What does it feel like to grow donations 40% in a single year?

{And other Week FOUR inspirations.}

It feels like a big, deep breath.

It feels like a validation of 365 days of faithful, donor-centric activity.

It feels like hope.

If I were sharing names, you could ask my client because this just happened to them. This organization uniquely invests in its partner family, and it shows. I’ll give you a fun fact that says it all — and it’s the paradigm shift that changed everything for them — February is their favorite month. It’s the lowest revenue month of the year, and it’s the month of the lowest donations. But it’s their favorite because it’s the month where they GIVE BACK to these faithful, connected partners.

I call February “Donor Love” month. After the press of year-end giving, it’s time to fill them up.

Love your donors by asking for advice and feedback.

Love your donors by expressing gratitude in a personalized way.

Love your donors by wrapping them up in the story of what THEY DO, not what YOU DO.

Love your donors by not asking for another gift (yet).

Love your donors by getting to know them.

They will love you back. And next year, YOU might be the one telling us how it feels to increase giving by 40% in just one year. I can’t wait to hear from you.

With Joy!

P.S.» Are you enjoying these coaching letters? If so, please share with 3 to 4 of your nonprofit friends!

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