One-time stories inspire emotion; longitudinal stories build transformation. The most successful fundraisers don’t just tell what happened, they connect the dots over time, showing progress, growth, and real impact. When donors see themselves within the story—woven into its chapters—they move from giving out of urgency to giving out of identity. Storytelling isn’t about communication; it is communication. And when done longitudinally, it becomes the foundation for trust, loyalty, and transformational giving.
Read MoreListen to the weekly podcast “Around with Randall” as he discusses, in just a few minutes, a topic surrounding non-profit philanthropy. Included each week are tactical suggestions listeners can use to immediately make their non-profit, and their job activities, more effective.
Find “Around with Randall” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Email Randall with a show topic: podcast@hallettphilanthropy.com
Email Randall with a thought regarding a specific show: reeks@hallettphilanthropy.com
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Transformational philanthropy doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of patience, humility, and deep trust built over years. Too often, organizations focus on immediate needs and campaign timelines instead of donors’ passions and timeframes. This story highlights how a client took the long view, nurturing a relationship with one of the rare 0.1% capable of extraordinary giving. By personalizing stewardship, showing appreciation, and listening with humility, they created space for generosity to grow naturally into something truly transformative.
Read MoreMost first-time donors are testing the waters—curious if your nonprofit delivers on its promise and if a deeper connection is worth their investment. That’s why speed isn’t just a courtesy in stewardship; it’s a strategy. In this episode, I explore how re-qualifying new donors within the first 90 days can mean the difference between a one-time gift and a lifetime of giving. The data is clear: fast, thoughtful follow-up—especially from the right people—dramatically boosts your donor retention and major gift potential.
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