Mission First Studios

  Fundraising is not for the faint of heart. It requires persistence, passion, and—above all—focus. Yet one of the biggest challenges fundraisers face isn’t just rejection; it’s the discouragement that follows. And when discouragement takes hold, it breeds distraction. The Danger of Distraction Discouragement often comes in waves. A potential donor says no. A major gift falls through. A campaign underperforms. If you’re not careful, these moments of disappointment can send you spiraling into distractions—checking emails obsessively, scrolling social media, reworking your strategy for the hundredth time instead of taking action. The truth is, distraction keeps you from doing the one thing that actually raises money: building relationships. Fundraising isn’t just about sending letters, crafting perfect emails, or hosting events. It’s about people. And when discouragement takes you off track, you lose sight of your most important job—connecting with donors. How to Overcome Discour...

Starting a conversation with a donor can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you’re meeting for the first time. The key to a great donor relationship is building trust and connection—and that starts with a compelling opening. Here are 12 powerful icebreakers to help you initiate meaningful conversations with your donors. 1. “How did you first get involved with our organization?” This question allows donors to share their personal journey, helping you understand their motivations and passions. 2. “What inspires you to give?” Understanding a donor’s ‘why’ can provide valuable insight into what matters most to them. 3. “Tell me about a cause or project you’re most passionate about.” This opens the door for a deeper conversation about their values and philanthropic interests. 4. “What has been the most rewarding giving experience for you?” Encouraging them to reflect on past giving experiences allows you to see what resonates with them. 5. “Have you ever seen your donation make an i...

  7 Surprising Places to Find New Donors (That You're Overlooking) Finding new donors can feel like an uphill battle, but what if you’re sitting on hidden opportunities? Many fundraisers overlook some of the best places to find new supporters. The good news? You don’t have to look far—your next major donor might be closer than you think! Here are seven surprising places to find new donors and how to take action today. 1. Your Current Donors' Networks Your existing donors already believe in your mission. Chances are, they know others who would too! Action Item: Start a simple referral campaign. Ask your donors, “Who else do you know that might want to learn about our mission?” Provide an easy way for them to introduce you, like a shareable email template or a special event where they can bring a friend. 2. Your Social Media Followers (Even the Quiet Ones!) Not everyone who follows you on social media is already donating—but they’re interested. Some just need a little nudge. Act...

  Fundraising isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a journey filled with passion, persistence, and plenty of challenges. When I founded the American Dream Center in 2017, I had no idea just how difficult raising funds would be. I believed in our mission wholeheartedly, but belief alone doesn’t pay the bills. The Hardest Part: Finding and Keeping Donors One of the biggest struggles I faced as a fundraiser was finding new donors. At first, it felt like shouting into the void—reaching out to people who had never heard of our organization, hoping they’d catch the vision and decide to support us. Even when I found donors who resonated with our cause, keeping them engaged was a whole new challenge. Donors have so many options for where to give, and if we don’t nurture those relationships, they move on. I had to learn—sometimes the hard way—that fundraising isn’t just about asking for money. It’s about building long-term connections and showing people that their giving truly makes a diffe...