WE THE PEOPLE
“ most donors want to see that their gift has a real impact , and they ’ ll often give where they think they ’ ll see the most change .”
Demonstrate Impact
Most donors want to see that their gift has a real impact , and they ’ ll often give where they think they ’ ll see the most change . Montpelier , as a relatively young organization , is in a position to make real leaps ; that ’ s an attractive story . In some ways , because we ’ re less well known than some other organizations , we have the chance to take some risks , to be more innovative and nimble . That ’ s exciting .
In the digital age , with all of the tools available to us as nonprofits , we have a chance to be really transparent about what we do and how we do it , and that is increasingly going to be a benchmark for donors .
The nonprofit world is very competitive , but we have to work with the idea of abundance in mind , instead of scarcity . You have to clearly demonstrate that you ’ re making a real difference .
Make the Case
Montpelier has so many stories to tell the world . It ’ s the story of James and Dolley Madison and their family . It ’ s the story of how America was formed . It ’ s the beauty of the landscape . It ’ s the size of the trees . It ’ s thinking about police officers , teachers and African leaders and all kinds of people coming to understand what really is the strength of America . It ’ s about James Madison and the Constitution . Every organization has to make a fundamental case for support . It needs to be inspiring , but it also has to be businesslike .
In our world , people ’ s attention is divided and their time is precious . The case that their participation is essential to what you do , and that what you do is essential to make the world a better place , is what it ’ s all about . That ’ s true if you ’ re saving a wetland or preserving the legacy of a Founding Father .
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