The Ripples You Might Never See

Each week I write this Breakthru Guide as a small act of devotion: to join with givers, to honor this great vocation, and to stand with the brave souls who keep showing up everyday and extending invitations.

💖Please share with your friends who are on the frontlines raising funds for amazing causes💖

Welcome to the newcomers!

(This is part 1 - "I is for Impact" - of the INSPIRED series. See the introduction post here.)

A few years ago, I ended up spending more time than expected with one of our monthly givers. Not a major giver. Not someone we were grooming for a campaign. Just a steady soul who showed up every month with twenty-five dollars and a genuine love for the mission.

We would meet up for coffee. I listened to their stories. I sent notes and little follow-ups. And honestly? I probably invested more time than some people would say “was worth it”.

Fast forward to two years later. An email appeared in my inbox from that supporter.
‍Hey - I’ve been talking to a friend about your work. You should meet. I think they’d really connect with what you're building.

‍That “friend” turned out to be one of our largest givers. They joined the board. They helped shift the trajectory of what we were able to do.

Was it cause and effect? I can’t say for sure. I’d like to think so.

‍It All Counts

‍Every time I slow down long enough to truly pay attention… Every time I focus on someone else, express care, or listen a little longer than I have to… I’m making a contribution.

And so are you.‍

What Counts as a Contribution?

‍We usually picture contributions in the big, cinematic moments - the gala that brings in a record-breaking total, the ribbon-cutting on a new wing. The stuff with spotlights and speeches.

But this week, I want you to pay attention to the quieter scenes - the ones people tend to miss.

The moment you invite someone to give, clearly and courageously.
The hour you spend sharpening your website so the mission shines through.
The proposal you rewrite with less jargon and a little more heart.
The nod you give to a back-office teammate whose work rarely gets applause.
The way you help a giver feel seen - not just managed and mined.
The plan you scrap and rebuild because something in your gut whispered, not this way.
‍The thank-you you send that feels like warmth, not obligation.
And even the time you say “no” to a gift that would pull you off the mission.

None of these moments are dramatic. But every one of them is a contribution.

Quiet.
Steady.
Sacred.

‍The World You're Helping Build

‍Every time you choose clarity over confusion… humility over ego… patience over hurry… generosity over fear… you’re quietly shaping the culture of your organization.

You’re building a place where people give because they trust you.  Where they feel seen, not sized up. Where they remember they’re not just funders - they’re human beings with stories, hopes, and reasons for caring.

With every small choice, you have the opportunity to help gifts flow more freely, stories land more deeply, and relationships grow more authentically.

You may not see the effect today. You may not even see it during your time on staff.

Here’s what we’re carrying into this week:

‍We have an important contribution to make - this week. Not someday.
Not when things quiet down.
Not when the big gift finally arrives.
Now, in the middle of the mess and motion.

‍A Simple Reminder

‍If these words speak to you, capture them.
Write them on a sticky note.
Say them out loud before your next meeting.
Tape them to the corner of your screen.

Share them with someone who feels overlooked or stretched thin.
And if they feel hard to believe right now - don’t force it.
Let someone else hold that belief for you until you’re ready to carry it again.

You don’t need to be impressive.
You just need to be present.
What you’re doing matters.

Your contribution this week might ripple farther than you’ll ever know.

* * * * * * * * * *

‍If you haven't taken advantage of some of the resources I've created to help major gift fundraisers, take a look now!  Initial calls with me are free and "no strings attached".  Sometimes folks feel like they need to wait and not 'bother' me until they have a pressing issue.  No need for that...just make the call. 🕺

‍Here's where you can access a lot of content for free:

* Major Gift Fundraising MRI Scan - A story-based self-assessment that helps you name your instincts, clarify your posture, and grow with intention. Takes less than 20 minutes and gives you a custom coaching summary based on your responses.

* JappaFry Writer - A freely available AI tool that draws from over 175 pages of original teaching, storytelling, frameworks, and strategy from my 30 year career in major gift fundraising.

‍* Follow me on LinkedIn - You'll get short pro-tips and reflections on major gift fundraising every day between 5-7am pacific.

* Breakthru Newsletter - As you've seen here, these are longer weekly posts (audio and written) sent directly to your email.

* Breakthru Blog - the newsletter from the previous week gets posted here each week for everyone (so email subscribers get it a week early).

* Breakthru Podcast - Interviews with high net worth givers about how we as fundraisers can get better at inviting them to the party.  And audio readings of Breakthru Blog posts.

‍Before getting to the PAID stuff: My opinion is that no small ministry with a tight budget should be spending more than $3-5k (total) for major gift coaching/consulting.  Most of you will be good-to-go spending far less than that.  This was a major issue for me when I was a frontline fundraiser - major gift consultants were an expensive 'black-box-of-confusion' for me.  That stops now.

‍Here's the PAID stuff:

‍* Online Catalyst Course - This is a full brain dump of my 28+ years of experience - good, bad, ugly.  It's built around the fundamentals, the sacredness, and the fun, of major gift fundraising.  It's infused with Henri Nouwen reflections.  Many people can take this course and they will be 'cooking-with-gas' and not need any additional coaching from me on the core systems.  I'm grateful that this course has gotten *great* reviews.

* Live coaching with me - I refer to this as "brain rental".  The ROI on live coaching, as you might imagine, is extraordinary.

Finally, be sure to connect with my colleague Ivana Salloum.  She's super awesome and can help with scheduling and access to resources, etc.

I look forward to hearing about your good work!

Blessings,