The Secret Ingredient to Successful Fundraising: Your Energy
You’ve probably heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again—your fundraising energy is contagious. The words you use, the strategies you design, the perfect pitch you practice… they all matter. But what matters most is the energy behind them.
Fundraising isn’t just about what you say. It’s about how you show up. Donors may not remember every detail of your presentation, but they will remember how you made them feel. And that feeling—the energetic presence you bring into the room—can be the difference between a “yes” and a “not this time.”
Why Energy Matters More Than Words
I spent over 30 years in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, most of it focused on the power of words. But when I launched my business, I discovered something bigger: energy is everything.
Think about it: have you ever gone into a donor meeting fully prepared, nailed every talking point, and still walked out with a “no”? Or maybe you had a promising connection with someone who suddenly ghosted you. More often than not, it isn’t the message—it’s the energy.
If you show up rushed, resentful, desperate, or unsure, that energy leaks through no matter what your words are saying. Donors are incredibly attuned to it. And let’s be honest—we all are. You can feel when someone is trying too hard, or when someone walks into the room confident, calm, and grounded.
Energy always speaks louder than words.
Four Ways to Shift Your Fundraising Energy
The good news is: you can change this. You can consciously choose the energy you bring into your conversations. Here’s how:
1. Check in with yourself
Before every meeting, call, or fundraising event, pause and ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? Am I anxious? Hopeful? Confident? Then choose one word that describes how you want to show up—calm, generous, inspired, curious—and carry that word with you into the conversation.
2. Detach from the outcome
Fundraising influence works best when you let go of needing a specific result. When you’re overly attached to getting a “yes,” donors sense the pressure—even if you’re smiling politely. Instead, approach the conversation as an invitation to partnership. If it’s a fit, wonderful. If not, that’s okay too.
3. Channel belief, not desperation
Donors don’t respond to desperation energy—“We need this to survive!” They respond to belief: belief in your mission, belief in your impact, and belief that they are capable of stepping up. Shift from “please help us” to “together we can create change.”
4. Reset when needed
We all have tough days. If you’ve had a frustrating call, a fight with your teenager, or you’re simply exhausted, don’t fake your way through it. Take a few minutes to reset: breathe deeply, listen to music, move your body, or talk with a trusted colleague. Even 90 seconds of grounding can shift your entire state before a donor conversation.
Influence Is About Presence, Not Perfection
Here’s the biggest lesson: influence isn’t about perfect words, flawless pitches, or airtight strategies. It’s about presence. Donors want to feel seen, valued, and connected. They want to believe their contribution matters. And when your energy communicates belief, calm, and authenticity, everything changes.
I’ve seen nonprofit leaders go from struggling with fundraising to closing five- and six-figure gifts—not because they memorized a better script, but because they aligned their energy with their mission. When you show up grounded and confident, donors feel safe, inspired, and excited to say yes.
Your Fundraising Energy Is Contagious
So, before your next donor call, presentation, or event, remember this: you are always transmitting energy. Make it intentional. Make it aligned. Make it contagious in the best way possible.
When you do, fundraising becomes less about grinding and hustling, and more about grace, flow, and authentic connection. And trust me—that’s when the magic happens.
Ready to supercharge your fundraising energy?
Let’s connect. I’d love to help you align your energy so you can raise more money, build stronger relationships, and actually enjoy the fundraising process. Reach out to me at Courageous Communication and let’s see what we can create together.