Hi there!
November is here, and with it comes a season that naturally invites us to reflect on the people who make our work - and our lives - a little brighter.
Between Thanksgiving, year-end fundraising, and the busy weeks ahead, there's plenty happening in the nonprofit world. But there's also a lot to be grateful for, and this month, I want to spend a little time talking about the people and relationships that make it all worthwhile.
Keep reading to find out:
What's on Rikki’s mind: Gratitude is more than a thank-you
Tip of the month: Three people. Three thank-yous.
What's coming up
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?
I've been thinking lately about how often we treat gratitude as something that happens at the end of a process.
A donor makes a gift, and we send a thank-you. A volunteer helps with an event, and we recognize their contribution. A board member finishes a term, and we celebrate their service.
And those things are important. If you know me, you know I'm a big believer in a thoughtful thank-you!
But I wonder what would happen if we thought about gratitude as something that happens throughout the relationship, rather than simply in response to something someone has done.
In fundraising, we have a word for this: stewardship. And while it can sound like another fundraising strategy or task to check off the list, at its heart, stewardship is about showing people they're valued, keeping them connected to the mission, and helping them understand the difference they're making.
Think about the people who make your organization's work possible. The staff member who goes out of their way to make everyone who walks into your building feel special. The donor who takes time to meet with you and share what matters to them. The volunteer who brings a new idea to the table. The board member who makes an introduction. The longtime supporter who continues to show up, year after year.
Not every meaningful contribution comes with a dollar amount attached to it. And not every opportunity to express gratitude needs to follow a specific action.
I see this in capital campaigns all the time. So much attention naturally goes toward securing gifts and reaching the next milestone. But campaigns are built on relationships, and there are so many people who contribute to their success long before a gift is ever made. They share their perspectives, open doors, ask thoughtful questions, and help shape the vision for what's possible.
The same is true in annual fundraising and the everyday work of running a nonprofit. People want to know that their involvement matters and that they're part of something meaningful.
When we take time to recognize those contributions along the way, we're doing more than saying thank you. We're helping people see the role they play in moving our missions forward.
And isn't that what relationship-based fundraising is really about?
With the holidays approaching, I know many of you are thinking about how to thank the people who support your work. That's exactly what we'll be talking about during our virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, November 17 at 9:00 a.m. Bring your questions about donor stewardship, share what's worked for your organization, and let's explore ways to make gratitude a meaningful part of your donor relationships. Register here.
As we head into this season of giving and gratitude, I hope we'll all find opportunities to recognize the people who make our work possible - not just for what they've given or accomplished, but for the relationships we're fortunate enough to share with them.
Tip of the month
As you head into the season of giving and gratitude, here's a simple challenge: Think of three people who have made a difference for your organization this year, beyond making a financial gift.
Maybe it's a board member who made an introduction that opened a new door. A volunteer or campaign committee member who consistently shows up when you need an extra hand. A donor who shared a thoughtful perspective during a conversation. Or someone who has quietly championed your mission without ever asking for recognition.
Before Thanksgiving, reach out to those three people and let them know how much you appreciate them.
It doesn't need to be complicated. A handwritten note, a quick phone call, a simple text message, or a personal email can go a long way. The important part is letting them know specifically what you've appreciated and why it mattered.
One more thing: Let the thank-you be the whole conversation. No additional request, no invitation to do something else. Just a genuine expression of gratitude.
Three people. Three thank-yous. It's a simple way to put stewardship into practice and remind people that their involvement matters, whether or not they've made a financial gift.
What's coming up?
November 12: We're partnering with Forward Bank for a practical webinar focused on making fundraising asks with greater confidence! Join us at 10:00 a.m. CST for tips on connecting with potential donors, making a meaningful ask, and navigating different responses. Register here.'
November 14: Some of our LEAP team will be getting all dressed up to attend the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin's annual Gala of Gratitude! We're looking forward to an evening celebrating philanthropy, community connections, and the generosity that helps strengthen Central Wisconsin.
Various: We’re really sad to be missing all three National Philanthropy Day celebrations in the state of Wisconsin this month but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! Check out your closest Association of Fundraising Professionals chapter and join in a day of celebrating all things philanthropy.
AFP – Madison: November 12
AFP – Southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI): November 19
AFP – Northeast Wisconsin (Neenah, WI): November 19
November 17: It really is the season of gratitude! Join us at 9:00 a.m. CST for a casual conversation about thanking your supporters and strengthening donor relationships during the holidays. Bring your questions and leave with practical tips and ideas you can put to work. Register here.
November 23-27: Balance is one of our core values at LEAP, and we're putting it into practice by closing our office for Thanksgiving week. While some work may happen behind the scenes, we're intentionally slowing down to enjoy time with family and friends, reflect on what we're grateful for, and recharge. We hope you find opportunities to do the same!
What’s bringing us joy
BROOKE
This month, I'm sharing my current literary obsession: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. Set in 1883 London, in the fictional neighborhood of St. Crispian's, the series follows the smart, witty, and utterly delightful Emma as she returns for a visit and chronicles her adventures (and misadventures) in her journal. Throw in an eccentric cast of characters, plenty of British charm, and some truly hilarious writing, and I'm hooked.
A word of warning: Book one is a little slow. But trust me, it's laying the groundwork for something wonderful. Push through, and you'll be rewarded with what I can only describe as The Great British Baking Show in book form. Cozy, charming, delightfully quirky, and just the right amount of ridiculous.
I've also heard the audiobook narration is fantastic, so whether you're a reader or a listener, consider this your invitation to St. Crispian's!
RIKKI
It’s fireplace season in our house! When we moved back to Stevens Point 5 years ago, having a fireplace was high on the list of things we wanted in a home. We got lucky because we have not one, but two, working fireplaces. And we put them to work! Most Sundays we spend the entire day in the basement bar watching football, eating popcorn, and drinking beer, with the fireplace keeping us toasty warm and super cozy. But my actual favorite is when I have nowhere to be on a Saturday and can start up the fireplace in the living room before my husband even gets out of bed. There is no better place to be on a chilly fall weekend than cozied up under the blanket my grandma made me as a wedding present, surrounded by pets, a fire blazing, and a good book on my lap.
