Bruce, thank you so much for the kudos-and I truly appreciate the work you've done over the years. You're absolutely right, and I'm glad you emphasized this. Research is critical.
With only 30 minutes, I intentionally focused that session on mindset-especially helping people release the fear around hearing "no" and reframing it as timing, not rejection. There is a part two where I go deeper into where to find donors, how to do the research, and how to uncover those exact connection points you mentioned so conversations feel natural and aligned.
You're spot on: with the information available today, everything you need is truly at your fingertips. When you pair strong mindset with thoughtful research, that's where real, lasting donor relationships are built. Thanks again for adding such valuable perspective to the conversation.
Michael C. Clark
Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2026 07:22 AM
From: Bruce Thorsen
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/12/2026 - Money Mindset for Animal Organizations
Having raised funds (for health care) for over 40 years, I fully agree with what Michael has outlined here. One of the most important points he makes is "don't think a NO is permanent." Donors give one THEIR time frame, not ours! I had many NOs during my career, but a good share of them accepted a future visit and "ask" and responded generously. One thing Michael didn't mention was "do your research!" With all the on-line information available, you can find out an immense amount about your prospective donor(s) especially individuals. The time I spent researching to find "connection points" paid off big time! Stuff like where they went to college, what other charities do they support, have they lived somewhere else that I am familiar with etc.....
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Bruce Thorsen
President, Board of Directors
Purrfect Match Cat Rescue
Millington TN
Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2026 11:37 PM
From: Michael C. Clark
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/12/2026 - Money Mindset for Animal Organizations
Great question - and an important one.
When deciding which organizations (or donors/partners) to approach, I encourage teams to look at this through a partnership lens, not a volume lens.
Here are a few practical things to look for:
1. Alignment first
Start with individuals or organizations whose values clearly align with your mission. If they already care about animals, community impact, or service, the conversation is naturally easier and more authentic.
2. Capacity and interest
Capacity matters - but interest matters just as much. Someone who has the ability and a genuine emotional connection to your work is far more likely to become a long-term partner.
3. Relationship proximity
Warm or semi-warm relationships should always come first. People who already know your work - volunteers, adopters, vendors, board connections, or community partners - are often your strongest starting point.
4. Openness to partnership
Look for people or organizations that don't just want to write a check, but are open to supporting the work in multiple ways - financially, through in-kind support, referrals, or advocacy.
5. Timing awareness
Not every "no" is permanent. Pay attention to where someone is in their own season - financially, professionally, or personally. Timing can turn a future "yes" into a confident one.
6. Clarity on your end
Finally, make sure you are clear on what you're inviting them into. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what support looks like and why it matters now.
At the end of the day:
You're not trying to convince everyone. You're offering the opportunity to give and partner with work that matters - and the right people will lean in.
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Michael Clark
Director of Capcity Building / COO
The Nonprofit Plug
GA
Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2026 01:02 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/12/2026 - Money Mindset for Animal Organizations
Unanswered question from the chat:
"I'd love to learn more about what to look for when deciding which organizations to approach." - @Brandi Washburn
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Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2026 12:43 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/12/2026 - Money Mindset for Animal Organizations
Updated 1/12/26 at 12:59 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!
Enter here for a chance to win the January Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand.
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie's Fund.
We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET for "Money Mindset for Animal Organizations," a conversation with @Michael C. Clark, Director of Capacity Building at The Nonprofit Plug.
A practical workshop to help animal welfare teams build confidence in fundraising. We'll cover mindset shifts, simple donor conversation scripts, and how to communicate urgency without guilt or pressure. Participants will walk away with actionable takeaways to boost their donor engagement.
This session is especially relevant for grant writers/fundraisers, marketing & communications staff, nonprofit leadership, and program managers - but all are welcome!
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Strong fundraising is rooted in clarity: when organizations clearly communicate impact, donors are more confident in giving.
- Donors don't give to need alone-they give to outcomes, leadership, and trust.
- Small shifts in messaging and donor engagement can significantly improve funding results without adding staff or burnout.
Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form.
Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom.
🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread.
Looking forward to being in community with you!
#EducationandTraining
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#OrganizationalManagement
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Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
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