America’s Second Harvest’s new direct-marketing approach yields ‘remarkable results’ and proves that donors are hungry for more intimate relationships with nonprofits.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

“In general, we try not, within reason, to let money be a reason for people to leave,” Delany says. “If we no longer are able to provide growth, that’s another thing. But in an environment like I’m describing, there’s plenty of opportunity for people to step up and move up.”

For her part, Shoemaker reiterates Delany’s warning against complacency and stresses the importance of keeping your eye on the prize, as they say. “Remember that you aren’t raising money for money’s sake. It’s easy to lose focus when you get into the rhythm of your job and program,” she explains. “My fundraising efforts are tied to a cause that enables millions of Americans at risk of hunger to access groceries, and I try to remind myself of that often.”