"...Guilt appeals in the field of persuasion are quite common. However, the effectiveness of these messages is sometimes ambivalent. It is widely acknowledged that guilt leads people to engage into prosocial behaviors, but the effects of guilt can also be counter-productive...." This week, I am reading a quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu and A Theory of Guilt Appeals: A Review Showing the Importance of Investigating Cognitive Processes as Mediators between Emotion and Behavior, by Graton and Mailliez, published in 2019. Reflection question: With what are you watering the messages to d ..read more

"...Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others..." This week, I’m reading from 2 Corinthians by Saint Paul. Reflection questions: Is there a volunteer or Board member you have deemed too poor to give the opportunity to donate? How can you empower all people - regardless of their economic situation - to give joyfully? This work has entered the public domain. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit Servi ..read more

"....Once we have learned to love the rich for who they are rather than what they have; and once we believe that we have something of great value to give them, then we will have no trouble at all in asking someone for a large sum of money...." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992. Reflection questions: When I meet a donor at their home, am I jealous or envious?  Or, am I grateful for their generosity? Also related to this week’s quote, do I assume the worst about a donor and their wealth? Or, am I grateful ..read more

"But sometimes our concern for the poor may carry with it a prejudice against the rich." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992. Reflection questions: Am I falling into either extreme of begging or entitlement? With our donors, how am I prioritizing the relationship over the request? To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen Used with permission from Upper Room Books. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music credit: Woe ..read more

"...The waves beside them danced; but they [daffodils] Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:..." I'm reading two reflections on nature, abundance, and generosity: On Benefits by Seneca published in 59 AD and I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth published in 1807. Reflection questions: When will you take time this week to be outside and reflect on something abundant in nature? How will your reflection help you move from a mindset of scarcity to a ..read more

"...Those of us who ask for money need to look carefully at ourselves. The question is not how to get money. Rather, the question is about our relationship with money. We will never be able to ask for money if we do not know how we ourselves relate to money...." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992. To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen Used with permission from Upper Room Books. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music c ..read more

"...People have such a need for friendship and for community that fund-raising has to be community-building...." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992. Reflection Questions: How does this perspective of communion, belonging, and friendship affect you in your work? Thinking back to your last fundraising appeal, was it just an ask for a donation or was it also an offer for belonging? To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an explor ..read more

"...One glance most kind That fell like sunshine where it went— Then you may count that day well spent..." I would like to share a poem from George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, published in 1887, and a quote from Aristotle which he wrote around 350 BC.  Reflection question: Will you join me and challenge yourself to donate generously this year? To read: George Eliot, Count That Day Lost, and The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle The works have passed into public domain. To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com. Music cre ..read more

"...Both generous and ungenerous people live lives that are less than ideal. But the generous possess an insight usually missing among the less generous. They know that they already have enough, and that clinging to what they have or clamoring for more will not bring about greater happiness. So they share some of their time, money, and care with others. They tend to see the beauty of life, the value of solidarity, and their connection to humanity. Their perspective tells them that the world, properly viewed, is a place of abundance. They take their hardships in stride, believing that life is g ..read more

"Donors, grantees, and beneficiaries need each other to bring something beautiful and life-giving to fruition. It is a collaboration borne of deep desire to find meaning, to be a blessing, to be part of something successful and consequential, and to heal the sorrows of life....” This week I am reading two quotes from Imagining Abundance. Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. Kerry Alys Robinson. 2014. Reflection questions: In thinking about those who support our missions, especially those areas that deal with human tragedies, How are we helping to heal the sorrows of ..read more