Stop chasing the next thing and just do MORE of what already works.
Most nonprofits are looking for the next big thing. The revolutionary strategy. The game-changing tactic. The silver bullet.
What if the answer isn’t new or revolutionary at all?
What if the secret to raising more money is simply doing more of what already works? More of what matters.
Do you want to raise more money?
Have stronger relationships with your supporters?
Unleash more generosity?
Can you LISTEN more? 👂
Most people think they’re listening. They’re not.
They’re waiting to talk.
Real listening (the kind that makes people feel understood, valued, and remembered) is increasingly rare and extremely powerful.
Do you want to unleash more generosity?
Try listening more.
Ask more questions and take the time to truly listen and understand the hopes, fears, and goals of the people who give.
When people feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to stand alongside you and contribute to your cause.
Communication is a two-way street, and it all starts with listening.
Can you ASK more? 🗣️
Most nonprofits under-ask.
Some are afraid to ask, some don’t know how to ask, and others are worried about bothering people.
But guess what?
The more you ask, the more you receive. The same is also true in reverse.
You probably have more people than you realize who are not giving simply because they haven’t been asked.
How many times did you ask your community to give in the last year via email, through the mail, on social media, at events, and in person?
If the number is less than 20, you can probably raise more moneyby asking more often.
Can you THANK more? 🙏 🎉
People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
When you thank someone well, you’re not simply acknowledging a transaction. You’re confirming their place in a story.
This is about so much more than a simple tax receipt.It’s about inviting people to celebrate being part of a larger community making a lasting difference.
How can you get better at expressing your appreciation: faster, more often, and more sincerely?
A heartfelt handwritten note, personal acknowledgment, and a little thoughtful recognition go a long way in making someone feel valued.
If you can find ways to say thank you better and more often, you will inspire more generosity.
Can you REPORT more? 📊
I don’t put much stock in fundraising formulas … except maybe this one:
More Reporting = More Trust –> More Trust = More Giving
You can take that one all the way to the bank because trust is the foundation of successful fundraising.
Want to build more trust with your supporters?
Find a way to report more often on your progress and showcase the direct impact people are making when they give.
Reporting doesn’t always have to be positive, either. The transparency required to share struggles builds as much trust, if not more, than reporting on successes.
The numbers don’t lie. Organizations that report back raise more money, build stronger relationships, and create lasting loyalty.
It’s not magic. It’s transparency.
There are no silver bullets or quick fixes in fundraising, but MORE listening, asking, thanking, and reporting almost always leads to growth.
Now … before you come at me with how overwhelmed you already are, I get it.
You’re already juggling more balls than a circus clown. The last thing you need is someone like me tossing a few more your way.
If that’s you, can I ask you a different question?
What are you so busy doing that you can’t make time for the things that actually matter?
Listen more. Ask more. Thank more. Report more.
The rest is just noise.
