I’ve worked with dozens of fundraisers and nonprofit executives over the course of my career. I’ve found that there are two major blocks that keep people from fundraising success and they’re both internal:
- Believing that there isn’t enough money in the world.
- Undervaluing the value you are creating in the world.
I’ve spilled a lot of ink on the former topic so let me address the latter.
We believe that money comes from our donors.
It doesn’t.
Donors are merely the vessel through which money flows.
The money comes when you create value in the world AND value it accordingly through the exchange of money.
We already know you create value in the world: you help kids learn to read, feed hungry people, clean oceans, protect animals. Without you, the world would be a harsher place for many.
BUT, are you appropriately valuing the value that you’re creating and engaging with donors as partners?
What does it look like to value your value?
It means:
- Being upfront about the real cost of doing the work and asking for what you need, not what you think someone will give you.
- Not accepting money that will take you off-mission, create distraction or make you feel bad.
- Appropriately scoping projects so that you’re paying people a liveable wage and have the necessary resources.
- Not being apologetic about the real cost of delivering your value.
- Walking away from donors who want the cheapest and finding philanthropic partners who are willing to invest in the best impact.
- Being protective of your and your staff’s time, energy and expertise.
- Being bold about your vision and trusting that the right people will find you.
- Being clear that you and your mission are not for everyone. And that’s OK.
- Being enough.
- Understanding that you are inviting your partners to obtain something of value by contributing to your work.
- Making bold asks.
- Starting to pay more attention to what is working instead of what’s going wrong.
Others will not value your value until YOU value your value.
Once you truly value your value, your thoughts, feelings and energetic vibration will change and you’ll start to attract resources.
Instead of feeling “less than” your vibe will change to “I’m worthy.”
Stepping into the energetic flow of money starts with your own energy.
Does this resonate with you? Drop me a line and let me know what you think. BTW, this is the last call for the Fundraising Accelerator’s February session. Apply today–applications close February 11.
