There seems to be a trend to “protect” major gift officers from getting “too involved” in the core work of the organization lest they get distracted from their donor calls. I get that. But I also get that the hard work of telling and re-telling the story — seeking that perfect fit for our prospective givers’ philanthropy — can reduce the passion for the mission to a simmer.
Never underestimate the magic of the mission! It stirs you up to a full boil!
Be sure to care for your own personal passion by interacting with students…serving in the soup kitchen…talking to the case workers about the folks you care for…seeing cleaner lakes and streams…WHATEVER…be involved, be active, be engaged with the reason you signed up for this work in the first place! Find the level you need to rekindle the excitement you have for what your organization is accomplishing.
Our work in major gifts requires us to inspire our prospective givers who, if we have done our homework 
correctly, we know are interested in what we do. However, these potential supporters or even past supporters are weighing each giving opportunity within their current life and financial situations, their interest in what you do as compared with their interest in other opportunities, their families’ changing needs and their own advancing life. You need to constantly review what attracted you to the organization you work for…and incorporate these experiences as much as you can into Donor Attraction experiences.
A good example of someone who really gets this is Kelly Heyn. Kelly is the executive director of Meals On Wheels in Sheboygan, and currently a client of mine. Shortly after we decided to work together Kelly had me our delivering meals. Wow! What an experience! With more than 1,000 volunteers, Kelly understands the role of mission magic on her volunteers and donors. So, bottle it as best you can, bring it out on your calls and give your prospective donors a LARGE drink of Mission Magic.
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© 2012 Marcy Heim and The Artful Asker LLC.
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Marcy Heim is a sought-after coach and trainer to fundraising leadership, staff and key volunteers who are transforming the world by encouraging philanthropy for their missions. She is a trusted authority in the development profession, who helps organizations and educational institutions uplevel their major gift programs through artful, long-term relationship building that dramatically increases fundraising success AND promotes increased staff job satisfaction. Her monthly Artful Action newsletter inspires leadership and staff to embrace the real power and joy of philanthropy. If you are ready to take your development efforts to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at www.marcyheim.com.
