The Monthly Leap - July 2025
Hi there!
I usually love writing these newsletters for all of you, but between the week-long intensive for my doctoral program and taking a few days off for the holiday weekend, I’m out of ideas…so I’m turning it over to the team this month. Hope you enjoy hearing from them as much as I do!
Per usual in our monthly newsletters, keep reading to find out:
What's on Emma’s mind
What's coming up: Lots of celebrating this month!
A tip from Chelsey about how to make the most of the holidays
A quick request: Help us decide our next group training
I hope this email is a little spot of joy in your week!
Rikki
Founder & CEO
LEAP Nonprofit Consulting
What's on Emma's mind?
Something you should know about me is that I’ve had a lot of jobs. Administrative work, retail, childcare, hospitality – you name it, I’ve probably tried it. I’m kind of like Barbie, if she had a few resume gaps.
Along the way, I thought I knew what I wanted to do post-grad. For a while, I was convinced marketing was my thing – until I took Intro to Economics and changed my major faster than you can say “supply and demand.” Then I figured maybe media or news anchoring was the dream – until I totally floundered in front of the camera…and behind it.
Now, about a month into my internship at LEAP, I’m realizing I have finally found my place. For the first time, a job feels like more than just a paycheck or a chore. It feels like a space where I can learn, contribute, and see my future shining brightly in front of me. Working in the nonprofit world has turned out to be the perfect fit for someone with my random set of interests and skills – which I have acquired from my many, many career paths (see, there is a silver lining).
If there’s one thing I’m taking away from these past few years, it’s that finding your passion isn’t always obvious or immediate. Sometimes you have to try a bunch of different things, stumble a bit (thank you, Econ 101), and be patient with yourself. But, when you do inevitably find the right fit, it just clicks.
What's coming up?
One of our core company values is balance – that is, we think it’s important to work, play, and dream all in equal measure. We’ve all got some trips planned for this month, but with a small team, that means things don’t just grind to a halt. There’s always one of us available when a client needs us!
We have a couple of fun celebrations on the books this month with current and former clients! All of these groups are testaments to the good that can happen when a small group of incredibly dedicated people comes together, adds in a little strategy and expertise, and is fearless in making their dreams a reality.
We are so honored to be working with Door2Dreams to help them create independent housing for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in central Wisconsin. We’ll be celebrating their signed developer’s agreement with the city of Stevens Point on July 8, which kicks off the next stage of fundraising for this project.
One of our first clients was the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association. We’ll join them for the ribbon cutting of their new pickleball courts in Plover, WI on July 15. We’re so proud of how quickly they met their fundraising goals to make these courts a reality!
The WHO (Women Helping Out) golf outing in Marshfield is scheduled for July 29 and benefits the Griese Park Playground Renovation project! We helped this Leadership Marshfield group when they were first starting their plans for the project, and are amazed at how quickly they raised more than $700,000 to make this project a reality!
Remember when Rikki spoke at the Women in Business luncheon for the Portage County Business Council in May? If you’re in the area, you don’t want to miss the next one on July 17 where Sarah Ross, Director of Community Leadership at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, presents: Curious by Design: Redefining Leadership Success.
We’ll see you at the Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit July 23-24 in Milwaukee! Rikki is co-presenting on “Leading from the Future” with her friend Gary Hubbell, who is an absolute guru when it comes to leadership development. It’s a fun opportunity to bring some of her classroom learning into a presentation!
The next cohort of Mastering Donor Meetings kicks off July 30. It’s already about 1/3 full, so make sure to register soon if you want to join us!
Chelsey's Tip of the Month
As the 4th of July weekend approaches, many of us will be out and about - at parades, backyard barbecues, and community events. In a small town like ours, that usually means seeing a lot of familiar faces.
This is a GREAT time to connect.
Not necessarily to make an ask or pitch a project, but to simply say hello. Check in. Ask how someone’s summer is going. If they’ve previously worked with or supported your organization, it is likely they will ask what you’ve been up to. Be ready to share!
People tend to be more relaxed and ready to sink into good conversation when the sun is shining and they’re enjoying time with friends and neighbors. These small, genuine moments can build stronger relationships than any formal meeting.
So if you’re out this weekend and bump into a supporter, a donor, or just someone curious about your work - take a moment to connect. It might spark something meaningful down the road.
A Quick Request
As mentioned above, we’re kicking off our next cohort of Mastering Donor Meetings July 30. This five-week class helps build confidence in both new and seasoned fundraisers.
Even as we prepare for that course, we’re developing our next training. Help us decide what to run next by commenting your choice of the following two options below!
Building Trust with Donors
Donor Journey Essentials