Key Takeaways:

• Influential fundraisers build trust, respect, and admiration by providing value, listening, and allowing empowered decision-making aligned with donors' sovereignty.
• Building relationships and finding authentic win-win solutions is more influential than manipulation or pushing self-interest. Influential leaders create supportive communities to drive collaborative change while balancing specific plans and adaptability, fostering long-term donor loyalty.
• Adopt an abundance mindset and view the donor-fundraiser relationship as equal partners contributing different assets towards a common goal. Embrace rejection instead of fearing it, use micro-commitments to condition acceptance, and allow people to say no from the beginning.
• Shift focus from words to energy, showing up calmly and confidently, and from convincing to questioning and allowing conversation flow. Inspire people with a bold, transformative vision for the future, not just short-term fixes.

“The less likely you want something, the more likely you are to get it. [Likewise], the more decision-making power you give to someone, the more likely they're going to do what you want.”

“Rejection is protection and as. And, yes, a holding space that rejection hurts and it sucks and it's disappointing also. It's part of the game, and you can get yes or you can get no and it's part of the game.”

“Rejection is protection - it hurts and it sucks and it's disappointing, and that is something we learn to live with. When we fear no, we're not hearing people say no, and when we don't give people the ability to say no from the beginning, they're going to give us a fake yes.” 

- Maryanne Dersch

Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence

1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders

Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward.
 

2. Team Coaching + Training

I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together.
 

3. Board Retreats + Trainings

Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com

Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect

Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker