Normally, I would not know this except for the fact that my husband is once again coaching a team of 8- and 9-year-olds!
One of the (many) things I appreciate about my husband is that he approaches baseball as more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to teach discipline, resilience, and how to handle both success and failure.
Statistically, very few Little Leaguers today will ever play major league baseball. That’s not the point. The value is in the habits they build — habits that carry well beyond the field.
The same is true in fundraising.
If you want to improve your fundraising outcomes, act like a good Little Leaguer:
- Show up and be ready to play. Fundraising rewards consistency. Start your day early, have a plan, and get to work.
- Practice deliberately. Success looks easy for those who put the time in. Prepare for meetings with donors by role-play with your team. Anticipate objections.
- Don’t get distracted. There are a lot of things happening on the field (or in the office!). Don’t get side-tracked and miss out on major plays.
- Everyone’s role is important, even if you play right field. Whether your role is writing grants, prospect research, database management, or major gift solicitation, you are essential to the team. You never know when the ball will be hit to you.
- Keep swinging. Baseball is a game of failure. You miss a lot more balls than you hit. Likewise with fundraising. You’ll get a more no’s than yeses, but don’t let that stop you.
The organizations that succeed are not the ones with the most activity. They are the ones with the strongest fundamentals, executed consistently over time.
Play ball!
