In fundraising, we often talk about surprising and delighting donors. Sending them updates, creating special experiences, writing them cards etc.. But let me ask you this instead: have your donors ever surprised you?

Whether it is a gift made unprompted at the time that your organization really needs it, or it's a simple message to check in on how you and your team are doing - our donors often go beyond our expectation, especially those who truly care about you and your work. I’ll never forget the donor who hand-knitted me a baby blanket when I was pregnant with my first born. It made my heart sing!

When a relationship is aligned and authentic, your donors have your back. You wouldn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable reaching out and having an honest conversation with them, especially when your organization has a need your donor can help with.

So how can we cultivate authentic relationships with donors? Nneka Allen, the guest on today's podcast, asks us to look no further than in our own lives. You're familiar with Nneka's incredible work. In the summer, we shared the amazing series that she curated, Our Right to Heal, a series that features inspiring stories and journeys of Black women fundraisers.

I am so excited to share with you this conversation I had with Nneka, in which she turned observations that she made at her daughter's wedding during the pandemic into nuggets of wisdom about meaningful relationship-building. Give it a listen, and keep up the great work.

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