The Monthly Leap - July 2026
Hi there!
July has a way of reminding us to slow down just enough to notice things we might otherwise miss. Whether it’s gathering around a campfire, spending an evening at the ball field, or enjoying dinner on the patio a little longer than usual, summer creates opportunities for conversation. And as fundraisers, conversations are often where we learn the most.
This month we’re thinking about donor motivations – what inspires people to give, how those motivations differ from person to person, and why curiosity is one of the most important tools we have.
You'll also notice something new at the end of this month's newsletter. We thought it would be fun to start sharing a few of the things that are bringing our team joy each month. Whether it's a favorite recipe, a good book, or something that's simply making life a little brighter, we hope it helps you get to know our team a little better.
Keep reading to find out:
What’s on Rikki’s mind: There isn’t one reason people give
Tip of the month: Leave room to be surprised
What’s coming up
*NEW!* What’s bringing us joy
I hope this post is a little spot of joy in your month!
Rikki
What's on Rikki’s mind?
One of the things I’ve been thinking about lately is just how quickly our brains fill in the blanks.
We do it all the time - both personally and professionally. We assume we know why a friend hasn’t called us back. We think we know how someone is feeling based on the expression on their face. We naturally start connecting the dots, even when we don't have the whole picture.
We do the same thing in fundraising. We assume we know why a donor gave last year. We assume we know what excites someone about our mission. We assume we know why someone said yes (or why they said no).
Sometimes we’re right. But sometimes, we may be filling in the blanks with our own story instead of theirs.
One framework I’ve come back to over the years is The Seven Faces of Philanthropyby Russ Alan Prince and Karen Maru File. Their research reminds us that there isn’t one reason people choose to give. Two donors can make the exact same gift to the exact same organization for completely different reasons. One may be motivated by gratitude, another by a desire to strengthen their community, and another because they want to leave a legacy for future generations.
That’s one of the things I love most about donor conversations. They remind me that I don’t have to figure people out before I meet with them. Instead, I can approach each conversation with curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for someone to share what matters most to them.
Every donor has a story. The more willing we are to listen, the better equipped we are to build relationships that last.
Tip of the month
Before your next donor meeting, spend a few minutes thinking about what you don’t know.
We spend a lot of time preparing by reviewing giving history, event attendance, and previous meeting notes. Those are all important pieces of the puzzle, but they don’t necessarily tell us what’s most important to someone today.
As you’re preparing, jot down one or two questions that might help you better understand what motivates them now. Questions like:
What has kept you connected to our organization over the years?
As you think about the future of our organization, what excites you most?
When you choose to support a cause, what makes you feel like your gift is making a difference?
You may not ask every question you’ve prepared – and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to check questions off a list. It’s to walk into the meeting with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn something new about the person sitting across from you.
Sometimes the most meaningful part of a donor conversation is the answer you never saw coming.
What's coming up?
We'll be taking a short pause to celebrate Independence Day, and our office will be closed July 2-6. Whether you're headed up north, spending time on the water, firing up the grill, or simply enjoying a slower pace for a few days, we hope your holiday weekend is filled with all the best parts of summer.
On July 21, Rikki will be presenting at the AFP Greater Madison luncheon. Participants will explore how to write fundraising appeals that honor the people they serve, clearly communicate community impact, and confidently invite donors into meaningful partnership. Whether you're staring at a blank page or looking to strengthen your next appeal, this workshop will offer practical tools you can immediately put into practice. Register here.
Mark your calendars - on July 23 at 10:00 a.m. we’re hostinga webinar focused on Donor Motivations. Together, we'll explore why people give, how understanding motivation can strengthen donor relationships, and ways to ask better questions that uncover what matters most. Click here to register.
Finally, on July 24, the LEAP team is participating in the Marshfield Area United Way Golf Scramble - our first of three golf outings over the next few months! We always appreciate opportunities like these to support our nonprofit partners while connecting with community members outside the office.
What’s bringing us joy
RIKKI
What's bringing me joy this summer is finding every possible opportunity to sneak away in our camper. We bought this little beauty at the end of the summer last year and agreed to use it as much as possible this year. So while our weeks are jam-packed right now, almost every weekend has been a complete escape to the Northwoods. (I'm almost afraid to share how much we have been loving the rustic campgrounds that are part of the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest because I'm very ok that they feel like a best-kept-secret!)
There's nothing quite like sleeping in the camper, getting creative with cooking in the woods, and having only what you need - and nothing more - to help you shut off completely.
BROOKE
When I think of things that bring me joy, my mind very often turns to food. These Symphony Brownies from Naptime Kitchen take a box of brownie mix (Ghirardelli, always) and shove a candy bar right in the middle. Say less.
What I love most is that you can swap out the candy bar to suit your audience. I recently made them for my brother and used a peanut butter-filled candy bar because I know that's what he loves.
Easy. Customizable. Delicious!