88: Generosity in Ordinary Acts

"...for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts;..."

This week, I am reflecting a quote from George Eliot’s Middlemarch, published in 1871.

Reflection questions:

• When you feel caught up in the uncertainty of this time, what are a few acts of love and kindness that you can do?

• When was the last time you brainstormed small ways that donors can be involved as a partner with the mission you serve? Will you take time this week to do that?

Reflection on quotes:

Last week, I shared quotes about generosity in uncertain times, especially times when personal insults become the norm and it can be tempting to use enmity in fundraising.  While insults and enmity can lead to short-term fundraising boosts, the boosts are rarely sustained; whereas, the damage to our community remains.  This damage is partly due to the apathy that it creates.

During uncertain times, the ordinary people who are our donors often feel overwhelmed.  When we ratchet up that uncertainty through fundraising with enmity, over the long-term, donors then begin to feel powerless and apathetic. This leads to a decrease in their giving. And, yet, neuroscience has proven that the act of giving boosts a donor’s mood and their feelings of agency.  They no longer feel as powerless.  As we share with donors the small acts of kindness and love that they can do through their donations, we empower them to partner with us to keep the uncertainty in check.  We empower them to grow the good in each of our communities through these unhistoric acts.

What do you think? Send me a text.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop