The Power of Curiosity

I've always been curious and eager to understand how things work, why things are the way they are, and how to improve them. As a child, this curiosity led me to tinker in the garage with my dad, dismantling broken curling irons and toasters to try and fix them. Although I didn't always fix them, I learned a lot about how they worked.

Curiosity proved invaluable when I was developing new systems for a budding non-profit in the early 2000s. I sought to understand how larger, more successful nonprofits engaged volunteers, donors, and participants to increase their reach and impact. I attended every available training, interviewed numerous nonprofit leaders, and asked countless questions. One of the most memorable trainings was with the Director of Volunteers Association, Dallas Chapter. They taught me the importance of asking prospective volunteers about their motivations.

This simple worksheet became a cornerstone of my practice, benefiting not only volunteers but also staff and donors.

What has helped me raise the most money is being curious and asking questions. Knowing your donors better starts with being truly curious and not making assumptions. What motivates your donors? Why do they give and what impact do they want to make? What are the challenges they may want to help you with? How do they like to be thanked and recognized? What do they enjoy doing?

When I shifted from pushing my own agenda to asking donors and volunteers about their motivations and reasons for involvement, it revolutionized our engagement and fostered a greater sense of personal ownership and joy. This change led to happier volunteers, board members, and donors, ultimately resulting in increased resources and support for our organization.

Here are some tips to help you stay curious:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Rather than asking yes or no questions, ask open-ended ones that encourage deeper conversation. Questions like "What inspired you to get involved with our organization?" or "How do you see your contribution making an impact?" can reveal valuable insights and foster a more meaningful dialogue.

2. Show Genuine Interest

Express a sincere interest in their personal stories and experiences. People appreciate when you remember details about their lives and contributions. By showing that you care about them as individuals, not just as donors or volunteers, you build a stronger, more personal connection.

3. Explore Their Motivations

Dig deeper into why they choose to support your organization. Ask questions like "What aspect of our mission resonates most with you?" or "Is there a particular project or program you are passionate about?" What don't you want to spend your time doing? Understanding their motivations can help you tailor your engagement strategies to better align with their interests.

4. Stay Open-Minded

Approach each meeting with an open mind, ready to learn and discover new perspectives. Be willing to consider new ideas and feedback, even if it challenges your current thinking. This openness can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen your relationships with donors and volunteers.

By incorporating these tips, you can foster a culture of curiosity that enhances your ability to connect with and engage your donors and volunteers more effectively.

I've worked with the National Girls Collaborative this year to engage individuals and corporations with the amazing work they are doing to support programs and organizations dedicated to creating access for girls in STEM. Their network reaches over 48,000+ organizations, which serve 20.2 million girls and 10 million boys. Women face significant barriers in STEM professions. Some states, like Texas, have eliminated university programs and banned initiatives that support girls in STEM. NGCP is taking action to stand with girls and STEM together. Take the pledge today to support girls in STEM, receive a digital badge, and share on social media. Join them at www.ngcproject.org/stemtogether and show your support for women and girls!

I'm partnering with BetterUnite to create the conference I needed as a nonprofit leader! When I shared with Leya Simmons and Emma Shinnick at BetterUnite about my DREAM conference, they jumped at the opportunity to bring it to life! If you are a nonprofit Board Member, Executive Director, or Development Director, this one-day conference/retreat is for you. We are going to shower you with so much love and refreshment, all while learning the newest fundraising and tech trends, and connecting with your peers. I am beyond excited to bring this conference to life and hope to see you in Austin's beautiful hill country setting on September 5th!

I hope to see you on Sept 5th!

Interested in doing something BIG together? Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call! www.mybigmission.com