In Fundraising, Does it Matter Who Wins?

I have coached youth baseball in Indianapolis for many years. I love to work with children. The team I coach this year is the 7- to 8-year-old boy's team, the Braves. There are 12 boys on a team. At this age each team has a mix of players where some have played for several years, some have played for one year and some have never played at all.

There are also those boys that have not learned to throw or catch. But those things can be taught. One thing you cannot completely teach, however, is attitude.

I just returned from the field where the Braves played their first game of the season. The first game is exciting as the kids are tired of practicing against themselves and are ready to take on a real opponent. In this league, there is a unique rule: Players must change positions every two innings. This isn't easy as you're trying to teach players how to work with one position and they immediately have to learn another position.

I saw our 12 players as two teams. One team can play today because they know the basics, and the other will develop over time as they grow and learn how to catch and throw. Because of this split-squad interpretation, we will be lucky to win several games this year.

I have good and bad news. The bad news is we were beaten by the Tigers 9-0. We gave it the old college try but need to go back to the drawing board. The good news is when I was talking to the team in the dugout after the game, Preston looked up at me and said, "Coach, who won the game?" I laughed and said, "The Tigers did, but does it really matter? What matters is that you have fun and knowing that the fruits of your labor may not be reflected today but tomorrow."

What does this have to do with development? We spend so much time trying to generate financial results today we might miss the big picture of the total development process. After I left a hospital position, the hospital received a million dollar-plus gift. I spent several years cultivating, stewarding and asking for the gift from that prospect. It did not show up on the scoreboard at the time I was there, but the hospital ultimately received the gift after my departure.

The point to remember is that everything you do has meaning and short- and long-term repercussions. Each day, seek to generate time, talent and treasure for today knowing that you do not control the timing or results of each interaction. You are planting the tree for future generations to enjoy the shade. While you might not receive immediate credit for your efforts, strive to reach goals and score. The key is having Preston's wonderful view of the world.

At times, there's nothing wrong with being clueless in the moment as your actions will ultimately generate a reaction. In this business many reactions from others come in their time, not yours! The key is that a result occurs that benefits others.

Donors ultimately give to the institution, not you. The moment you leave a job, another development officer will be quickly in your place. That said, you will have personal satisfaction knowing you planted the seeds for growth.

Don't we all win when the ultimate joy and victory is just playing the game!