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Tag Archive for: success

Posts

Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

What are YOUR Global Beliefs?

 “All ___ Are ___ — What Are YOUR Global Beliefs?”

We all have them — those global beliefs.

“All vegetarians are just being anti-meat and farmer.”
“All Catholics are opposed to women leading.”
“All teenagers are glued to their phones.”
“All this AI stuff is cheating.”

Now I’m not saying these are MY belief but rather that without a doubt we all create sweeping generalizations from our experiences, our upbringing, the news, or even one strong encounter that left an impression.

globalbeliefs

Recently I spoke at the 20th Annual BRIDGE to Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference in Washington DC. There I took in an excellent closing keynote by Dr. Marcus Collins – a master in decoding the “why” behind what we buy, do and believe.  In a nutshell he led us through global beliefs we ALL hold and challenged us to at least consider that they may not still serve us. For years, I had an image of vegetarians as the ones giving waiters a hard time—“Is the meat touching my entrée in the kitchen?” But now that my son and his girlfriend are eating a vegetarian diet, I see it differently. He feels better than he ever has. He’s learned what works for his body. I understand so much more now about food sensitivities and how individual it all is and how much our knowledge has increased since I was 20! That shift changed my belief—not because I was ever unkind, but because I now see a bigger picture.

And isn’t this true in fundraising, too? AND IMPORTANT?

What are your global beliefs about wealth, donors, and money?

“Wealthy people didn’t earn it.”
“All big donors want is their name on a building.”
“All people with money inherited it.”
“All philanthropists are self-serving.”

Or maybe you were raised with:
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
“Rich people aren’t liked.”
“It’s not polite to talk about money.”

They can color how we see a person.

These beliefs seep into how we feel about asking for gifts, celebrating generosity, and building relationships with donors. They can color how we see our donors before we’ve even met them.

I often meet development professionals who deeply want to serve their missions but carry quiet, limiting global beliefs about wealth. They hesitate to connect, to ask, to celebrate giving because they’ve absorbed some version of “money = bad” or “rich = selfish.” Sort of a chip on their shoulder when doing our honorable work.

most generous

And yes — I had my own global belief about AI. I thought, “All this AI stuff is sort of cheating.” Then, in practice, I discovered my chat is a partner who helps me think more clearly, write more joyfully, and serve my mission better… and FASTER. It’s a tool — like a calculator, a spreadsheet, or a microphone — that I can use for good. That belief shifted because I gave it a chance.

Here’s your reflection invitation this week:

  1. Fill in the blank — “All _____ are _____.”
  2. Ask yourself — where did that belief come from?
  3. Consider — how might that belief impact how you feel about your donors, your work, and yourself?
  4. Reframe — what could be a more joyful, generous belief?

Try these to get started:

  • All fundraisers are ________.
  • All board members are ________.
  • All major donors are ________.
  • All people who put their name on a building are ________.
  • All people who ask for money are ________.
  • All AI tools are ________.

see people not labels

 

 

we see connections

When we bring awareness to our global beliefs, we free ourselves to see people — and even tools — not labels. We invite connection rather than separation.

Celebrate discovering your own global money beliefs (and maybe your global AI beliefs, too!). It’s part of our joyful journey as artful askers — seeing each person and each act of giving through a lens of respect, curiosity, and delight.

After all, the more we understand, the more we can truly  Invest in JOY!™ and inspire generosity!

Invest in Joy!™

 

October 7, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

The Strangest Secret

At some point in your life, you may have had someone suggest you read something—or listen to something – and it REALLY made a difference for you.

For me, I was 17 – just starting college at UW Madison and it was SO BIG and SO DIFFERENT and SO EXCITING and SO SCARY. And it was not a book, but a cassette tape! (Yes, cassette!). The cassette was The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale, and when first released in 1957 – it was the first spoken record to sell 1,000,000 copies. It truly changed my life.

What’s the “secret”? We become what we think about.

We become what we think about.

 

Our thoughts shape our feelings, those feelings direct the energy and confidence we bring to our actions, and the actions we take ultimately create our results. Success isn’t luck or chance—it’s the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. When our mind is focused on what we want, and we take steady steps toward it, we succeed.

Focus on what you WANT!

 

The challenging part is that sometimes we are not even AWARE of what we are thinking or the negative dialog we are telling ourselves.  Here’s an exercise I teach in my presentations – give it a try. It’s also attached here as a fillable worksheet.

 

Writing Your Reframe

This message has carried me through challenges in my decades of successful fundraising and in a joy-filled life. And here’s where I want to invite YOU into an exercise: Write Your Reframe.

Too often, our default thoughts sound like this:

  • “People know I just want money.”
  • “Why can’t people respond to my emails?”
  • “This year it’s going to be hard to ______.”

Now, let’s reframe:

  • “I want my giver to make the gift that brings them joy!”
  • “How can I make it easier for them to get in touch with me?”
  • “This year is an opportunity to ______.”

 

different lensesSee the shift? Same reality, but a different lens. The reframe focuses on possibilities, joy, and service instead of frustration, fear, or lack.

 

The “Secret” in Context

The strangest secret isn’t really strange at all: thoughts are causative.  And it seems strange that our thoughts could be so powerful.

Most people never grasp or apply it — that’s why it feels like a secret.

When you can apply it – even a bit — it will align your thoughts, words, and actions with purpose and lead you to a fulfilled, impactful JOYFILLED life AND fundraising success!

 

Here are your Action Steps

  • Start with YOU. Plant what you WANT in your life.
  • Notice your thoughts.
  • Write the reframe for those that don’t serve you.
  • Live and inspire giving with JOY.

 

Why It Matters

When YOU choose your thoughts, YOU choose your results.

YOU choose your thoughts.

 

Write down positive thoughts.

Nightingale’s challenge was to write down exactly what you want, carry it with you, and think about it constantly. I’d add—also attack those pesky, nagging negative thoughts that can haunt you. Reframe them and write down your reframe. Carry it with you. Let it guide not just your fundraising, but your living.

Because here’s the truth: when YOU invest in better thoughts, YOU maximize both your giving and your living.  SHINE ON!!!!

Invest in Joy™

 

September 23, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Marcy’s More Major Gift Habits You Need

cup of coffeeMarcy’s More Major Gift Habits You Need

 

Every day you already live by habits. Some are intentional, like your morning coffee or your workout routine. Others happen almost without thinking—scrolling through your phone, feeding the cats, or wrangling little ones.

But here’s the question: What if you could build habits that directly grew your major gifts?

Think about it. Your results aren’t just about strategy or even about talent. They’re about the simple, repeatable actions you take every day.

And yes, some of your current habits may not be helping you inspire generosity. The great news? You can change them. Because here’s the truth about habits:

create good habits

  1. Bad habits don’t disappear—they get replaced. If you want to break a draining routine, you need to intentionally swap it out with something better.
  2. Good habits are clear habits. You have to decide exactly what you want, or you’ll never know what to repeat.

So…. what’s are “good habits” for a development professional?
I call them Marcy’s More Major Gift Habits. Here’s a simple 30-day plan:

30-Day More Major Gift Habits

  • Showcase Impact (2/month). Create moments where your donors see your mission in action—small tours, a student showcase, or a behind-the-scenes gathering.
  • Coffee Talks (8/month). Personal check-ins, in person or over Zoom. Light, conversational, donor centered.
  • Generosity Sparks (90/month = 3/day). This is the gold. Short, genuine touches—joy jolts – acts of caring.  Phone messages, quick texts, short notes—that simply say, “We’re thinking of you.” They are a mix of current donors, stewardship, new potential givers.
  • Giving Conversations (5/month). Planned opportunities where you make an artful ask (hello, 3-sentence formula!).

Generosity sparksHere’s the thing: Generosity Sparks are the most important habit. They plant seeds, deepen trust, create an experience (that may be just the good feel listening to your message) and set the stage for every comfortable giving conversation.

Every day you must start your day with them. Three touches before you dive into email or meetings. Imagine leaving this message:

“Good morning, Gladys! Marcy here, just calling to say hello and happy fall. We’ve started our youth programs for the season, and it’s wonderful to see young people back in action. Take good care—and thank you for caring about our work.”

That’s it. Thirty seconds. Done. And the ripple effect is enormous.

Texts and emails count too—but don’t overcomplicate them. The point is consistency. Three touches, every day. Yes, I am including weekends.  Repeat your core donors monthly and sprinkle in new names.

AND – this is very important – it’s 3 a day. You reset everyday regardless of the day before. The next day you start again with 3 a day. You don’t add more if you miss a day. You don’t stock up before vacation.

Will it feel overwhelming? Only if you let it. The cure for overwhelm is always the same: make a decision. Decide that you want to build this habit. Decide to stay in touch. Decide to invest in JOY through generosity. Decide to SPARK GENEROSITY!

Because the truth is, major giving success isn’t about one big gala or one big ask. It’s about the habits that make generosity grow—one touch at a time.

 

Invest in Joy™

 

September 9, 2025
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2025-09-09 11:31:112025-09-09 11:45:32Marcy’s More Major Gift Habits You Need
Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Life Happens for YOU!

It can all be good… and still seem like too much. Life moving too fast, to-do lists multiplying, kids growing up in the blink of an eye, and even with AI helping here and there, you’re still sorting it all out.

Life happens – but is it happening TO you, or FOR you?

Yep, here comes a Marcy Reframe.

Life is Beautiful

 

When you feel like everything is coming at you — change, politics, rising costs, constant phone dings, and yes, the ever-present pressure to raise more dollars, faster — pause. Remember this: life happens FOR you.

Every experience is a lesson. An opportunity. A chance to reflect, to consider, to act (or not). And that shift can bring back your JOY. And “that’s what it’s all about!” (yes, think Hokie Pokie).

 

Here are three quick tips to feel more ready for September — or whatever month is rolling your way:

  1. Scroll Your Photos (not Facebook)

Go back to the start of summer, or the year, and wander through YOUR pictures. Coffee or wine in hand, let yourself feel again the joy of those people, pets, sunsets, donors, events, friends. Notice how much life you’ve lived. Even the extra wrinkles or pounds are companions to friendships, laughter, and growth. You’ve done a lot since you last stopped to reflect.

outdoors

  1. Just Sit

Outdoors is wonderful — water, woods, sky. But even a fake plant will do. Stop. Breathe. No list-making, no talking. Just let your mind rest. Think of an early cherished memory, then roll into gratitude. Gratitude for all of it. Warts and all.

  1. Be Proud of You

Yes, you’ve missed deadlines, dropped balls, and let things slip. But shift your focus. What HAVE you done? Shared, cared, supported, created, delivered? Remind yourself with “I am” statements: I am joyful. I am productive. I am loved. I am successful. I am sharing my best self with this world.

Sure, it feels like warp speed sometimes — who needs Floo Powder or Scotty to beam you up (that’s Star Trek, youngsters!)?

But here’s the truth: Your life isn’t happening TO you. It’s happening FOR you.

Enjoy it.

Invest in Joy™

 

August 25, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

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?

Your relationship with money

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:

  1. Binge with it – spend more and more (often leading to emptiness).
  2. Bury it – save and save, fearful of running out.
  3. Toil on – keep working and making more.
  4. 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. smiley face

 

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™

 

August 13, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Measuring Your Success? / It’s Not About Dollars.

 You’ve been told the number you need to raise. Somewhere between, “well, ok…” and “YIKES!” you may wonder: “Do I even have the givers to meet this?”

Often, that number came from a budget shortfall—not from assessing whether people are ready to joyfully give.

plan

Create a Plan / Focus on Action

Here’s the truth: You can’t make anyone give.

But you can uncover their passion for your mission.
You can connect them to giving priorities that matter.
You can ask.
You can say thank you.
You can measure your action—and action is what YOU control.

 

5 Steps to Success / Beyond the Dollars

  1. Define Your Goal. For this example, let’s say it’s $400,000.
  2. Chart Your Gifts. Use giving data to project how many gifts you’ll need at each level to reach your goal.
  3. Create Vibrant Giving Options. Match giving levels to meaningful ways donors can make a difference.
  4. Name Potential Givers. Start with your database—fill in names, relationships, and connections.
  5. Track Your Actions. Measure calls, visits, emails, texts—every touchpoint that builds trust and belief.

 

Chart of Gifts / With Giving Options & Givers

Gift Level # Needed # of Givers (5:1) Total from Level Cumulative Total % of Goal Options for Giving Potential Givers
$50,000 2 10 $100,000 $100,000 25.0%
$25,000 4 20 $100,000 $200,000 25.0%
$15,000 6 30 $90,000 $290,000 22.5%
$10,000 8 40 $80,000 $370,000 20.0%
$5,000 10 50 $50,000 $420,000 12.5%
$2,500 12 60 $30,000 $450,000 7.5%
$1,000 20 100 $20,000 $470,000 5.0%
Under $1,000 50 250 $50,000 $520,000 12.5%

Tip: Use this as a living document—updating “Options” and “Givers” as relationships develop. And yes, the total here goes past $400,000—that’s okay! Build in cushion and momentum.

 

Work the Plan / Measure What Matters

What do I advise? For a full-time major gift officer:

  • 20–30 face-to-face (or Zoom) meetings/month
  • 40+ phone calls
  • Countless emails and handwritten notes

If you can consistently do this work with discipline and joy, the gifts will follow.

 

It’s Not Just Money / It’s Belief and Trust

Dollars give wings to your mission—but they’re also proof that people believe in your vision, your integrity, and your impact.

bird wings and flames-Mission

Your 4-Step Donor Dance / Joyful Giving

  1. Uncover their belief in your mission.
  2. Fan the flame with stories and proof of impact.
  3. Ask them to support what they care about most.
  4. Thank them—and show them their gift did exactly what you promised.

 

And the Best Part? / Being With Your Donors

Yes—the greatest joy in this work is the connection. So don’t wait for the magic to happen… be the magic.

Take action. Build relationships. And enjoy the journey.

 

Invest in Joy™

 

July 23, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Your Beginning Middle and End Method

“Anything worth doing, is worth doing well.”

I’m going to suggest that’s not such great advice.  Because, bluntly, you and I are probably not so hot at many things when we take our first crack at them.

Is it ok if you talked too much on your first visits with donors?

Is it ok if you lost your place the first time you gave a speech?

Is it ok if you whiffed a few times that first time you golfed?

 

Here’s the REAL story.

If you are not willing to write badly at first, you are never going to be a great writer.

If you are not willing to cook badly at first, you are never going to be a great chef.

If you are not willing to meet badly with prospective givers at first, you are never going to be a great fundraiser.

quote

Let me paraphrase a message from one of my coaches, Gary Ryan Blair.

As you embark upon doing something new, your beliefs about how you will perform are 90% of your results.  How about adopting a mental approach that will provide you with the security, self-assurance and motivation you need to live outside your comfort zone, face your fears, initiate change, persevere through difficulty and to take on any challenge with the confidence of a mighty lion?

 

 The BEGINNING. MIDDLE. END. Model             

Every new task, project or goal that you jump into will be…hard at the beginning, messy in the middle, and easy at the end.

This sounds so simple, right?  You might encourage your colleague with phrases like, “You’re doing great! You’ll get it!”  Which in turn gives them the will to start, the strength to continue, and the sustaining power to overcome the greatest of obstacles and ultimately win.

It’s a mature, grown up “thinking model” and strategy used by all high achievers…

And it is the one most abused by those low achievers around you who look for reasons to make excuses, blame others and jump ship when the going gets tough.

Here are a couple of examples to prove this point.

bike

RIDING A BIKE

In the beginning…riding a bike is hard.

In the middle…riding a bike is messy.

In the end…riding a bike is easy.

 

LEARNING TO SPEAK Marcy’s 3-SENTENCE ASK

In the beginning…learning to speak an ask is hard.

In the middle… learning to speak an ask is messy.

In the end…speaking an ask is easy!

 

Every new task, project or goal that you engage in will be…hard at the beginning, messy in the middle, and easy at the end.

Whatever your dream, goal or ambitions include you can rest assured “easy” is in your future.

So consider everything you have wanted to be, have and do, Make a list. Attack that list with everything you’ve got with the understanding that it is supposed to be hard and clumsy at the beginning…that it will be messy, dirty and stinky in the middle… and that when you finally do get to the other side…it will be easy and elegant at the end.

Anything worth doing is worth doing badly at first.

You got this!

 

Your hopes, dreams and goals are waiting for you to show up, grow up and step up knowing you can have, do and be anything you want.  You’ve got this!

Invest in Joy™

 

July 2, 2025
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Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

DAFs, the IRS, trust, gratitude and YOU

You may be very familiar with Donor Advised Funds or DAFs and they may be a big part of your giving program. Or, this may be a new opportunity for you!

A few years back, when I was embracing so many new technologies with my speaking work post covid, I didn’t feel I had the bandwidth to make some year-end gifts with the chance to really enjoy the giving, so I made a gift to a Donor Advised Fund with Thrivent. It let me take a tax-deduction that year.  And, while I still made some year-end gifts, it was also sort of nice to feel I had money set aside for giving in the future.

And, I am part of a trend! Why DAFs?

  1. Smaller Donors Are Using DAFs
    Thanks to platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard, you can open a DAF with as little as $5,000–$25,000, making this tool accessible to far more donors—not just the ultra-wealthy.
  2. DAFs Now Hold Over $228 Billion in Assets
    That’s a massive pool of already-committed philanthropic dollars just waiting to be recommended for grants.
  3. Unlike private foundations, DAFs don’t have a required minimum payout—but they still gave away an average of 22.5% of assets in 2022. That’s more than 4x the 5% payout required of private foundations.

 

Just what is a DAF?

It’s a giving account that donors set up through a sponsoring organization—like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab, or a community foundation. The donor contributes to the DAF, gets the tax deduction at that time, and then recommends grants to nonprofit organizations over time. It’s like having a personal giving fund, with flexibility and convenience.

 

Inspiring generosity from DAFs.

DAFs often allow donors to give more because their funds are already set aside for philanthropy. Whatever reason a donor originally put money into a DAF, YOU have the wonderful opportunity to build or enhance a trusting relationship and excitement for how your mission can be JUST how to use that DAF money for good.

 

Thanking your DAFs Givers

Thank you letterBecause the sponsoring organization is technically the legal donor (not the individual), there are IRS rules we need to follow when saying thank you. And yes—those rules apply even when we know the donor personally recommended the gift!

Here’s a thank-you that feels warm and personal—but actually breaks a few IRS rules:

 

Dear Alice,

Your generous $10,000 gift to support our scholarships will mean so much to young people struggling to continue their education. Thank you! Your continued commitment means the world to us, and we’re honored to recognize this as part of your multi-year pledge. We look forward to celebrating your impact at our upcoming Scholarship reception.With deep appreciation,
Executive Director

 

Looks professional, right? But it contains three common IRS compliance errors:

  1. Calling it a “gift” – A DAF grant isn’t a personal contribution from Alice. The DAF sponsor gave the funds, and Alice already received the tax deduction when funding the DAF.
  2. Mentioning a pledge – DAFs are not allowed to fulfill a legally binding pledge. Even implying that a grant is a pledge payment can get you into trouble.
  3. Tying the grant to event attendance – Any tangible benefit (like food, swag, or tickets) linked to a DAF grant can violate IRS rules. If you invite them to an event, make clear it’s not connected to the grant, or offer them the option to decline benefits.

Let’s try that thank-you again.

 

Dear Alice,

Your generous $10,000 grant from your donor-advised fund at Fidelity (or wherever the DAF lives) to support our scholarship program is deeply appreciated! Thank you for recommending this grant.  Your generosity is helping young people continue their education—and your ongoing support means the world to us.

We’re truly grateful for the impact you make. If you’re able to join us, we look forward to celebrating the difference you help create at our upcoming Scholarship Reception.

With deep appreciation,
Executive Director

 

Please note, you NOT need to include the standard IRS language: “No goods or services were provided in exchange for this gift.”  because the legal donor is the DAF sponsor, not the individual. The DAF sponsor already issued the tax receipt and handles IRS compliance, including that statement. You are simply acknowledging the grant, not receipting it.

 

What about event sponsorship or perks?

Yet, if your thank-you mentions event invitations, meals, gifts, or any perks, you can add a clarifying sentence like this: “This acknowledgment is provided for your records only. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this grant, and attendance at the Scholarship Reception is entirely optional and any event-related benefits have been waived.”

You can acknowledge the donor by name or business in event materials this way:
“This event is generously supported by The Smith Family Fund at Fidelity Charitable.”

But you cannot give them seats, meals, or sponsor benefits unless they pay separately (from personal funds) for the value of those items. If they decline all benefits, make sure it’s documented.

Still TRUE – this Marcyism!

It's about what the money does---

See DAFs as a way to give your donors more opportunities to support you in addition to traditional gifts. Partner with them to understand how DAFs work. Remember that NONE OF THIS prevents your warm phone calls and personal visits saying THANK YOU and caring about them as mission partners and friends!

Creating a better world.

 

 

The TRUST you create that their giving or granting or attending or volunteering has the impact that brings them JOY is what makes this world the better place we are all working together to create!

Invest in Joy™

 

June 25, 2025
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2025-06-25 12:05:152025-06-25 12:22:37DAFs, the IRS, trust, gratitude and YOU
Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Forming Relationships with a LOA or Pledge form? YES!

 

Have You Ever Considered a Form to Be a Relational Tool?

What? Has Marcy flipped?

The Artful Asker is talking about forms being relational?

You know they’re simply used to record and define transactions, right?

Well… not so fast.

Yes, a form may technically be a tool to document intent, process a gift, or create an agreement. But when it’s created and shared artfully, it can also become part of the relationship journey. It can affirm your giver’s values, vision, and identity as someone who is generous and committed to your mission.

donate

Forms can actually inspire giving, deepen trust, and invite clarity — if you treat them not just as paperwork, but as touchpoints.

Here are three of the most common information forms you will use in major gift fundraising:

 

  1. The Major Gift Pledge Form

This one is usually very business-like: “I hereby pledge $X to be paid over Y years.”

But imagine if it instead began with:

“I/we are inspired to support the mission of [Organization Name] through this generous commitment because…”

Now we’ve made space for the giver’s motivation — their why. It’s not just an obligation, it’s a celebration.

You might also include:

  • A checkbox for “I/we would enjoy periodic updates on the impact of this gift.”
  • A note of thanks within the form: “We are honored by your confidence in us. Your belief in our work truly makes a difference.”

 

  1. The Endowment Gift Agreement

This form often sets terms: how much, how the annual earnings will be process and distributed, lots of legal stuff, investment language.

But what if it also asked:

“What legacy do you hope this fund will carry forward?”  Or in agreement speak – “By making this the donors intend to leave a legacy of support for young people pursuing a veterinary degree – just as the donors received help during their degree years.”

Not only does that open a heartfelt conversation — it gives you insight into how to steward that donor, their family, and the fund itself for years to come.

You could even invite:

  • A quote from the donor to share with future recipients.
  • A name for the fund that reflects a personal value or loved one.

 

  1. The Gift in Will (Bequest) Form

Bequest forms tend to be transactional, but they can affirm a profound decision. Try this language:

“Thank you for sharing that you’ve included [Organization Name] in your estate plans. You honor us by being part of your lasting legacy and we are deeply grateful.

And you might ask:

  • “What inspired this decision?”
  • “Would you like to remain anonymous or be recognized publicly?”
  • “Would you like us to notify someone else of this gift in the future?”

 

What’s the Point?

In working with development professionals and the organizations they serve I will often see this sort of messaging on the website, in the cover letter or in a proposal – but then comes the form and WHACK! Could be an intake form for the hospital.  Sterile. To-the-point and maybe easier for the data entry folks to process – but certainly we have just pushed our donor out of their hearts and into their heads.  Why not intersperse some donor love?

paperwork stress

 

These aren’t just documents. They’re moments. You can help your givers pause, reflect, listen, and affirm why there are making a gift to you in the first place. You can lift them up as they do this paperwork drudgery.

When you treat forms as part of your relationship work, not just your recordkeeping, you build deeper trust and lasting connection.

So yes…
Forms can be relational.
And no…
Marcy hasn’t flipped.

I’m just inviting you to see even the paperwork as part of the art of asking artfully.

ask Artfully

Invest in Joy™

 

June 11, 2025
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2025-06-11 13:41:152025-06-11 18:42:50Forming Relationships with a LOA or Pledge form? YES!
Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

MEGA Vision – MEGA Gifts

summer

Imagine it’s September. Summer has come and gone.

fall

You’re taking inventory of the intentional donor conversations you meant to have.

Are you feeling “Whoops!” or “Wonderful!”?

NOW is the time to take stock of your major and mega gift relationships and make a plan to re-engage—before the leaves fall and the year-end rush begins.

Yes, the data shows that a third of major and mega gifts come in the final months of the year. But the relationship that inspired those gifts? That starts now—long before the snow flies. (OK, maybe that’s just us Wisconsinites talking.)

 

BIG GIFTS Require BIG VISION: 5 Must-Haves

  1. A Clear, Compelling Long-Term Vision

Where are you going in the next 1–3 years?

  • What will be created?
  • What problems will be solved—or significantly impacted?
  • What values and traditions will be preserved?
  • What will stay the same, anchoring your change in continuity?
  • Can you explain this vision simply and clearly?
  • Is it believable—and bold enough to inspire action?

Mega donors fund futures. They want to be part of something bigger than today.

  1. Specific Dollar Needs for Now and Later

What’s the price tag to get there?

  • Short-term gaps: What needs immediate support? How can a multi-year pledge stabilize you now and build toward your future?
  • Long-term vision: How do endowment gifts or larger investments ensure you’ll be around—strong and thriving—for the long haul?
  • Connect today’s giving to tomorrow’s impact.  Be honest, but not too dramatic so it seems impossible to fix. What might be lost without today’s giving?
  1. Vibrant, Flexible Giving Options

Big donors want to choose how they give—and how their gift works.

Offer options:

  • Outright gifts
  • Gifts to endowment – for immediate needs
  • Gifts to endowment – for long-term stability
  • Multi-year investments into sustaining funds

Spell out exactly what a gift of $25K, $100K, or $1M makes possible. Don’t make them guess.

  1. Annual Fund: Small(er) Gifts, Big Picture

Not every donor will give a mega gift—but everyone can be part of the mega vision.

  • How do $500–$5,000 gifts add up to fund the greatest needs?
  • Create giving options: Programs, Alumni Events, Staff, Greatest Need
  • Show how annual giving connects to the BIG vision
  • Encourage multi-year pledges
  • Focus on impact, not swag – use swag to build belonging

Remember: People don’t give to get “stuff.” They give to results.

  1. Trustworthy Leadership and a Consistent Message

challenges

This one’s non-negotiable.

  • Clear, consistent communication
  • Honesty about challenges and changes
  • Strong follow-through from a reliable infrastructure
  • A clean, clear, and complete website

When you want to inspire mega generosity, it starts with a BOLD and BELIEVABLE vision—delivered with clarity and confidence by a team your donors trust.

Mega gifts don’t just respond to need.
They respond to possibility.

So dream big. Dream bold. And always lead with JOY.

Your vision must say to your donors: “I see you. I need you. I believe in what we can do together.”

 

Invest in Joy™

 

May 28, 2025
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2025-05-28 09:46:572025-05-28 10:23:09MEGA Vision – MEGA Gifts
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