Week Two: 110% of goal raised

and how to be THAT nonprofit

In the middle of a client consultation via video this morning, I started to see texts roll in: “incredible!” “it’s a miracle!” “We can’t believe it!

This small organization, brand new to strategic and structured year-end campaign fundraising, bravely stepped out of its comfort zone. For them, it was a breaking year, just like many of us. More change than was comfortable, unfamiliar and intimidating horizons, a need for refreshed branding and messaging, and dwindling revenues.

This year-end campaign was about much more than funds. It was about pivoting to fresh messaging, wrapping their tribe up in the story of their WHY, and also… P.S…inviting support. Honestly, it was about surviving. Do or die.

Every meeting, these brave ones blinked at me and said shakily, “Oh boy. Ok. We’ll try it.” With more pluck, vim, and vigor than I see in many well-funded and enormous (comparatively) organizations, this small team GOT. IT. DONE.

They showed up, they took counsel, and they implemented it. They trusted that engaging deeper with their family of supporters and investing in a fresh way forward would bring health. Boy, did it! Not only was their big goal raised, but giving exceeded it by 10%!!!

More likely than not, you are leading a small team in a small to medium-sized nonprofit. Think about evaluating your donor care and messaging practices this coming year and setting some new big, audacious goals. With intentionality, faithfulness, and showing up for it—you might blow your funding goals out of the water in 2022.

With Joy!

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