As a sufferer of myopia since the 3rd grade, I’ve been wearing glasses a long time. Perhaps it’s my nearsightedness that has me often trying to focus on the trees and missing the forest – the big picture. But, while the details are important, it’s the bigger vision that inspires.
I came across wonderful story of a couple. They were regular volunteers at an inner city kindergarten class when they were struck by a big vision. An audacious vision even.
Their idea? To promise to put each one of those students through college. And that idea has inspired others.
So what’s your big vision?
Whether you are engaging a donor prospect for an annual gift or a transformational seven-figure gift, donors give to big visions.
- Not the “what” but the “why.” Why do we want to offer a college educations to all these kindergarten kids? Why do we think it will change their lives for the better?
- Not “incremental growth” but “radical change.” While it might take baby steps to get where you need to go, a big vision will motivate donors to help you take each step along the way.
- Not “someday” but “now.” While the full impact of a donation may take time to come to fruition, a big vision connects that future dream with today’s needs.
How do you ensure your vision is big enough? Ask yourself, “what” am I raising money for…then turn it to “why.”
For example, in Detroit, a not-for-profit is raising money to put the city’s kids through swim lessons. That’s the “what. “ But the “why” is how they are raising the money – with a big vision. Their goal is to teach EVERY child in the City of Detroit to swim by the 5th grade.
By doing so, they will not only provide a life-saving skill, but build these children’s confidence, break the cycle of non-swimming families in the city, provide an athletic outlet for those kids that join the local swim team and even employment for some of the young people who will go on to train as life guards.
Raising money to teach a child to swim? Or creating a vision where everychild in this impoverished city is safe and confident around water? Detroit – the City that Swims.
What’s your big vision? If it doesn’t scare you just a little, if it doesn’t stretch your organization, if it doesn’t lead to transformative change, then maybe it’s time to work on your “why.”
READ MORE ABOUT THE STORIES IN THIS POST:
Detroit teacher’s lessons in pool help students in classroom
