[Jenny Darlington-Person]

A childhood friend recently published a book on 100-word stories. This got me to thinking of how powerful this flash-fiction genre could be if adapted to fundraising. I have been obsessed ever since. I would love to see or present something on this topic.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

The things that hold me back the most: the internal issues are self-doubt & perfectionism, which together often paralyze me from completing important tasks; & the biggest external issue is a board that doesn’t understand how much I already have to do, so they regularly give me tasks that don’t really move the needle or help us raise more money, but feel important to them.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

My second prompt: write a 2-page donor-centric report letter to a foundation that is hear-warming and written in a female voice that thanks the donor for making a difference in the lives of children in their community by supporting the Music in the Mountains after school music lessons and purchasing violins and violas.

Because I used this program, I wrote two reports in about an hour, which would have taken me half a day or more if I had done it without Chat GPT’s help.

I spent my time editing and adding a personal story to the letter instead of trying to write it from scratch. It was well worth stepping out of my comfort zone to do this.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

My first fundraising prompt. write a 2-page donor report letter to the Jennings foundation that is hear-warming and written in a female voice that thanks the donor for making a difference in the lives of children in their community by supporting the Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I changed donor report to donor-centric report and it made significant improvements to the letter.

Here’s what I got (a little too much flowery language, but a great start):

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same warmth and joy your generosity has brought to our hearts and community. It is with immense gratitude and joy that I reach out to express our deepest appreciation for the profound impact The Jennings Foundation has made through your support of the Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra.

Your commitment to nurturing the talents and dreams of our young musicians has created ripples of hope and inspiration that extend far beyond the notes they play. Through your generous contributions, you have provided the gift of music to children who may have never had the opportunity to experience its transformative power otherwise.

As we reflect on the past year, I am overwhelmed by the countless moments of joy, growth, and camaraderie witnessed within our orchestra. Your support has allowed us to create a safe and inclusive space where children from all walks of life come together to learn, grow, and create beautiful music.

I wish you could see the sparkle in their eyes as they master a challenging piece or the sense of pride that radiates from them as they take the stage to perform for their friends, family, and community. Your belief in their potential has not only fueled their passion for music but has also instilled in them a sense of confidence and self-worth that will stay with them for a lifetime.

It is often said that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite. Thanks to your generosity, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of music on the lives of our young musicians. They have not only honed their musical skills but have also developed important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and empathy, which will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.

As we look ahead to the future, we are filled with hope and excitement for the endless possibilities that lie ahead for our orchestra and the children we serve. Your continued support and belief in our mission mean the world to us and serve as a constant reminder of the difference that can be made when individuals come together with a shared vision and purpose.

In closing, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and dedication to our cause. Your generosity has touched the lives of countless children in our community and has helped to shape a brighter, more harmonious future for us all.

With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I’m in. I’ve only used it a few times before and look forward to getting better at it (now, If I can just remember my password).

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I am grateful for you and the conversation we had this morning. It was a wonderful way to start a Monday.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

It is challenging to do all 5 days, but this week I was able to do all of the tasks (just not on the proper days). I regularly find my time being pulled away from me by the priorities of other. I start my day/week with a plan, but I often feel that plan gets disturbed by the interests of board, staff, and others. These challenges are helping me keep fundraising a high priority, even when I’m being pulled in other directions.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I decided to pick the one I scheduled a meeting with on Monday because we have lost touch this past year and I want to reconnect with her.

1. I plan on meeting her at least twice this year. Once now and once in the late summer or fall.

2. She likes to be kept in the loop, so I am also going to email her with “insider information” as often as I think of it, but at least twice a month or more apart from when we physically meet.

3. I’ll make a special point of talking to her at any concerts or donor events that she attends.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I sent 4 thank you postcards. 2 to individual donors & 2 for recent mini-grants.

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I am about to do a sponsor meeting with a sponsor who sponsored less last year. I am going to ask them to sponsor at a higher level than last year or the year before:

“We are looking for visionary business partners who share our vision on connecting & transforming our community through great live music. Are you interested in being one of those visionary’s?”

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I had a meeting set up today, but the donor had to cancel. And we are rescheduling.

1. What has been your favorite concert experience since 2021?

2. Would you prefer that we keep most of our concerts in the summer or would you like more spread throughout the year?

3. How do you prefer to be thanked?

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I sent this message Monday. I just heard back from the donor. She was very happy to hear from me and we’re setting something up next week.

Dear [name],

I know that you told Kevin that Kent and you do not need a meeting with Ryan and me, but I was wondering if you would like to get together with me and chat about MIM? This would not be a fundraising meeting, but rather an opportunity for us to catch up, let you know about some of the things we have in the works, and for me to get some advice/feedback from you. This could be just us girls or Kent is welcome to join us too.

Cynthia also mentioned the three of us getting together for wine, which could be the same gathering or an additional one.

Let me know if you are interested. I would love the chance to talk for longer than the few minutes we are afforded before a concert.

Jenny

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I’m in

[Jenny Darlington-Person]

I’m not worried because it wasn’t about me and she had already reached out to reschedule. (She had another appointment that ran super late.)