and worked on clear giving opportunities. We also spent time on something that comes with us into every conversation.
Our mindset. What are you telling yourself about your work? About your givers? About YOU?
Participants shared how the experience renewed their energy, helped them reconsider limiting beliefs, and gave them ideas they could use beyond fundraising.
That matters. Learning can give you a practical tool AND help you see new possibilities.
So, now the big question….WHO INVESTS IN YOU?
Give others the opportunity to support your growth.
Before you decide the answer will be no, ask.
Some conferences provide sample letters to help you request funding from your supervisor or board. Explain what you want to learn, how it connects to your work, and what you will bring back.
A board member may also welcome the opportunity to invest in your experience. Someone who cares deeply about your mission may see supporting your development as a meaningful way to advance it. Explore that possibility with your leadership.
You help people see the value of investing in your mission. Your ability to serve that mission deserves support, too.
Put your development in the budget.
As you plan for the coming year, include registration, travel, coaching, and the time to participate into your budget process. National conferences can be expensive. Sometimes the financial barrier is real. Sometimes we decide an experience is out of reach before we explore scholarships, local programs, or other support.
And sometimes you may choose to pay for an experience yourself. If it fits your goals and your finances, you can decide your growth is worth that personal investment.
Make room for yourself while you’re there.
Some development professionals add a spa day at the conference hotel or a few personal days exploring the area. What a lovely way to enjoy a place you have already traveled to!
It doesn’t have to be a long vacation. An extra day at the end can give you time to walk, rest, reflect, and consider what you want to do with everything you learned.
Plan and pay for the personal portion separately—and give yourself permission to enjoy it. You don’t have to fill every available hour with another session, another meeting, or another email.
Notice the belief that you cannot be gone.
Your work matters. You matter. And with coverage and clear expectations, you can make room to step away. Just before the Weld Conference, I brought our entire family to Loveland, Colorado for the weekend to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. I didn’t turn on the computer once, and I tried to not get drawn into email and texts when I used my phone to take pictures. Honestly I was amazed that the world seemed to go along just fine for 3 days without me!
If you feel you just can’t be gone, ask yourself, “What would help me leave with confidence?” Then make that plan.
Professional development belongs on your calendar. So does time to absorb it.
Choose an experience. Ask for support. Budget for it. Perhaps add that extra day.
You invest in your mission every day.
You are worth investing in, too.
Invest in Joy!™
