Ask for advice, receive a gift.

Ask for gifts nonstop, and you're going to get advice.

What you might not realize is that “advice” might be in the form of silence or non-response with zero gifts. If you’re blessed, your donor will tell you what it feels like to be tapped for donations without ever being known or asked to contribute through connection. It might hurt a bit, but you’ll be grateful.

Knowing your donors is a game-changer. But — if your goal is money, stop now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Your goal has to be authentic — it has to be a connection. Your desire to give joy, express gratitude, and recognize purpose in your donor motivates you to learn them. Out of that exchange comes provision for you both—encouragement, friendship, and support. Isolating the “support” part of the relationship will produce very short-lived donor engagements, and put you squarely in the arena of manipulation.

There are multiple ways to begin to build a connection, even with just an email address. ASKING questions is by far one of the most accessible and meaningful. I advise taking the end of January and through February to engage with your “family” and launch a season of giving back after they have given so much during year-end.

Start with donor surveys—ask how your family experiences you. Ask if you are conveying the mission effectively. Ask if you are expressing gratitude and giving them what they need. Ask if hearing from you brings them joy. Find out if they feel wrapped up in the story of your mission. Because when they do, your partners will show up in heroic ways.

With Joy!

P.S.» My tribe who has subscribed to The Zion Model 52-week SMART Plan Playbook will find January Week Four below. And if you need to schedule a discovery consultation for customized guidance,