Start Small, Dream Big: The Foundations of Transformative Fundraising
In the latest episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Annie Dickerson, a seasoned fundraiser who has mastered the art of turning small beginnings into monumental success. Annie’s insights on humility, relationship-building, and leveraging networks are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their impact in the fundraising world. You can listen to the full episode here.
Begin with Small Steps
Every impactful journey starts with small, seemingly inconsequential steps. Annie shared how her career began with tasks as simple as licking stamps and sealing envelopes during a gubernatorial campaign. While those tasks might seem insignificant, they laid the foundation for her eventual success as a leader in political and philanthropic fundraising.
The lesson is clear: excellence in small tasks builds trust and opens doors to greater opportunities. Approach every responsibility, no matter how small, with enthusiasm and dedication. It’s not about where you start—it’s about how you approach the journey.
Build Relationships with Purpose
Fundraising is not just about dollars; it’s about people. Relationships are the heart of transformative fundraising. Treat every donor, partner, and supporter with respect and genuine interest. Annie emphasized the importance of asking the right questions:
- What causes resonate deeply with them?
- How do they envision their contributions making a difference?
- What legacy do they hope to leave?
When you approach donors with empathy and humility, you’re not just asking for support—you’re inviting them into a meaningful partnership. These connections often lead to long-term collaboration, deeper engagement, and shared success.
Leverage Networks for Greater Impact
One of Annie’s key strategies has been leveraging networks to amplify results. Whether it was organizing donor programs during political campaigns or creating philanthropic coalitions, she demonstrated the power of collaboration.
Building networks allows fundraisers to scale their impact. By forming groups with shared values and goals, fundraisers can create exponential change. Recognize the potential of those around you and bring them together to achieve more than you ever could alone.
Focus on Legacy and Mission
Fundraising isn’t just about meeting immediate goals; it’s about creating lasting change. Help donors align their contributions with their broader aspirations, guiding them to invest in causes that resonate deeply and have measurable impact.
Start by asking:
- What lasting impact do you want your efforts to have?
- How can your contributions serve future generations?
- What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
When donors are clear on their purpose, they’re more likely to give with intention, focus, and generosity.
The Mindset for Success
The most successful fundraisers share a common trait: humility. Fundraising is not about the individual—it’s about the cause and the people it serves. Approach your work with a servant’s heart, recognizing that your role is to bridge the gap between resources and needs.
Stay curious, be open to learning, and remain people-oriented. Fundraising is about helping others find joy in giving and creating meaningful change.
A Full Circle Moment
Annie’s journey—from small beginnings to running multimillion-dollar donor programs—is a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and a relationship-first approach. Her experiences remind us that starting small and dreaming big is the path to transformative success.
To hear more of Annie’s incredible story and practical advice, listen to the full Going Big! Podcast episode here. It’s a conversation that will inspire you to think bigger and go further in your fundraising journey.
