I have a friend who went to an event recently where there was a walk-through of a new fairly large, donor-funded facility that was under construction. The site was well designed, and a staff person enthusiastically gave a tour that explained what functions would be done in each area. The presentation was for a small group of major donors.
Your posts are so illuminating. Although they might be seen as 'tales from the frontlines' that I'll never see in reality or in person, their messages are universal.
So lesson for today is that no--it doesn't hurt to thank *anybody and everybody* for their efforts. In an era when we've all got commitments and overbook ourselves, had the development exec merely thanked them for *showing up*--when in fact they probably had X # of things to do that evening--it would've gone a long way.
Which reminds me of the profession I recently retired from: casting actors in TV commercials. Actors will step all over themselves and each other to get an audition for a well-paying gig. Nonetheless, I always found a way to thank them for coming. After all, without them, we'd not be able to cast, the production wouldn't happen, and ya know? we'd never get hired again! So 'thank you for showing up'--because we know it's a pain to drive in LA's mid-day traffic, find a place to park, and deal with getting a sitter or whatever other plan B's you had to arrange, to make our or anyone else's audition! Thank you, aspiring actor, for putting us first in your busy day.
As well as: thanks to the donors--whose time may frankly be more important to them than their bank accounts--is a great thing to keep in mind. Thx Lisa for reminding us!
Thanks for the blog. On a technical note, your last link "If you’re not 100% clear on this, read my earlier post on the issue here." points to the wrong article.
Thank you for your wisdom! Philanthropy Revolution has become my "bible" as I begin this journey of non-profit land. As per the 4 agreements by don Miguel Ruiz: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. Lisa Greer, from my brief experience with your gifts to the world, I understand and honor you as being a heart-centered mentor that knows that path.... mahalo
Terrific! Never assume anything about a human being. I firmly believe nonprofits (especially arts organizations) give way too much credence to donor benefits and not enough to donor motivations. Even when a board member or two might decline the benefits because they just want to celebrate the mission, not themselves, they'll still push for that stupid dinner with the director, because, somehow, that's why people donate. Oy.
Your posts are so illuminating. Although they might be seen as 'tales from the frontlines' that I'll never see in reality or in person, their messages are universal.
So lesson for today is that no--it doesn't hurt to thank *anybody and everybody* for their efforts. In an era when we've all got commitments and overbook ourselves, had the development exec merely thanked them for *showing up*--when in fact they probably had X # of things to do that evening--it would've gone a long way.
Which reminds me of the profession I recently retired from: casting actors in TV commercials. Actors will step all over themselves and each other to get an audition for a well-paying gig. Nonetheless, I always found a way to thank them for coming. After all, without them, we'd not be able to cast, the production wouldn't happen, and ya know? we'd never get hired again! So 'thank you for showing up'--because we know it's a pain to drive in LA's mid-day traffic, find a place to park, and deal with getting a sitter or whatever other plan B's you had to arrange, to make our or anyone else's audition! Thank you, aspiring actor, for putting us first in your busy day.
As well as: thanks to the donors--whose time may frankly be more important to them than their bank accounts--is a great thing to keep in mind. Thx Lisa for reminding us!
Thanks for the blog. On a technical note, your last link "If you’re not 100% clear on this, read my earlier post on the issue here." points to the wrong article.
Thank you for your wisdom! Philanthropy Revolution has become my "bible" as I begin this journey of non-profit land. As per the 4 agreements by don Miguel Ruiz: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. Lisa Greer, from my brief experience with your gifts to the world, I understand and honor you as being a heart-centered mentor that knows that path.... mahalo
Terrific! Never assume anything about a human being. I firmly believe nonprofits (especially arts organizations) give way too much credence to donor benefits and not enough to donor motivations. Even when a board member or two might decline the benefits because they just want to celebrate the mission, not themselves, they'll still push for that stupid dinner with the director, because, somehow, that's why people donate. Oy.