I was delighted to receive calls from two nonprofit executives during the final days of 2013. Both calls were to pass along some great news regarding year-end endowment commitments. As I rejoiced with them, a Chinese proverb that came to mind: ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’
For these organizations, it was obvious that their good news wasn’t the result of a year-end solicitation, but rather the result of an earlier decision to take the first steps in starting and endowment development program.
Both executives realized at the time that an endowment program could help assure the long-term financial strength and mission viability of their organization in their community and that they needed to get a program started. They also soon realized that taking those first steps was much easier and more enjoyable than they had anticipated.
The first step, as well as subsequent steps, are easy to take, and the implications for your organization (and for your organization’s best friends) are huge. This is true for nonprofits, schools, churches, or any organization that relies on contributed support.
If Donor By Design can be of assistance in taking those first steps to get you started and to position your organization to be the recipient of great year-end news, please let us know!