Maybe you think the important work is inviting the gift.
Perhaps you believe the important work is relationship building.
You may have been told the key to advancement work is visiting with current and prospective donors.
You might even believe the most significant aspect of the work is stewardship after the gift has been received.
But, none of these components wholly describe the most important understanding about our work.
For a broader, more consequential understanding of our work, we should be focused on setting the motivational frame for giving and generosity.
How can we create the conditions that encourage others to respond more generously?
This is the central and pressing question upon which all on exceptional advancement work is built.
Yes, we should invite gifts. Yes, we should build stronger relationships. Of course we should visit with and practice thoughtful stewardship with donors.
The best advancement folk, though, do all of these – and much more – as part of a more nuance and personalized strategy aimed at achieving something deeper: helping others express an authentic spirit of generosity.
Our most important work has always been, and always will be, setting the motivation frame for others to give their best.
