103: Generosity of Lonely Pioneers

"...We cannot attempt to recount here the long story of all good causes which came to be recognized only after lonely pioneers had devoted their lives and fortunes to arousing the public conscience, of their long campaigns until at last they gained support..."

This week, I’m reflecting on this quote by Friedrich Hayek from The Constitution of Liberty, published in 1960.

Reflection questions:

•  As you consider this quote, are there donors that come to mind?  Donors who will devote their time and wealth sacrificially for the causes we serve?

• How will you walk beside these donors to support and encourage them in their community leadership?

Reflection on quote:

The role of wealth in our society and in nonprofit work has been much debated.  While we are all aware of demanding donors with unproductive ideas, on LinkedIn, someone posted a quote discussing how individual donors can create positive societal change.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of coaching a client through a gap campaign where the client had to raise $2 million in 6 weeks or face significant financial consequences. Quietly, a small group of major donors stepped in.  The leadership of these donors has and will lead to more giving by the community.  As Hajek states, when donors employ their wealth sacrificially in order to arouse the public conscience, there can be significant societal change.  The challenge for us as fund development professionals is to identify within our communities and donor databases those lonely pioneers willing to devote their lives and fortunes to our causes and work beside them.

What do you think? Send me a text.

To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop