Episode 21: The Fundraising Lesson I Learned from a Meal Train
Embracing Community Support: Lessons from a Recovery Journey
Introduction: A Transformative Experience
Hey friends! Today, I'm eager to share a deeply personal journey that has not only shaped my life but also my perspective on community and support. In recent weeks, I've experienced firsthand the power of generosity and how it can transform the way we think about getting and giving help.
A Life-Altering Moment: The Accident
If you've been following my podcast, you might recall that three weeks ago, my life took an unexpected turn. I was in a serious bicycle accident, an event that could have been tragic. However, through the quick actions of a young man named JJ Berg, who found me on the road, I received the immediate help I needed. His kindness and the subsequent support from so many has been life-changing.
While physically I'm on the mend, with broken ribs and a recovery journey ahead, the impact extends beyond the physical injuries. This experience has given me a new lens through which to view life, particularly in the realm of fundraising and development.
The Power of Community: A Friend Steps In
Upon returning home from the hospital, I realized I needed some time and space. Sharing my story publicly on social media, I aimed to update friends and colleagues about my condition. The response was overwhelming, and a beautiful network of support began to form.
A high school friend, Kathleen, whom I hadn't seen in years, reached out with a simple, yet profound gesture. Rather than the usual "let me know if you need anything," she offered a specific solution—a meal train. This was something she'd found incredibly helpful during her own family’s time of need. Thanks to her initiative, friends and community members could easily sign up to provide meals, removing any stress from my family and allowing us to focus on healing.
The Lesson for Fundraisers: Make Giving Easy
This experience was an eye-opener for me as someone who works in nonprofit fundraising. Kathleen’s approach exemplified how we should engage with donors. Often, we make vague requests for support, saying things like "Please support our mission." But clarity and specificity can make all the difference. Instead, what if we said, "Join us as a monthly donor at $50 a month" or "Your $500 gift will provide a scholarship for a student"?
By making the path to support clear and straightforward, you remove the barriers that potential donors may face. My community’s response was immediate and overwhelming because the request was simple and specific. People knew exactly how they could help.
An Abundance Mindset: Believing in Generosity
This journey has reinforced the importance of an abundance mindset in fundraising. When you believe in people’s intrinsic desire to help, you unlock potential support beyond your expectations. A mindset of scarcity, where we worry about being a burden, only holds us back.
Kathleen didn’t worry about imposing on people. She assumed, correctly, that others would want to help, just as she had wanted to help in her own time of need. This assumption led to a successful outpouring of support for my family. In the same way, approaching fundraising with confidence and clarity invites generosity.
Actionable Steps: Applying These Lessons
For those of you in fundraising and development, here are three actionable steps based on these realizations:
Get Specific in Your Asks: In your next email, campaign, or meeting, be as concrete as possible. Clearly state what a donor's contribution will achieve.
Simplify the Giving Process: Just like the meal train had two simple options, streamline donating processes. Make sure your language is direct and the steps to give are few and easy.
Believe in Your Cause and Your Donors: Trust that people have a genuine desire to support you and your mission. Approach your asks with confidence, and believe that your cause is worthy of their support.
Conclusion: Gratitude and Moving Forward
As I continue to heal, both physically and emotionally, I'm filled with gratitude for every person who reached out, signed up, or sent assistance. This experience has been humbling, showing me the true power of community and kindness.
To my listeners and supporters, thank you for being part of this journey. Your actions have been a testament to the beauty of human connection and support. As we move forward, let's all strive to keep our donors and our communities at the heart of everything we do. By doing so, we can make real, impactful change.
Take care and God bless. You're the best.
