Let's Talk Fundraising
Welcome to "Let's Talk Fundraising" with Keith Greer, CFRE! This podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the essentials of fundraising while discovering how innovative tools and technology can supercharge your efforts. Whether you're a new fundraiser looking to level up your skills or a seasoned professional seeking timely reminders and fresh insights, each episode is packed with practical advice, creative ideas, and inspiring stories.
Join Keith as he explores the core principles that drive successful fundraising and uncovers the latest strategies to make your job easier, more enjoyable, and incredibly impactful. From relationship-building and storytelling to leveraging the newest tech, "Let's Talk Fundraising" is here to help you transform your approach and achieve remarkable results for your organization.
Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to elevating the art and science of fundraising. Together, we'll make a bigger impact, one episode at a time.
Let's Talk Fundraising
The Transformative Impact of Gratitude
Can expressing genuine gratitude transform your fundraising efforts? In this episode, we promise to reveal how the simple act of saying thank you can enhance donor relationships, reduce stress, and reinvigorate your passion for your mission. Explore practical strategies for making your gratitude heartfelt and impactful, plus get inspired by resources like "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin and the "10% Happier" podcast that can give your gratitude practice a meaningful boost.
We'll also tackle the common obstacles fundraisers face when trying to incorporate gratitude into their daily routines, from time constraints to emotional exhaustion. Learn how keeping a gratitude journal, starting meetings with gratitude sharing, and personalizing your thank yous can make a world of difference. We conclude with an invitation to implement a new gratitude practice and share your experiences, fostering a supportive and appreciative fundraising community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your well-being and the success of your philanthropic efforts through the power of gratitude.
10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris
The Happiness Story - Stanford Report
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - This link is an Amazon Affiliate Link, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through it at no additional cost to you.
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Hey there, ambitious fundraisers, I've got some questions for you. Are you enjoying these weekly episodes? Have you found value, inspiration or just plain enjoyment from them? Would you like to show your appreciation in a meaningful way? You can now contribute by becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3 a month. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. And remember listening to this podcast is always free, but your monthly support is like giving us a big thumbs up. Imagine this you're not just a listener. You're part of a community that believes in the power of fundraising to change the world. By joining with other passionate listeners, you're investing in the quality of the content you love. Every dollar you contribute goes directly into making this podcast better Better equipment, more in-depth research and production quality that makes every episode shine. Plus, your support helps us stay ad-free so you can enjoy uninterrupted content. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. Think about it For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can become a subscriber and know that you're making a tangible difference. Your support directly helps improve the quality of this podcast. And, more than that, you're sustaining a space where fundraisers like you can find inspiration, learn new strategies and feel connected to a larger mission. Check out the show notes for the subscription link.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Becoming a subscriber means joining a group of like-minded individuals who are all about making a real impact. It's more than just a contribution. It's a statement that you believe in the power of collective effort. When you support this podcast, you're supporting a community that grows together, learns together and makes a difference together. Your contribution, no matter the size, means the world. To me, it's a way of saying that you value this content and want to see it thrive. So, if you find joy in knowing that your support sustains creative and educational endeavors, consider becoming a supporter today. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. Click it and join our community of supporters. Thanks for listening and, as always, keep making a difference out there. Together, we can achieve incredible things. Hey there, hi, and welcome back to let's Talk Fundraising.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Have you ever felt like there are times when your personal life meshes and synchronizes across all areas of your life? That's kind of what I've been going through this week. Taking a moment to be grateful for all the different things happening in my life Good things I can be thankful for and celebrate. Challenges that are teaching me things expanding my awareness and reframing long-held beliefs. Yeah, I'm grateful for them, even though they can be so hard to get through. But this week I've also been reading through thank you letters from scholarship recipients, getting ready to send them out to the donors that funded those scholarships, and I have to tell you this is one of the most incredible batch of thank you letters I've ever seen students write. Each recipient has shared heartfelt stories about their background, the change they want to be in the world and how receiving this scholarship helps them on their path to being that changemaker they envision of themselves.
Keith Greer, CFRE:As development professionals, we can often get tunnel vision around achieving our financial and performance metrics, losing sight of the transformative work we are enabling around us, and I know that for me, when I get into that singular view, my joy in the work of fundraising really diminishes. The stress of goals becomes consuming and the energy I bring to the work substantially changes. Maybe you're the same way too, and I think it's bigger than gratitude. It's about being joyful in the work that we do, and some days that is hard, like really hard. Some of us work in emotionally draining and mentally challenging industries, whether it's hospice and being surrounded by death and dying rape, crisis centers helping people get through some of the most challenging times of their lives, fighting for equal rights and facing people every day whose views are diametrically opposed and resist a more equitable society, or one of the millions of other causes that nonprofits focus on improving every day. When we're faced with these enormous challenges within society heck, even within life it's almost easier to get that tunnel vision and focus on achieving those performance goals and metrics, because these problems are so big we aren't likely to be able to fix them on our own. But we have to be able to find joy in our work too. Our work, too, I believe. Without joy, we aren't as effective at changing the world as we want to be, and I have repeatedly found out the best way to find my joy is by focusing on my gratitude.
Keith Greer, CFRE:So in this episode, let's dive into the different ways we can find and share our gratitude. In philanthropy, let's talk about how this isn't just something we do for ourselves to stay motivated, but also one of the most consequential aspects of our work. When we share genuine gratitude with our donors and partners, it reinvigorates us and strengthens our relationships with them. This act of expressing thanks becomes a powerful motivator and propels our philanthropic relationships forward, fostering deeper connections and inspiring continued support. Let's explore how we can transform our routine gratitude practices into heartfelt gestures that create lasting impacts. We'll look at strategies for making our thank yous more meaningful and discuss the ripple effect these expressions of gratitude can have on our work and our donors' engagement. So grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable spot and let's talk fundraising. All right, let's dive into the heart of our discussion, understanding gratitude in the context of our work as fundraisers.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Gratitude isn't just a feel-good concept. It's a powerful tool that can transform our personal and professional lives. When we talk about gratitude in fundraising, we're looking at how a simple thank you can go a long way, enhancing our emotional well-being, reducing stress and rekindling our passion for the work we do. Stress and rekindling our passion for the work we do. Working in the nonprofit sector can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally taxing. We deal with heavy topics, from illness and injustice to poverty and crisis. In this context, gratitude serves as an anchor. It helps us maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with daunting challenges.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Imagine starting your day by reflecting on the things you're grateful for in your work. Maybe it's the thank you note from a donor, the smile of a beneficiary or the supportive words from a colleague these small moments of appreciation can boost your emotional well-being, helping you navigate through the tough days with a lighter heart. Gratitude also plays a crucial role in stress reduction. When we're stressed, it's easy to get caught up in a cycle of negativity, focusing on what's going wrong instead of what's going right. By actively practicing gratitude, we shift our focus to positive aspects, which can lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm and balance. And then there's the rekindling of passion. Over time, even the most dedicated fundraisers can experience burnout. The relentless pursuit of goals, the pressure to secure funding and the emotional weight of our causes can dim our initial enthusiasm. Gratitude can reignite that spark. By regularly reminding ourselves of the impact we're making and the lives we're touching, we reconnect with our purpose and passion for the work. Let's talk about the professional benefits too.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Expressing gratitude is not just good for us. It's also essential for building strong relationships with our donors. When donors feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue supporting our causes. Improved donor relations starts with a heartfelt thank you. When we take the time to genuinely express our gratitude, we show donors that they are valued partners in our mission. This simple act of appreciation can deepen the connection between the donor and the organization, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust. Increased donor retention is another significant benefit. Studies have shown that donors who feel appreciated are more likely to give again. A sincere thank. You can turn a one-time donor into a lifelong supporter. By regularly expressing our gratitude, we create a positive feedback loop where donors feel good about their contributions and are motivated to continue their support. Gratitude can also lead to increased support. Donors who feel valued are more likely to spread the word about our cause, bringing in new supporters and advocates. They become ambassadors for our mission, sharing their positive experiences with others and encouraging them to get involved. So gratitude isn't just a nicety, it's a necessity. It enhances our personal well-being and plays a crucial role in our professional success. By making gratitude a central part of our daily practice, we can create a more positive, effective and fulfilling fundraising environment.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Expressing gratitude isn't just another task to check off our to-do list. It's a transformative practice that has far-reaching impacts on our relationships and our mission. When we genuinely express our thanks, we're doing more than acknowledging a donation. We're building deeper, more meaningful relationships with our donors. Think about it when someone feels truly appreciated, they're more likely to feel connected and engaged.
Keith Greer, CFRE:A heartfelt thank you can turn a casual supporter into a passionate advocate for our cause. Thank you for your support. But it's much more powerful to show them how their support is making a difference, whether it's through stories, photos or updates. Demonstrating the real-world outcomes of their generosity helps donors see themselves as part of the change. They're not just giving money, they're transforming lives and communities. When donors see the impact of their contributions, it encourages continued and increased support. People want to feel like their efforts matter, that they're part of something bigger than themselves. By regularly communicating the positive outcomes their donations have enabled, we reinforce their commitment to our cause. They become more than donors. They become partners in our mission. So how do we make sure our expressions of gratitude are as impactful as possible?
Keith Greer, CFRE:Personalization is key. A generic thank you note can feel perfunctory, but as a personalized message that speaks directly to the donor's contribution and its impact, can resonate deeply, mention specific projects or outcomes that their donation has supported. Let them know exactly how they've made a difference. Storytelling is another powerful tool. Share real-life stories and testimonials from beneficiaries who have benefited directly by the donor's support. These stories can evoke emotions and create a connection that goes beyond the transactional nature of giving.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Timing is also important. Sending a thank you promptly shows that you value the donor's contribution and are attentive to their support. A delayed thank you can feel like an afterthought, while a timely one underscores its importance. And let's not forget about creativity. While a handwritten note is always appreciated, consider mixing it up with video thank yous, social media shout outs or even a surprise phone call. These gestures can make your gratitude stand out and leave a lasting impression. These gestures can make your gratitude stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Keith Greer, CFRE:By making our gratitude genuine, personalized, timely and creative, we can transform it from a routine task into a meaningful practice that strengthens our relationships with donors. It's about showing them that they are integral to our mission, that their support is invaluable and that together we are making a difference. As we move forward in our fundraising journey, let's commit to making gratitude a central part of our practice, not just for the sake of our donors, but for ourselves too, because when we focus on gratitude, we find more joy in our work, more connection with our supporters and more success in our mission. Now let's dive into some practical tips for incorporating gratitude into our daily routines as fundraisers. One effective way to keep gratitude front and center is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to jot down things you're thankful for in your work, in your personal life, in any area that it matters to you. It could be a successful fundraising event, a kind word from a colleague or a moving story from a beneficiary. This simple practice can help you stay focused on the positive aspects of your work and maintain that grateful mindset.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Start team meetings with gratitude sharing is another great practice. Encourage everyone to share something they're thankful for before diving into the agenda. This not only sets a positive tone for the meeting, but also fosters a supportive and appreciative team environment. It helps everyone recognize and celebrate the small wins and contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. And celebrate the small wins and contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Setting reminders to express thanks regularly can also be very helpful, whether it's a weekly reminder to send out thank you notes or a daily prompt to acknowledge a colleague's efforts. Having these reminders can ensure that gratitude becomes a regular habit rather than an occasional gesture.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Creating a culture of gratitude within your organization is equally important. Encourage staff to thank each other for their contributions and support. This can be as simple as a quick thank you email or a shout out during a meeting. When gratitude flows freely among team members, it creates a more positive and collaborative work environment. Celebrating small and big wins collectively is another powerful way to cultivate gratitude. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both large and small, whether it's reaching a fundraising milestone, completing a challenging project or simply making it through a tough week. Recognizing these moments helps build a sense of accomplishment and appreciation among the team. By incorporating these daily gratitude practices and fostering a culture of appreciation within your organization, you can enhance your personal well-being and create a more positive, effective and fulfilling work environment.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Gratitude isn't just that nice to have. It's a powerful tool that can transform the way we work and the impact we have on our mission. While incorporating gratitude into our work life is incredibly beneficial, it's important to acknowledge that it's not always easy. Let's talk about some of the common obstacles fundraisers face in maintaining a gratitude practice and how we can overcome them. One major challenge is time constraints. Our schedules are often packed with meetings, events and deadlines, leaving little room for anything extra. It can feel overwhelming to add one more task to the list, even if it's something as positive as expressing gratitude. To overcome this, try integrating gratitude into your existing routines rather than viewing it as an additional task. For example, set aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of each day to write in your gratitude journal, or start your team meetings with a quick round of gratitude sharing. By making these small adjustments, you can build a habit of gratitude without feeling like it's taking extra time out of your day.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Another significant obstacle is emotional exhaustion. Working in the nonprofit sector can be draining, especially when we're constantly confronted with challenging situations and stories. It can be hard to find the energy to express gratitude when we are feeling depleted. In these moments, it's crucial to remember that gratitude can actually help replenish our emotional reserves. Take a few moments each day to focus on the positives, no matter how small they may seem. Reflecting on the good can provide a much-needed boost of positivity and resilience. Additionally, lean on your team for support. Encourage a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their struggles and their triumphs, creating a supportive environment that helps mitigate emotional exhaustion.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Finding the right words or gestures to express gratitude can also be challenging. We might worry that our thank yous will come off as insincere or repetitive. To address this, focus on personalization and specificity. When thanking a donor, mention something unique about their contribution and its impact. For example, instead of a generic thank you for your donation, you might say your generous gift helped us fund a new program for at-risk youth which is already making a huge difference in their lives. The more specific and personal your gratitude, the more meaningful it will be. And if you're struggling with finding the right words, consider varying your methods of expressing gratitude. Sometimes a handwritten note is perfect, but other times a video message or that social media shout out might be more appropriate.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Experiment with different mediums to keep your expressions of gratitude fresh and impactful. By acknowledging these common challenges and adopting strategies to overcome them, we can maintain a consistent and meaningful gratitude practice. Remember, it's about integrating gratitude into our daily lives in a way that feels manageable and genuine. Now that we've explored the importance of gratitude in our work and discussed ways to overcome the challenges in maintaining a gratitude practice, let's put this into action. I encourage you to implement one new gratitude practice this week. I encourage you to implement one new gratitude practice this week, whether it's starting a gratitude journal, beginning your meetings with gratitude sharing or sending a heartfelt thank you note to a donor. Choose one practice and make it part of your routine. I would love to hear how it goes for you, too. Share your experiences and stories of gratitude and fundraising on social media or in the comments section of this podcast. Your stories could inspire others and create a ripple effect of gratitude in our fundraising community.
Keith Greer, CFRE:For some additional inspiration and to deepen your understanding of the power of gratitude and happiness, I recommend listening to the podcast 10% Happier with Dan Harris. Dan offers practical advice on living a more fulfilling life, and his episodes often touch on the importance of gratitude. Also, take a moment to read the Happiness Story from the Stanford Report. This fascinating piece explores the relationship between happiness and altruism, showing how helping others can significantly boost our own happiness. According to the report, altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, creating the so-called helper's high. This reinforces the idea that the work we do not only benefits others, but also enhances our own well-being. And if you haven't already picked up a copy of the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, gretchen's year-long experiment in increasing her own happiness offers valuable insights and practical tips that can easily be applied to our work in fundraising. One key takeaway is the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the good in our own lives, which aligns perfectly with our focus on gratitude.
Keith Greer, CFRE:As we wrap up, let's recap the key points we've discussed today. We've explored the transformative power of gratitude in both our personal and professional lives. We've talked about how expressing gratitude can boost our emotional well-being, reduce stress and reignite our passion for our work. On the professional side, we've seen how genuine expressions of things can build stronger relationships with our donors, increase donor retention and encourage continued support. We've also touched on practical tips for incorporating gratitude into our daily routines, from keeping a gratitude journal to starting team meetings with gratitude sharing and creating that culture of appreciation within our organizations. We addressed common obstacles like time constraints and emotional exhaustion, and provided strategies for overcoming them.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Gratitude isn't just a nicety. It's a powerful transformative practice that helps us connect more deeply with our mission, our donors and each other. By making gratitude a central part of our daily practice, we can create a more positive, effective and fulfilling fundraising environment. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in the fundraising world. Your efforts make a profound difference in the lives of those you serve. Remember, each act of gratitude not only strengthens your relationships with donors, but also enriches your own experience and well-being. You are the agents of gratitude, the ones who bring light and positivity into the world through your work. Feel wonderful about the role you're playing in making the world a better place. Wonderful about the role you're playing in making the world a better place.
Keith Greer, CFRE:One thank you at a time that wraps up our discussion for today. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of gratitude and fundraising. Remember, every thank you we share is a step toward a more connective and effective fundraising effort. Until next time, keep finding the joy in your work and sharing it with the world. Next time, keep finding the joy in your work and sharing it with the world.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Hey there, ambitious fundraisers, I've got some questions for you. Are you enjoying these weekly episodes? Have you found value, inspiration or just plain enjoyment from them? Would you like to show your appreciation in a meaningful way? You can now contribute by becoming a monthly supporter for as little as $3 a month. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. And remember, listening to this podcast is always free, but your monthly support is like giving us a big thumbs up. Imagine this you're not just a listener. You're part of a community that believes in the power of fundraising to change the world. By joining with other passionate listeners, you're investing in the quality of the content you love. Every dollar you contribute goes directly into making this podcast better Better equipment, more in-depth research and production quality that makes every episode shine. Plus, your support helps us stay ad-free so you can enjoy uninterrupted content. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. Think about it For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can become a subscriber and know that you're making a tangible difference. Your support directly helps improve the quality of this podcast. And more than that, you're sustaining a space where fundraisers like you can find inspiration, learn new strategies and feel connected to a larger mission. Check out the show notes for the subscription link.
Keith Greer, CFRE:Becoming a subscriber means joining a group of like-minded individuals who are all about making a real impact. It's more than just a contribution. It's a statement that you believe in the power of collective effort. When you support this podcast, you're supporting a community that grows together, learns together and makes a difference together. Your contribution, no matter the size, means the world. To me, it's a way of saying that you value this content and want to see it thrive. So if you find joy in knowing that your support sustains creative and educational endeavors, consider becoming a supporter today. The link to subscribe is right in the show notes. Click it and join our community of supporters. Thanks for listening and, as always, keep making a difference out there. Together, we can achieve incredible things.
