You’ll Be Grateful Today, But Even More So in 2020
I just read this from Seth Godin’s blog:
“…years from now, your future self is going to thank you for something you did today, for an asset you began to build, a habit you formed, a seed you planted.
Even if you’re not sure of where it will lead, today’s the day to begin.”
It made me think so much of monthly giving, I just had to share it with you.
But first, today, on Veterans Day, let me tell you that I’m so grateful to my military family members and friends for all they’ve done and continue to do to keep us safe and free.
And as we’re getting ready for Thanskgiving, I’m especially grateful for everything YOU do for the clients, people, children, animals you serve.
As a fundraiser you too make a difference every day, so THANK YOU!
Fundraising is not easy. It requires a lot of juggling. You often wear multiple different hats. And sadly, sometimes it also requires struggles, conflicts, budget adjustments and so much more… All because you’re looking to help someone and make this world just a better place to be.
So, as you’re getting ready for your big year-end push, here’s just a little reminder that everything you do today is going to make an impact, and even more so one year or two years from now. As long as you take the next step, as long as you keep showing up, as long as you do the right thing—good things will start happening. So just chip away at it and you’ll be proud to see the results.
Let me share one example. As you know I do a lot of in-person presenting on monthly giving and these past few weeks have been very busy. I typically “roam the room” ahead of time to get a feel for attendees, their challenges and numbers to see where organizations are with their programs.
Last week, I was pleased to hear from an organization who started just a year ago with three monthly donors and now they had 30, generating $25,000 a year. They’re looking to double that number next year. They’re small, but they just keep chipping away at it.
Just think, where they would be if they hadn’t taken that small step last year? So, think about it, start today and you’ll be better off in 2020, which is just around the corner.
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- Monthly Giving
Erica Waasdorp is one of the leading experts on monthly giving. She is the president of A Direct Solution, a company serving nonprofit organizations with fundraising and direct marketing needs, with a focus on monthly giving and appeals. She authored "Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant" and "Monthly Giving Made Easy." She regularly blogs and presents on fundraising, appeals and monthly giving — in person and through webinars. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about this great way of improving retention rates for your donors.
Erica has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and direct response. She helped the nonprofits she works with raise millions of dollars through monthly giving programs. She is also very actively supports organizations with annual fund planning and execution, ranging from copywriting, creative, lists, print and mail execution.
When she’s not working or writing, Erica can be found on the golf course (she’s a straight shooter) or quietly reading a book. And if there’s an event with a live band, she and her husband, Patrick, can be found on the dance floor. She also loves watching British drama on PBS. Erica and Patrick have two step sons and a cat, Mientje.
