Whatever you’re dreaming of for 2021, dream bigger

People often ask me: What inspired you to create Aperio? (Read: We’re certainly not facing a shortage of fundraising consultants…) 

Here’s what my answer isn’t: “I have extensive expertise and want to pass it on.” Certainly, I have experience—and love sharing ideas. But that’s not what gets me out of bed each morning. 

My answer is: “There’s more.” 

Everywhere I look across our nonprofit industry, I see untapped potential. Relationships left uncultivated. Partnerships left unexplored. Careers left unrealized. Programs left unfunded. Missions left unfulfilled. That untapped potential is holding back our industry and the communities we serve back—especially in the midst of crisis, when we’re needed more than ever.  

The solution isn’t a quick fix—no technology, campaign, or even innovation can realize our full potential. It’s mastering the basics that will get us there: finding our ‘north star’, truly focusing, claiming our own agency, and creating the community we need to thrive.  

2020 was wake-up call.  

2021 should be our renaissance. My dream is that we embrace bold goals, stretch budgets, and decisive action. Our missions, communities, and talents deserve it.  

Whatever you think your mission’s relevance right now, think bigger

Nonprofits have always had a crisis of confidence. We spend a lot of time apologizing for ourselves, talking about who we’re not, undervaluing our brands and assets, and talking donors out of donations—even before any conversations have taken place. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, many nonprofit leaders and fundraisers told me: “We’re not on the frontlines of responding to COVID, so we’ll start asking for support again when things are back to normal.” 

Today, they say: “Our loyal supporters have stuck with us, but we’re not sure how long it will last because we’re not sure when we’ll be able to fully reopen.” 

To be sure, some of their donors will have shifted their priorities in the wake of COVID. To be sure, some of the donors you talk to will say no, or not now, and these nos will stick with you longer than any number of yesses. 

But the truth is, your mission has something to offer right now that we critically need. The donors who have continued to support you know it—they are telling you, and so am I, that what you do, what you stand for, and the community you bring together matters.  

It’s time to own your relevance and impact today. If you don’t believe that your mission is making a difference and worthy of investment, why should anyone else? 

Whatever ideas you have for your organization, think bigger

Crisis has a way of focusing our attention on what really matters. It opens the door to actually making the changes we’ve had in the back of our mind…but haven’t had the energy or resources to take on. 

Almost a year into this crisis, we’re all so far from our comfort zones. Now is the time to ask: What’s on the other side? Few leaders and fundraisers I meet want to go back to what we had before. We want more. 

We want to aim for who we actually want to become. 

Here are the questions to be asking… 

• If capacity weren’t a constraint, what would we undertake? 

• If money weren’t a constraint, what would we be investing in? 

• If volunteers and other stakeholders weren’t a constraint, what decisions would we be making? 

Start to imagine…what would we do if we could? 

And now start to ask…what can we? Or, what would it take to…? 

You’re closer than you think you are. 

Whatever you think your team is capable of, think bigger

As a leader, I’ve spent most of the past nine months worrying about my team’s mental health, morale, and personal well-being. I’ve taken on more myself to spare others and tiptoed around sensitive issues. I’ve tried to create a sense of stability. 

In return, my team has shown me: We are ready for more.  

As leaders, we should be caring for our teams as humans first. We need to create more space and treat each other with more grace. 

But I’ve been learning that we also should not underestimate each other. We are all here to be part of the solutions that our organizations and communities need. 

As you set goals for your teams and team members this year, think big. What’s next for your team? Each team member? They have more to contribute, and they’ll thank you for the opportunity to contribute it. 

Whatever you think your value is, think bigger

Beyond your mission, your organization, and your team, what do you want for yourself this year? How do you want to invest your time, creativity, and energy? 

Undoubtedly, you have endured a lot recently. Maybe you’re missing friends and family, or lost someone you love. Maybe you’ve faced financial hardship. And maybe, like me, you’ve been thinking a lot about the value of each hour of your life, each burst of your creativity, each ounce of your energy, in contrast to obligations and stress.  

Maybe, like me, you’re coming to the realization that all of the above are much more valuable than it feels like in the churn of the day-to-day. That our nonprofit industry’s culture of “yes”—at any cost—is not sustainable.  

As you plan your year, ask yourself, in the words of Mary Oliver: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

We survived 2020. In 2021, let’s thrive. Let’s approach this year with intention and confidence. We have what it takes. I believe in you.