86: Never Wasted

"..No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

This week, I’m reading a story from Aesop’s Fables, titled the Lion and the Mouse as told sometime between 620 and 564 BC.

Reflection question:

• What kindness can you give to a donor this week?

Reflection on quote:

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the relationship with donors is only about asking or thanking.  A donor gives, and we thank them and report back on the impact their gifts has.  Yet, relationships with donors can be so much more than that.

Relationships with donors can be filled with small kindnesses.  It’s the time we spend getting to know them and showing them that we see them for who they are.  It’s the opportunities to give a kind word.  It’s the giving space to the donor to find more meaning in their lives.  And, sometimes it’s even practical help.  During the toilet paper shortage of COVID, one of my clients had excess toilet paper and offered it to donors.  A kindness is never wasted in our relationships with donors.

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

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

Transcript

Welcome back. This podcast explores the beautiful space where generosity occurs through ancient and modern writings from all cultures, seeking deeper wisdom for fund development work. If you like this podcast, please rate or review in your favorite podcast app.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the relationship with donors is only about asking or thanking.  A donor gives, and we thank them and report back on the impact their gifts has.  Yet, relationships with donors can be so much more than that. This week, I’m reading a story from Aesop’s Fables, titled the Lion and the Mouse as told sometime between 620 and 564 BC.

Quote

A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across the Lion's nose. Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her.

"Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go and some day I will surely repay you."

The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.

Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion was caught in the toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free himself, he filled the forest with his angry roaring. The Mouse knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the net. Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it until it parted, and soon the Lion was free.

"You laughed when I said I would repay you," said the Mouse. "Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Unquote

Relationships with donors can be filled with small kindnesses.  It’s the time we spend getting to know them and showing them that we see them for who they are.  It’s the opportunities to give a kind word.  It’s the giving space to the donor to find more meaning in their lives.  And, sometimes it’s even practical help.  During the toilet paper shortage of COVID, one of my clients had excess toilet paper and offered it to donors.  A kindness is never wasted in our relationships with donors.

Let’s reflect on 1 question this week:

What kindness can you give to a donor this week?

Share this podcast if you enjoy these five-minute reflections and subscribe to receive these reflections released every Monday. To explore fundraising coaching deeper, visit Serving Nonprofits dot com. See you next week.