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.

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.

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.  So, this week, I am reflecting a quote from George Eliot’s Middlemarch, published in 1871 with additional quotes from the movie inspired from the Hobbit and the work Silmarillion, both by JRR Tolkien.

Quote.

But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.
Unquote.
From the movie inspired by the Hobbit.
Quote.
Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.

Unquote.

From the Silmarillion.

Quote

 'Many are the strange chances of the world, and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.’

Unquote.

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.

Let’s reflect on two questions this week:

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?

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.