Money with Meaning
You’ve heard me say it countless times…
“Invest in JOY!”
For me, it’s both a trademark and a song.
Why? Because you will experience unprecedented fundraising success when your goal is to help your givers invest in the gift that brings them JOY! They deserve to enjoy the giving.
And here’s the beautiful part: when you collaborate with them to find that special gift, their joy spills right back onto you.
Let’s Talk About Money (Yes… Money!)
I know—it’s still about money. But do you ever catch yourself feeling guilty about wanting it? Or resentful toward wealthy people?
Here’s my invitation: foster your relationship with money.
*Speak to it with kindness, gratitude, and respect.
*Express your intentions for its purposeful use—to create positive impact, support personal growth, and contribute to the well-being of others.
*See money as a tool to bring your purpose to life and live abundantly.
*Know that money is not inherently good or bad—it takes on the energy and intention you give it. When you think about money differently, it flows more freely… carrying joy with it.
“What if money always happens FOR you instead of TO you?”
That’s the question I asked in my keynote Inspire, Connect, SHINE ON! at the NAD Generosity Conference in Minnesota last week.
This was echoed in two wonderful sessions with Professor Russell James—Planned Giving expert, author, and educator—who reminded me that cash is only a part of wealth.
The Four Ways We Engage With Money
As Dr. James explained, over a lifetime we engage with money in four ways:
- Binge with it – spend more and more (often leading to emptiness).
- Bury it – save and save, fearful of running out.
- Toil on – keep working and making more.
- Enjoy it – find deeper meaning and purpose in its use.
We all cycle through these at different points. I’ll admit, I’m a “toiler”—I love my work, and I love making money! But Dr. James challenges us to enjoy it—going beyond stuff or stockpiling, toward creating something that outlasts us.
I like to say: Giving allows someone to turn their success into something significant.
Helping Givers Enjoy Their Wealth
Part of your role is helping donors separate money from wealth. THIS IS KEY!
Wealth includes appreciated assets—land, stock, property, collections—not just cash. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to be the expert; you just need to start the conversation.
Try questions like:
- “Have you ever given something other than cash to a cause important to you?”
- “Are you thinking about selling anything this year that’s worth more now than when you bought it?”
A “yes” sets up the next conversation—after you’ve gathered the right information and resources. That’s how the artful journey begins, matching timing, assets, and purpose for the greatest joy and impact.
So, yes—always be glad to take cash. 
But remember, when you help your givers see all of their wealth as a resource for good, you help them enjoy the giving… and you both get to enjoy the living.
Invest in Joy™
