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When Timelines Slip… Stop the Stress – Enjoy the Process

timelines

 

You always have a choice when timelines slip. Yep, you do.

You can panic. You can blame. You can lay awake at night. You can fire off tense emails, roll your eyes in meetings, and wonder—loudly—why no one else seems to care as much as you do.

Or you can breathe. Reframe.

Quote

And please – give this situation the amount of drama it deserves. Remember that deadlines are real… sometimes. More often than not, deadlines are either negotiable—or downright made up. A well-timed, respectful ask for more space can often buy you exactly what you need to complete something with excellence. (But remember… your track record matters. If you’re always the one asking for “just a few more days,” you lose credibility. But if you’re pretty much on time others will often be happy to flex.)

In my coaching calls during this season of galas, runs, and major donor events, I coach a lot around slipping timelines and how this spirals into stress. Instead, let’s get curious about what’s happening here.  (And, keep in mind that in many ways, our major donor relationship action plans are also timelines that shift – remember it the DONOR’S TIMELINE not ours.)

Generally we think of a deadline as something that must happen at a certain time: the gala starts at 6:00, the tent gets delivered by Thursday, the walk begins Saturday morning. But even in these examples how many times are these “deadlines” just timelines—internal plans meant to keep the bigger picture on track?

Timelines should reduce stress. They’re meant to map out the work in manageable and shared pieces. Timelines based on unrealistic or someone’s perfectionism or fear instead of actual constraints, just add pressure and drama. (Bet you all know these folks!)

Let’s shift how we think about and use timelines—for galas, walks, and donor engagement events AND as we consider our major gift donor journeys.

  1. What Shapes a Timeline?

Timelines aren’t facts—they’re guesses. Hopefully informed ones, but still guesses. They’re built based on:

  • Mindset – If someone assumes the work will be hard, they’ll build in cushion. If they assume it’ll be easy, they won’t. Neither is “wrong”—but mismatched assumptions cause friction.
  • Experience – Someone who’s pulled an event for years has a very different sense of what’s realistic than someone doing it for the first time.
  • Confidence – If you don’t fully believe in your ability (or your teammate’s), you’ll create more buffer… or more anxiety.
  • Trust – If someone’s been burned by a late vendor or a last-minute scramble, they’ll plan defensively. Again, fair! But that doesn’t mean every future timeline should be set in stone based on a past misfire.
  • Fear of the unknown – There’s value in building in reasonable wiggle room, but don’t we all know that it’s there???
  1. Stop the Spiral When Things Shift

When your timeline slips—and it will—here are your next actions:

  • Don’t let one delay trigger a meltdown. Most shifts are recoverable with honest communication and teamwork. Ask – how can we adjust? One of my clients had a report that the golf course her golf outing was going to take place a week later had some maintenance issues. She moved her entire event a week ahead!  It can be done!
  • Use check-ins, not call-outs. A timeline should include regular, judgment-free moments to ask, “Where are we?” and “What do you need?” If someone’s behind, find the bottleneck and support them—don’t shame them.
  • Check your tone. Passion is great—but if it spills into frustration, finger-pointing, or martyrdom (“I’m the only one who cares here?!”), it kills team morale and trust.
  • Keep it about the mission. Yes, you want everything perfect. But your real job is to build community, foster generosity, and move hearts. Don’t lose that in the details.
  1. Grace Wins

today fundraising

Every development shop is juggling event logistics, donor stewardship, sponsorship follow-up, and major gift relationship building. Yes, you want a polished experience.

But more than that, you want to inspire generosity and deepen relationships. Everything you do should be measured on the answer to this question…Does this deepen our relationships?

That doesn’t happen through panic, control, or emails IN ALL CAPS. It happens when your team feels like they’re part of something meaningful. Not just another timeline or event machine grinding toward a deadline.

So…

  • Hold timelines loosely.
  • Treat people with trust.
  • Ask for what you need with respect.
  • Lead with generosity, not fear.

You always have a choice when timelines slip.

Choose trust. Choose collaboration. Choose to shine.

 

Invest in Joy™

 

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Let’s Cook Up Some Success!

The Four Horsemen of Major Gift Mindset

 

Wouldn’t you LOVE to COOK UP more major giving success?

Of course!

And guess what? Our work as fundraisers is a lot like the experience of a talented, high-stakes chef!

Grocery storePicture Guy Fieri’s Grocery Games—chefs are thrown totally random challenges:

  • Use a specific piece of equipment.
  • Incorporate must-have ingredients.
  • Oh, and by the way—you’ve got 20 to 30 minutes. GO!

YIKES! And yet…

These chefs create amazing dishes.

HOW?

  1. They assess their ingredients and quickly strategize options.
  2. They lean into their unique skills and experience.
  3. They FOCUS and SMILE.
  4. They bring their passion for creating something extraordinary.
  5. They stir in creativity to meet the challenge.

 

And they count on the Four Horsemen of Cooking

—Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder!

 

Now, let’s bring this into our world—major giving!

Picture this:

You’re in a major donor conversation when suddenly:

  • They say something totally unexpected.
  • They add new specifics to what they want.
  • Oh, and they have another meeting in 30 minutes!

YIKES! And yet…

YOU craft the perfect giving opportunity!

HOW?

  1. You listen to your donor’s unique feelings, concerns, and passions—then connect them to powerful giving stories.
  2. You leverage your own skills—your experience, knowledge, and intuition.
  3. You FOCUS and SMILE—because you genuinely like and appreciate your givers!
  4. You bring your passion for your mission and the impact it creates.
  5. You create a giving opportunity that excites them and brings them JOY!

And just like chefs have their Four Horsemen of Cooking, you have the Four Horsemen of Major Gift Mindset!

Marcy’s Four Horsemen of Major Gift Mindset:

  1. Something good is going to happen to me!
  2. We become what we think about.
  3. I create my life!
  4. People LOVE to give me money!

Just like the best seasonings enhance a dish, these mindset shifts enhance your success.

They help you:

  • Stay open to opportunities.
  • Focus on the positive and possible
  • Own responsibility for your success instead of feeling like a victim
  • Embrace the truth—People love to give me money… to make a difference!

And you can sing my song!!!!!  listen to the song here…

Remember…
People love to give me money
To make a difference
People love to give me money
I’m the link to their investment!

 

And a JOYFUL one at that!

You are a STAR! Happy Cooking!

 

Invest in Joy™

 

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4 Steps to Being Sticky

Be memorable to your Givers!

You take time to consider your messages and questions before your donor visits. It would be terrific if they heard and remembered our key points, right?

Brian WaltersBrian Walter, an internationally highly regarded motivational speaker, has created a system to help your listeners REMEMBER your message!

It’s a frame-work that involves getting your message STICKY by making it Getable, Feelable, Sayable and Doable. Now remember, I just learned this so I am jumping in to try to apply this to our donor conversations.

So…let’s take a scenario and walk through the steps.

Let’s say we are a non-profit that helps the homeless.

  1. Getable – our listener must be able to take in the message – get it – and get an ah-ha from it. Perhaps we share, “Did you know that we are feeding over 300 homeless people right here in our community every day?”  I am going with that sounding like a lot in many smaller communities.
  2. Feelable – our listener must connect emotion to have the message stick. “Over 100 of these are children under 10 years old.” That would get to me.
  3. Sayable – our listener must be able to say it. It’s almost like creating a mini-brand or I can see this being our “campaign” name. Perhaps “Homeless Heros” So we are calling our effort to help solve this problem “Homeless Heros.” It uses alliteration and is easy to say.

OR, maybe this is to inspire volunteers, or legislation.

  1. Doable – we want our listener to take action. If X then I do Y.  This step must be easy to understand. Perhaps, “Would you consider a gift of $500 a month to be a Homeless Hero Monthly Helper?”   or maybe Homeless Hero Happy Helper?

Hmmmm.

What jumps into your head?  I DO know that in a song we have the Hook – She loves you ya ya ya (Beatles) and you remember this even if you can’t sing a word of the verse.

The point is to work to make our conversation cover these 4 elements so that our message really STICKS with our giver inspiring them to take ACTION!

What do you think?  Hit reply and let me know if you figure out a great way to use this.  I think if you even consciously considered if you are presenting an idea simply, attaching emotion to it, use words easy and or catchy to repeat, and tie this to a specific action you would get good results. Give it a whirl and let me know what happens!

Thanks for being adventurous!

 

Invest in Joy™

 

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Crickets? Getting People to Respond: Steps for Engaging a New Donor

 

You’ve left a voicemail. You’ve sent an email. And yet—crickets. You’re not alone in this challenge. Your thoughts can creep into, “Do they really want to talk to me?

So how do you get a response? More importantly, how do you manage your THINKING to not let this become about you – “They don’t want to talk to me.”

Let’s explore how to get in touch the first time and create a meaningful conversation with a potential new giver, or someone that you’ve been out of touch with, or just landed in your portfolio, or are new names shifted to you as new staff.

Do Your Conversations Have Intentionality?

Before diving into tactics, take a step back and assess your approach and your mindset! (Marcy mindset here again!)

Are you reaching out with clear intention to have a great experience with a new potential friend? Think about how you feel when your phone says, “potential spam.” Are you simply hoping someone picks up the phone so you can meet your numbers? Get your mindset straight first – why do YOU get excited about your mission. Don’t just ask for a meeting—ask for sharing, offer value, spark curiosity, and set the stage for a real connection.

“Is This About Money?”

If you’ve ever been asked this, you’re in good company. The reality? Yes and no. Yes, you are a fundraiser. But no, your work isn’t just about securing a check—it’s about inspiring generosity and aligning a donor’s passion with your mission.

Here’s how you can frame your response:

“Yes and no. I find that people who share our excitement for [your mission] find joy in supporting us. I believe you have a heart for [your mission]. You understand how key this work is for X. Would you consider hearing more about our work with [specific project or initiative]?” 

Notice this is Marcy’s 3-sentence ask recipe. This keeps the conversation open, inviting curiosity rather than defensiveness.  And, it is a clear ask as to what you want – a conversation.

Send a note FIRST

While it’s common to send a handwritten note of thanks, why not send a handwritten note of introduction?  Resist the urge to be too “professional.” Consider the person, visualize the person if you can find a picture and write a warm note sharing BRIEFLY the mission, who you are and that you would like to get to know them better and hear their thoughts on your mission. Let them know the next step – you will call and or send an email next week.  (or whatever time it takes to be sure they have received the note!)

Warming Up the Outreach

One of the best ways to increase response rates is through warm introductions. If you have a mutual connection, use it, but SUPPORT IT! By this I mean be sure they are on board with you using their name.  I know…this seems obvious.

Try:

“Alice Smith is a good friend and supporter of our mission and felt you share some of her values. She suggested I reach out.”

Or:

“You are a leader in this community and already invest in many missions. You understand a bit about our work with [specific initiative]. Would you consider continuing a conversation to see if this is a fit for you?”

This positions your outreach as an invitation rather than an interruption.

Once You Spark Interest—What’s Next?

So they’ve responded—now what?

  1. Schedule the First Meeting with Purpose – Don’t rush into an ask. Your first conversation should be about listening, learning, and understanding their interests.
  2. Prepare Key Talking Points – But go easy – don’t vomit all sorts of stuff on them! You might ask directly if they like numbers or more overviews. Be ready to share compelling stories, impact statistics, in ways THEY want to hear them. Talk about ways they can engage beyond giving money.
  3. Determine Their Preferred Method of Connecting. This one piece of information will make your life SO much simpler and rewarding. Do they prefer text over email – leave a voice mail. What is too much? This takes so much stress out of your relationship building.
  4. Get the Next Meeting – The goal of this first visit is to get the NEXT meeting – a tour, a deeper conversation with someone impacted by the work, or addressing specific items you learned about in your first call.note of thanks
  5. Follow Up with Gratitude – Whatever the outcome – connect with a note of thanks, and with their preferred method. I always like to send a note – in addition to the quick text or email. However their future giving potential looks at this moment, thank them for their time and let them know you want to keep the relationship going.
  6. BONUS – Depending on how this first call goes, you can set the expectation for the TIME between this and the next one. If they are interested – make it short – if they are in a busy time – wedding coming up, trip planned – set up the expectation to connect after that time. It’s the donor’s timeline – not yours.

 

 

The Bottom Line

Raising money isn’t about perfect pitches or magic words. It’s about fostering genuine connections – caring for them as people – this also means NO JUDGEMENT. As a nonprofit “family member” I believe we have a unique role in looking for good – in everyone – all the time.  If you approach donor engagement with intentionality, warmth, and patience, you’ll start turning those unreturned calls into meaningful conversations that lead to lasting support.

Finally – How LONG DOES THIS GO ON?  A stream of touches over the course of a year is not “too much.” A voice message – “Just checking in.” A newsletter sent with a personal note. Here’s the thing. I can tell you scores of stories about major givers I felt never wanted to hear from me again….and I was so wrong. Take each interaction as just a touch in a relationship waiting to be all that it is meant to be, when it is meant to be. Focus on the ones who are interested NOW and stay in touch, gently, with the rest.

reach out

 

So—who will you reach out to today, and how will you make it meaningful for them?

Invest in Joy™

 

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Love Lessons from the Dog

KK & BodhiYou’re likely sharing chocolate and flowers with the special people in your life—including your amazing givers! And let’s not forget those who might be alone after losing a spouse, whose kids have left the nest, or who simply love you. Your kindness can mean the world to them.

In our quest to be everything to everyone (do I know you or what?), we sometimes make love and appreciation more complicated than they need to be.

So, who’s got this love thing figured out? A DOG!

Presenting…

Love Lessons from the Dog

  1. Greet everyone with joy. Dogs are always happy to see you—tails wagging, eyes bright, full of excitement. No matter what’s on your mind, practice lighting up when you engage with others. The best part? What starts as practice becomes habit, and soon, joy becomes your natural response.
  2. Set boundaries. While a dog would love to be by your side 24/7, that’s not always practical. Couch rules, bedtime routines—boundaries matter. The same goes for your relationships. Loving others doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
  3. Forgive and forget quickly. You could yell at your dog (for something they didn’t even do), and two minutes later, they’re wagging their tail, ready to love you again. Be the person who forgives, lets go, and moves on. (And maybe work on that yelling part!)
  4. Go outside in all kinds of weather. Dogs don’t skip their walk just because it’s cold or rainy—and neither should you! Even a short stroll can work wonders. A Stanford University study found that just 15 minutes in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances creativity.
  5. Be playful! Ever notice how a dog is always ready for fun? A few moments of play can shift everything. Toss chocolate kisses to your team at a staff meeting, start the day with a silly joke—find your version of “fetch!”
  6. Take care in the tub. Baths can be terrifying for dogs—and for good reason! According to the CDC, over 234,000 people in the U.S. visit the ER each year due to slips and falls in the bathtub or shower. So, be careful out there!

Dog lover or not, these lessons will bring more smiles, joy, and lightness to your life.

And most importantly, I want you to love your work, your days, and your life. May this Valentine’s Day—and every day—bring you plenty to wag your tail over!

Bodhi Heart

 

 

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!  (from KK & Bodhi too)

Invest in Joy™

 

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Heart Over Hustle – RAPS: Scale Your 2025 Major Gifts

Heart in tree

It’s going to be a GREAT year!
Wherever you landed at the end of last year was perfect. Really. You and your givers pulled together to invest in your mission just as it should be! And the best part? They are STILL your givers. Your relationships with them are not defined by what you received from them in 2024—but by how well you showed them your heart, beyond the hustle that may have driven you to hit your numbers.

As I approach four decades of inspiring generosity and helping my clients achieve major giving success, I’ve seen many Januarys and Decembers come and go. I’ve also felt that December terror—the “would’ve, should’ve, could’ve” panic. You know, when you think, “How do I call them now and ask for BIG money when I haven’t talked to them in months? UGH!”

Sure, there are ways to handle those overdue December conversations—but let’s focus on a better way to enter December with calm and excitement!

RAP IT!
That’s a Relationship ACTION Plan™ (RAP)

A Relationship Action Plan is your 12-month Major Gift Cultivation Calendar—a joyful, artful, and giver-focused strategy. In a nutshell, it’s easier to take the next step when you know what the next step is—or at least have a roadmap you can adjust as needed.

Oh, I know. You have it all in your head. Wrong.

When Gladys Snodgrass pops into your mind, and you suddenly realize you haven’t seen her in months, you panic and leave a scrambled message about grabbing coffee ASAP.

These sporadic, last-minute actions make you uncomfortable—and your donor, too. But a thoughtful plan transforms you from reactive to proactive, random to consistent, crisis to calm.

RAPS lead to lifelong, authentic relationships. Ahhhhhh.

I spend A LOT of time with my clients mapping this out on a whiteboard (I LOVE whiteboards!), but let me give you a simple overview to get started:

  1. Chart It Out
    • On a spreadsheet, list every event, ceremony, newsletter, and mailing across the top by month. These are your built-in touchpoints!
  2. Identify Universal Touches
    • What happens to EVERY donor? Across the spreadsheet, mark what every donor receives—your alumni magazine, gala invite, 5K walk, thankathon, etc.
  3. Segment Your Givers
    • Who are your major donors? Who are your mid-level donors? Is there a segment ($1,000–$4,000) you’d like to inspire toward a $5,000 or $10,000 gift this year? And what about smaller donors you connect with via direct mail, email, social media, or in-person group visits?
    • The most personalized and detailed plans should focus on your top-tier major givers.
  4. Dig Deeper for Major Donors
    • Across the page, create columns and answer these questions for each major donor:
      • What options for giving are they MOST interested in?
      • What’s your best guess for their potential investment?
      • Who can help engage them in the giving conversation?
      • What do you know from their past giving?
  5. Plan Your Outreach
    • For each month, schedule a mix of personal visits, calls, or texts. Start with the obvious (birthdays, anniversaries, favorite events), then layer in tours, small gatherings for their input, special holidays, and updates on what their money is truly accomplishing.
    • Sometimes just say thanks. Sometimes ask what excites them most about your work right now.
    • Engage others WITH YOU.
  6. Make the Ask
    • Connect the dots to what matters most to them and craft your ask using Marcy’s 3-sentence formula!

Opportunity never stops knocking!

 

There’s only one thing left to do—THE RAPS!

Set aside 4-6 half-days to work on this. It’s best done in a group—with great food, of course!

RAP your way to scaling and repeating lifelong giving relationships.

Invest in Joy™

 

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Four NEWs for a Happier YOU!

Happy New Year!

I love the word NEW!
New friend, new idea, new show, new start… YOUR Happy NEW Year!

Make NEW work for you!

Here are 4 NEWs for a Happier YOU this New Year!

  1. “New” feels like ‘second chance’

2025

Let’s be real here – sometimes it’s a third, fourth, or even an “I’m trying again” chance (think the gym). This time of year can feel exhilarating, but it can also remind you of what STILL hasn’t changed. As you age, you begin to recognize the attitudes, actions, and beliefs that shape you – both your gifts and your challenges.

The goal isn’t to say, “That’s just me, and I’ll probably always X.” Instead, aim for broader goals that allow for growth:

“In 2025, I give myself permission to prioritize self-care, whether that’s taking short walks or choosing water more often.”

If “I’ll go to the gym four days a week and drink ten glasses of water daily” hasn’t worked in the past, find a NEW way to embrace your ‘second chance’… and be HAPPY about it!

  1. “New” changes your outlook (Yep, a Marcy Mindset Message!)

Reflecting on what went well and what you wish had been different is only meaningful if it shifts your thinking. “It was because…” excuses keep you stuck. Instead, declare NOW what will be different a year from now. WRITE out these as declarations of what has already happened in the coming year.

Together, my wonderful husband Ken and I created 14 declarations for what will have changed by January 1, 2026. In January 2025, we’re writing:

“It’s now January 1, 2026. 1. We have replaced the family room carpet – it’s beautiful. 2. We have lived our faith. 3. Marcy is so much more effective, her office free of clutter and last-minute syndrome thanks to her new COO hire.”

By putting these declarations out there, you set intentions, and remarkably, the actions to fulfill them show up!

  1. “New” can include “Old”

Change can be both exciting and overwhelming. While rapid, dramatic change might pave the way to “better,” it can also create uncertainty and fear. Tradition offers comfort and continuity in the face of change.

For example, in-person events will always hold value. While I’ll never live stream my band from the bar, short videos of us playing have become a regular feature on Facebook. Similarly, direct mail remains impactful when combined with email and social media.

Traditions foster shared meaning and connection. When you embrace both traditions and change, you find balance and happiness. Take time to identify and preserve the ones most meaningful to you, your family, and your donors.

  1. “New” says, “No More.”

NEW can mean letting go. Perhaps it’s saying, “No more overworking to the point of burnout.” You know when you’ve crossed the line into self-decay.

I absolutely LOVE my life – supporting clients, singing in my band, and being with family. But I’ve also realized I’ve been sacrificing rest, reading, and simply enjoying life. That’s changing. I’ve started scheduling these things: walking, movies, and even gym time with my son David and his girlfriend – a double gift in the same amount of time!

Little shifts can lead to big differences. For me, it’s also about investing in help for those pieces I don’t like or I am not good at. No more letting small tasks rob the joy of big achievements. This year, a project manager or COO or Executive Assistant will help me keep the details in check.  I will find that person!

So, for YOU, what is NEW?

  • What are your broader goals for growth?
  • What declarations will be true by January 1, 2026?
  • Which traditions will you hold onto for comfort and joy?
  • What actions will you take, and what will you say “No More” to?

rippling

Take a moment to jot down what resonates with you!

May you truly have a Happy NEW Year.

Know that what you do every day brings joy and gratitude, rippling out to so many others.

I sincerely appreciate you.

Thank you.
May you THRIVE in 2025!

 

Invest in Joy™

 

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The 3 C’s of Year-End Success: Connect, Care, And Celebrate!

 

You! Yes, You!

The one who is empowering so many to take action on their INTENTION to give this year…..THANK YOU!

I see you — pushing harder on a list that doesn’t seem to have enough day to make a dent in.

And yet you are and keeping the spirit of generosity alive.

Recognize the profound role you play. People want to do good. You help them do it.

But it’s busy. It’s intense. So how do you stay centered and effective in this final stretch? Lean into the 3 C’s of Year-End Success: Connect, Care, and Celebrate.

  1. Connect: Relationships Over Clicks

Personal beats public. Conversations beat content.

While social media blasts may feel satisfying to check off your to-do list, personal emails, phone calls, and texts join hearts and inspire gifts. My client, Finny, shared that she raised over $190,000 around Giving Tuesday. How? Not the social media. It was day after full day of two people on the phone, on the email, one-on-one. Calling, texting, calling, emailing. People give to people, not posts. Your secret sauce? Direct, thoughtful connection.  Day after day now!

Your ACTION:

  • Send a personalized email with a single, clear question:
    “Is there any way I can help you with your giving plans for us yet this year?”
  • Pick up the phone. Leave a voice message with the above that’s warm, genuine, and free from “pitch mode.”
  • Send a quick, thoughtful text to a key supporter. It’s often the nudge they need.

word giveRemember: People are busy, AND THEY STILL WANT TO GIVE. A simple reminder — a touchpoint, not a pressure point — can be all they need to take action.

  1. Care: Serve, Don’t Strive

Fundraising isn’t about money. It’s about mission. AND what’s right for your DONOR now.

When you continually refocus your donors as people, you naturally shift from “raising money” to serving relationships. This mindset shift is magic. People can feel it. They can see it in the way you communicate. Instead of asking, “How can I get this gift?” you ask, “How can I support this donor’s giving goals?”  And, don’t let the numbers people kill your joy! I’m working right now to create a better partnership with a client’s well-meaning Treasurer who simply doesn’t get it. “When can we expect the money?” Challenge them to respect that YOU are the fundraiser and their attitudes kill both team joy and giving.

YOUR Action:

  • Be the guide, not the asker. Offer to walk them through options, answer questions, and even offer inspiration about how others are giving.
  • Focus on shared impact. Remind them how their gift will create change, not just what it will “fund.”
  • Embody energetic confidence and no judgment. People don’t respond well to desperation and panic energy. Be excited about what they can still do.

Remember: When you focus on caring over dollars, people feel safe, seen, and valued — and that makes them want to give.

  1. Celebrate: Every Connection is a Win – Gift now or not

celebrate connections

Celebrate connection. You are creating life-long givers. GIVE YOURSELF and ask others to join you!

Instead of celebrating gifts, celebrate connections! Your most successful major giving relationships are life-long! Of course celebrate every YES! And also, if a giver says this year is not a fit – CELEBRATE them being part of your “mission family.” Let them know you are available if needed and that you get back in touch after the holidays.  Share what your gift (as staff, board, whatever) will be and why. Find joy in every conversation. This feeds your energy, lifts your spirit, and renews your commitment. And it doesn’t just lift you — it lifts everyone around you.

YOUR Action:

  • Celebrate small wins daily. A yes? Share it with the team. Sent 10 personal emails? That’s a win. A ‘no’ that was a warm connection? Recognize effort, not just results.
  • Thank donors early and often. A quick, heartfelt “We are so grateful” email can make someone’s day.
  • Celebrate YOU. You are doing wonderful work. Write down one thing each day that you’re proud of.

Remember: Celebration creates momentum. And momentum powers you through the home stretch.

As the year-end whirlwind continues, remember this: Connect, Care, Celebrate. These three actions are NOT tactics — they’re a mindset – the mindset that defines our honorable and noble profession.

With every call, email, and text, you’re lighting the way for others to give. With every expression of care, you’re strengthening relationships for the long term. And with every celebration, you’re remembering that authentic relationships are not just about ‘getting the money.’ They are about the people you GET to be with.

So, here’s Marcy’s mantra for you for now until the finish line:
“Is there any way I can help you with your giving plans for us yet this year?”

Keep going. Connect! Little else could speak louder to your belief in success than to put yourself in a place to receive. You’re not just raising money — you’re inspiring generosity. And that’s something to celebrate.

Invest in Joy™

 

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Gratitude is Contagious! Reflections from the Road

Marcy & Helen

 

 

Since September 7th, my wedding anniversary, I’ve had the privilege of delivering more than 20 presentations in nine States, Mexico and Canada. Each was tailored to enthusiastically inspire generosity, promote gratitude and reframe our mindsets for JOY! I am grateful to every AFP Board member, non-profit staff member, community sponsor, sound man, caterer, and volunteer for ‘setting the stage’ for conferences and National Philanthropy Day (NPD) celebration success! It’s been a whirlwind, but the energy I gain from connecting with fundraising professionals, Boards, and donors is truly unmatched.

So let me hear you…

“Something Goooooddddsssss Gonna Happen to me!” (remember to stand up, wiggle and shout!)

FLA team Alumni Weekend

Each keynote, gala or event, offered the opportunity to lift up those who dedicate their lives to advancing causes that change our world. Together, we tackled challenges, explored new ways to reframe our thinking, and embraced strategies to CHOOSE to react positively to whatever comes our way. Fundraising isn’t just about raising money—it’s about transforming lives, and watching professionals reignite their passion for this work fills me with joy.

A key focus of my time on the road has been working with Board members to help them better understand their crucial role. Boards and staff must be partners in creating generosity. Remember – Volunteer Led – Staff Driven! In a nutshell – crystal clear direction and a sincere focus on the donor’s joy in giving (plus my Ask training ) empowers Board members to step into their role as champions of the mission. Witnessing that light bulb moment when they truly grasp how their actions contribute to a thriving culture of philanthropy is incredibly rewarding. Wohoo!!!

 

Marcy & Niki Gala

Of course, none of this would be possible without the remarkable generosity of donors—the givers who fuel our missions – and don’t forget our OWN giving! As I keynoted at NPD celebrations across the country—literally from Philadelphia to Texas—and attended client galas generating hundreds of thousands of dollars, from New Jersey to California, I was struck by the authentic sincerity of our donors’ desire to do good. Their conversations were filled with life-changing stories—stories they helped make happen! They were grateful for the opportunity to give. Acknowledging and celebrating their impact is essential, not just as a thank-you but as a way to deepen relationships, inspire even greater possibilities, and serve as a testimony to the next generation to carry on their work.

For me, November 15—officially National Philanthropy Day—is particularly special because it’s also my birthday! And, as tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for all that is RIGHT in the world.

I’m especially thankful for YOU – the incredibly dedicated fundraisers, executive directors, and community sponsors who pour their hearts into organizing these events, trainings, and celebrations. They work like crazy for months to create these extraordinary experiences that honor donors, uplift missions, and inspire generosity.

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To each of you, I offer my deepest thanksgiving for allowing me the joy of singing, sharing, and being just a small part of the light you bring to the world.

SHINE ON!

Invest in Joy™

 

, , ,

Howdy Partners! You can’t do this alone!

To all my fundraisers, donor relations, event manager friends out there inspiring generosity….THANK YOU! AND…

Listen up!

YOU CAN’T DO THIS ALONE! (especially at year-end)

Start today to better engage your Board, colleagues, and others in inspiring generosity with you!

Step by Step…….

  1. Think about your partners differently.

“If only my board would help!” Rather — how can I support them so they are comfortable and willing to help? Change your mindset. Change your self-talk about you board and partners – you projecting your feelings on them. Understand that they often are still building trust with us. What will we say to someone they have connected with us? Will we build an authentic artful relationship or just go after the money?

 

  1. Talk about what you do together differently.

NO FUNDRAISING JARGON! “Help connect us with those in your networks…”  They hear, “hit up your friends.” They hear, “get someone to do something they don’t want to do.”  HOW you talk about what you do is the difference between a “professional beggar” and a development professional. How you talk about your givers – are they numbers and stats – have money you want…or people who you care about?

Spend some time talking about why THEY give – how does supporting you bring them satisfaction, joy, a marketing opportunity, a tax deduction…. Board members and other partners give for different reasons. How do they feel about money and wealth? What does the money they give do? What values do people who support you have in common? They need to have help verbalizing how it feels to give.  This lets them come to their own decision that connecting you to someone in their network makes sense.

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  1. Give them the overall picture of a donor journey.

I call this a Relationship Action Plan. Talk about how coming to an event can help them experience what you do – hear stories of the way it made people feel; helped them; gave them an education, a dance class, a home. Then lay out an ideal donor journey – they get interested through your partner, then take a tour where the partner joins in, perhaps meets a team member, meets a recipient – some experience. Then they learn about what gifts at various levels do. AND be sure to share how the giver continues to be thanked and kept informed.

 

  1. Give them options for how to help.

Partners come with all sorts of talents — and insecurities and money mindsets. Don’t assume that “pitching” a $1M contracts feels anything like asking a friend to consider a gift of any size. Give them a list of touches that they can select from that they feel comfortable doing – and stress that helping create a joyful giver (cultivation) and being a grateful recipient (stewardship) supports your relationship-building work. You can speak the ask.

 

  1. What EXACTLY do you want them to do?

When I interview boards and other partners, they often say they are not sure what’s expected. Be CRYSTAL CLEAR just EXACTLY WHAT you are asking them to do, and by WHEN. And offer to walk through it with them or help them compose the email or letter or call message.  Don’t just “assign.”

2 people on fall path

  1. Plan the next steps WITH THEM. (It’s not a hand-off)

This is key – When your Partner agrees to connect you, be sure you share that this is a journey, not a hand-off. They don’t introduce you and you take it from there. While the partner need not be involved EVERY step of the way, they should clearly see these actions as something you are doing together over the long run.

Board giving slide

 

 

 

 

  1. Inspire (and EXPECT) 100% Board giving. Have a Board giving policy.

There really is no reason for every Board member not to be providing a gift. I like requiring a gift that is meaningful and significant to them – rather than a hard number. And…while perhaps the bank gives a gift in recognition of one of their employees serving on multiple boards, I still look to that individual to do something. There is just a different level of engagement when it’s YOUR money.

 

8. Share stories at every board or staff meeting – how did this feel?

Stop talking about the big one Sue brought in. Rather share this good news as the work of staff and partners together – from the receptionist to the CEO – and over the course of time.  Board shares should be on every board agenda. This is how you grow a culture of generosity.

 

Bringing on partners takes time. Doing it yourself is impossible.

 

Every master was once a disaster – you don’t ride the bike the first time. Have grace with your partners — consider THEM finding THEIR way to help as part of engaging them more in your mission and a chance to deepen their own giving and connections.

Taking the time to grow partners will yield great LONG-TERM results beyond the original connection or meeting.

 

Yes, talking about, and asking for, money can be uncomfortable for many of us. The more you bring your board and others into the relationships with you, the more comfortable they will be! Thank you for creating a bigger culture of generosity!

 

Invest in Joy™

 

Let’s Connect

info@marcyheim.com

(608) 772-6777

Marcy Heim Consulting | The Artful Asker
2679 Fahey Glen
Madison, WI 53711

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