2 lesser known causes of fundraising plateaus
Ever feel like you should be raising more money than you are?
Or why it seems easier for other organizations?
I've been there.
In my search to understand WHY for some raising millions seems so easy and for others, it's elusive and remains impossible, even when they care a lot.
I was recently talking to a nonprofit Executive Director and I asked about her long-term vision for impact.
She shared they would love to expand their programs to 7 new states in the U.S. in the next 5 years.
And I asked how much that would cost, and she said...
"I don't know, that's a great question."
To raise more money, we first must have a clear NECESSITY: What is our measurable, time-bound, long-term goal for impact? In other words, what are we raising money for, specifically?
If there is a lack of NECESSITY, you will struggle to raise MORE. Because what is it for?
>>> If you're not in crisis
>>> If you're not about to lose your job
>>> If you aren't putting our fires
>>> If there isn't chaos
Once the smoke has cleared and you are stable as an organization again (and you may still be working towards stability)
What is the long-term vision that requires you to RAISE MORE?
Do you connect to it emotionally?
Does it excite you and motivate you to ask for more?
You can have clear necessity, and still not raise more.
To raise more, you'll also need the right PSYCHOLOGY that supports your future goals and future self.
If we want new results, we must evolve.
Our beliefs about:
Our identity
Our worth
Money
People with wealth
are more consequential to our success than any strategy or tactic.
For example, if you believe that most wealthy people are greedy, selfish, and evil, you will make sure to not become one.
This belief (even if it's rooted in experience) demands you DON'T raise more money to remain a good person.
It's either or thinking. Either I raise more money OR I'm a good person.
Or the belief that there's never ENOUGH money. Pretty common. Most nonprofit folks do not come from a wealthy background.
This is the conversation we had inside CourageLab 2.0 this week. (Doors are open until Friday 12pm PST)
We walked through the mental framework necessary for greater fundraising success.
If you aren't clear on the NECESSITY and the PSYCHOLOGY you need to be successful, a new level of success will remain elusive.
This work is personal. These conversations are uncomfortable.
Success is uncomfortable.
It requires a new version of us.
If you want support in the journey of reaching a new level of success no one you know has accomplished, I'd love to help. Reply if you're interested in working together.
It's not just about strategy and tactics; it's about becoming the leader who can generate, manage, and embrace greater success.
