It all started with a small hiccup in my Artscroll app — a moment that unexpectedly turned into a powerful fundraising lesson.
I reached out to Artscroll’s tech support and got help from a staff member named Eli, who answered my question with clarity, warmth, and a personal touch.
Afterwards, I sent him this note:
This was his response.
As you read it, keep in mind: this wasn’t written by someone in fundraising. This was a regular staff member responding to a customer.
Eli was clearly a passionate believer in the Artscroll vision. Enthusiastic about their work, and personally invested in furthering their mission.
First, he reinforced how wonderful their product was. Then, by describing Artscroll’s reality and future plans, he made their need unmistakably clear.
Next, he took a surprising step — he made a solicitation.
He was good. No apologizing. No hesitations.
Just a simple, confident description of the opportunity, the vision, and an easy pathway to join in. He asked whether I — or anyone I knew — might want to be part of the solution.
Now, sponsoring this series was far beyond my personal giving level. So was his ask out of place?
Absolutely not.
Because based on the information he had, I might have been the perfect prospect. And even if I wasn’t, it’s entirely possible someone in my circle could have been.
Eli understood a core truth of fundraising: everyone is a potential doorway to a donor. And he seized the moment.
Had my reality been different — had I been in a position to say yes — there’s a very good chance this interaction would have led me to take the next step. And Artscroll might have landed a major new sponsor.
Why?
Because one employee, with no connection to fundraising, felt passionate and responsible enough for his organization’s mission to take initiative.
Imagine if your employees, board members, and volunteers felt — and acted — like Eli.
We all want a loyal following for our organizations. Supporters who feel proud of what we do and motivated enough to help advance it.
In the age of social media, even within the frum world, cultivating a loyal audience isn’t simple.
But don’t overlook your most powerful starting point: your own team.
Good leaders empower committed followers. Day after day, your staff interact with people you may never reach. If they feel dedicated and responsible toward your mission, they could bring in dream donors you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
Artscroll eventually secured the sponsorship for their Hebrew Mishnayos app. I don’t know whether it was Eli who sparked it, or another devoted Artscroll ambassador.
But one thing is clear: Eli had a real chelek in making it happen.
Invest in your team — your staff, volunteers, and board members. The returns can be extraordinary.
Have a fabulous fundraising week,
Avraham
Copyright © Avraham Lewis & Co.