I was at my desk, doing what development professionals do between grant deadlines and donor meetings—gathering updates, reviewing participation stats, documenting needs, and polishing another quarterly report for board and campaign members.
The rhythm was familiar:
- Program stats (classes taught, workshops offered, participants engaged)
- Numbers served
- Dollars raised to date and funds still needed
- A few updates on upcoming projects—including scope, timeline, and cost
- And an impact story—this one featured a participant whose shyness had dramatically improved after taking part in a group performance.
- And as always—I was continuing to gather stories. I’m constantly on the lookout, asking program staff to help uncover moments that demonstrate transformation in action.
No hard ask.
No urgent campaign.
Just the usual stewardship update: informative, structured, honest. And like many of these emails, I sent it not knowing if anyone would actually read it.
What Arrived Next Caught Me Off Guard
A few weeks later, a piece of mail showed up from a foundation I hadn’t reached out to—one located outside our state.
Inside? A five-figure check and an official award letter.
No donor name. No email thread to trace. Just a letter from the foundation that a grant had been made on our behalf.
Curious and a bit surprised, I called the foundation to learn more.
Their only comment was:
“We received a request from someone affiliated with your organization.”
That was it.
So, I followed up with our board, campaign members, and staff—celebrating the gift and thanking them for their continued support and involvement.
That’s when one of the campaign members replied:
“I submitted a request after reading your email update. The need was clear. The project was ready. I knew this foundation might be interested, so I took the chance.”
No Appeal. No Strategy Shift. Just Affirmation.
This wasn’t a moment where everything changed.
It was a moment that confirmed: the process works.
- The update was informative
- The need was clearly defined
- The impact was illustrated
- The project was fundable and ready to go
- And I was already doing the daily work of listening for stories that move people to act
The right person read it—and took action without being asked.
What This Experience Affirmed
1. Stewardship Is More Than Gratitude—It’s Empowerment
Every update is a chance to equip your team with what they need to make things happen. You don’t always know who has access to what doors—or what relationships they’re willing to leverage.
2. Clarity is a Superpower
Because the update included scope, timeline, and cost, the campaign member had all the tools they needed to speak confidently on our behalf—without needing a follow-up call.
3. Share the Story. Trust the Reader.
This campaign member was moved by a story of transformation. It wasn’t a pitch—it was a glimpse into what’s possible when your mission meets someone’s heart.
4. Be Ready Behind the Scenes
Even if no formal proposal has been made, having a clear, organized summary—what is often called a mini-case for support—can open doors when you least expect it.
5. Never Stop Gathering Stories
Storytelling isn’t something I do once a quarter—it’s ongoing. I listen for moments of impact. I ask program staff for reflections, quotes, and before/after insights. That’s how we show—not just tell—our mission in motion.
Final Takeaway
This wasn’t a reinvention. It was a reminder.
The grant didn’t appear because I made a hard ask.
It came because I shared a story, framed a need, and had my ducks in a row.
Keep writing.
Keep gathering stories.
Keep pressing send. Because someone out there is reading.
And they might just know exactly what to do.
If you’re ready to connect your messaging, image, and people to spark next-level results, let’s talk. Book a free discovery session – Contact me!
Angie Thompson is an independent consultant with 40 years of experience bridging the gap between for-profit strategy and nonprofit impact—helping organizations craft powerful messaging, engage supporters, and drive lasting growth. She is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), dedicated to advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices.