One Fundraiser’s Gift To All Of Us
Michael Rosen, author of Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing, and one of the most thoughtful members of our fundraising tribe, delivered a marvelous gift to my e-mail box.
I want to share it with you. And I’m doing so with Michael’s blessing.
In a post titled Delivering More of My Own Bad News, Michael announced that he was “taking an indefinite leave-of-absence from my blog, professional life, and most social media activity”.
The reason: to focus on preparing for, undergoing and recovering from extensive surgery for cancer. It’s his second surgical bout with this disease since 2014. You can get the details first hand from his post.
Now for Michael’s Gift to us all. In his words …
”Finally, I want you to know that I recognize that we all face challenges. So, I’m going to share with you just some of the quotes that have lifted my spirits during my darkest hours; I hope some of them will inspire you as well:
- “Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts.” — Ruth Gordon
“Bwété pa tonbé.” — “Limping is not falling.” — Haitian Creole Proverb
- “When you are going through hell, keep on going. Never, never, never give up.” — Winston Churchill
- “You just can’t beat the person who won’t give up.” — Babe Ruth
- “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” — Rocky Balboa, movie Rocky
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” — Japanese Proverb
- “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” — Vince Lombardi
- “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” — Dale Carnegie
- “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” — Andy Warhol
- “Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can’t are both right.” — Henry Ford
- “Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.” — W. Clement Stone
- “Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” — Marilyn vos Savant
- “Fear. That’s the other guy’s problem.” — from movie Trading Places
- “Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrow – it empties today of strength.” — Carrie Ten Bloom
- “If we all did the things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves.” — Thomas Edison
- “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- “Don’t give up at half-time. Concentrate on winning the second half.” — Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
- “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” — Coach John Wooden
Which of Michael’s 18 inspirational gifts are you going to frame or stick on the wall by your desk or on the office fridge?
And what additional quotes of courage and inspiration would you like to send on to Michael?
Here’s mine for Michael::
- “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”— Mark Twain.
Roger
11 responses to “One Fundraiser’s Gift To All Of Us”
Behavioral Science Q & A
Integrating an individual giving appeal with other communications from a charity can have both positive and negative effects, and the outcome largely depends on how it’s executed. Advantages of Integration Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent appearance and messaging across all communications can reinforce the org’s brand identity and strengthen brand recognition and trust among your […]
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I’m not aware of any in-market tests specifically comparing recurring vs. gift frequency language. I suspect the answer might not be the same with all gift frequencies, nor with all people. It sounds like a great opportunity for you to test and find out what works for your audience. Based on the literature, here’s a couple […]
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Based on what we know from existing data, those renewal notices can actually be pretty effective in getting people to donate. They tap into our psychology – creating a sense of urgency, reminding us of past support, and using personalization to make the message hit home. They’re playing on our natural tendencies to feel obligated […]
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Interesting question. I had a quick look at the testing done on this topic. On the positive side, in all cases, over half of donors decide to cover the fee. In some cases, it goes as high as 65%. Not a negligible percentage at all. Here’s another test from iRaiser showing consistent results (see point […]
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There’s just one thing to consider when designing a supporter journey: the supporter. More specifically, you need to take into account: Who the supporter is i.e. their identity, which is the reason they support this cause, and their personality, which describes the way they “see” and process the world. These will determine the kind of […]
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I’m not an expert in this but a quick search surfaced this article on the effect of tax reforms on 2019’s charitable giving. The researchers didn’t find a reduction. Actually, they observed an “increase in charitable contributions in 2019, even with the lower tax rates and the dramatically smaller number of taxpayers who itemize their […]
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I agree with everything you said about the wonderful Michael Rosen and his contributions to our sector and profession. I’ve already added some quotes as comments to his post. I’ll share one of them here: “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” — Jean De La Bruyere
Go get em Michael, we will miss your thoughtful replies until you are back delivering them with a full punch again!
“be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Michael,
When I was going through my dance with cancer a close friend gave me a beautiful quote to focus my thoughts on post-treatment. I share with you…
“life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO – What a Ride!”
Not a typical quote for the stage you are experiencing for sure. But it made me appreciate my life and fight to get back to it.
Thinking of you, Andrea.
Michael — Whether it’s insight you shared or simply sharing moments in meetings/conferences — whatever — you touched, affected & added something to my life & to many others. So get through it — we have your back. See you on the rebound, my friend.
Thinking about you, Michael. Keep fighting – and know you have an army of colleagues at your back.
F’ing cancer…I’m so very sorry you’re going through this Michael.
Here are some additions to your collection–
True courage is in facing danger when you’re afraid. — Frank Baum
We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy. — JK Rowling
I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship. — Louisa May Alcott
So many things are possible as long as you don’t know they’re impossible. — Norton Juster
What lovely sharing. Thank you.
Sending warm wishes your way Michael. When I was just starting to learn about planned giving, I gleaned a lot from your sessions at conferences. Keeping you in our thoughts here at Impact Communications.
I thank you all for your support, encouragement, positive thoughts, prayers, and inspirational quotes. Much appreciated!
Michael, I’m so very sorry to hear of your ongoing battle and what you’re having to go through right now. Sending the warmest of wishes to for a full recovery and subsequent good health. I speak for the entire fundraising community when I say that I’ll miss your posts and your insight, and I hope you can come back soon. But until then, I hope you’re surrounded with support and love during such trying times. Sending you healing thoughts. Pam