How ‘Little Men’ Are Like Monthly Donors
You may have heard that I love positive, uplifting, romantic movies and series! I typically “hang out at night” with something that has received the Hallmark stamp of approval.
Recently, I discovered “Little Men.” Written in 1871, it’s a sequel to one of my favorite books of all-time by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women.”
I read it as a little girl, in the Dutch translation of course. Even with all their struggles, it was such a positive book. The values. Caring for your neighbors. Philanthropy!
And “Little Men” does not disappoint. It’s set at an all-boys school in Concord, Mass. As young as the boys are, you can see their character. You can see the power of collaboration and values. You can see the impact they have on each other. You can see their friendships. One of the episodes even touches on philanthropy, what it means and how it makes you feel.
Some may think that monthly donors are just “little” men and women, “little donors.” But boy, they’re so powerful and mighty. You can see their character. You can see their impact on your organization, not to mention their value(s).
So, if you want to escape from today’s rat race, violence and struggles, go back in time with “Little Men” and remember that even “little” men and women can make a huge difference!
And if you want to find “little” donors who can help you grow your donor retention and fundraising revenue, start chipping away at it, one phone call, one letter, one email at a time. Happy watching!
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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.
