The Rhythm of Gratitude (and Why It Grows Generosity) | Good Things Ahead
Good Things at a Glance: Quick summary for the busy leader:
The rhythm of gratitude turns supporters into partners and moments into movements + sample gratitude phrases to spark your next thank-you note or donor message.
The Gratitude–Generosity Cycle
Gratitude and generosity are two sides of the same good thing.
Think about it. Gratitude prepares the heart for generosity and generosity is generosity in action.
When we slow down long enough to notice the good things around us - to name it, count it, breathe it in - something shifts.
Gratitude turns our focus from what’s missing to what’s already good. And that shift naturally opens our hands.
In nonprofit work, we talk a lot about thank-yous, donor appreciation, and stewardship reports — but true stewardship isn’t a checklist. It’s a posture. It’s the daily decision to celebrate what’s been entrusted before striving for what’s next (which isn't easy to do when there is always a fire to put out).
Gratitude fuels generosity.
Generosity multiplies gratitude.
And, contrary to what many fundraisers learned about "moves management," it’s not a campaign cycle or even a fundraising tactic...it’s a rhythm of good things.
As we head into this season of thanksgiving, maybe the invitation isn’t to do more, but to notice more. To pause mid-chaos and be thankful for the team beside you, the mission before you, and the community, partners and donor who believe in your work.
Because when leaders live grateful, donors, partners and teams feel seen; the rhythm of gratitude turns supporters into partners and moments into movements.
A Note Worth Writing
As you enjoy your afternoon coffee or Diet Coke later day, why not jot a quick note to a donor, partner, or friend who’s made good things possible this year. Gratitude doesn’t have to be fancy or scripted; it just needs to be seen.
To make it easier, we’ve gathered a few short phrases you can borrow for your thank-you notes, emails, or year-end messages — each one a simple reminder that gratitude fuels generosity.
Here’s to noticing, naming, and celebrating the good things ahead. Cheers!
Friend, There’s a lot going on these days. I know it. You know it.
I hope you never take the content of these notes as anything less than my heart to encourage and equip you in the good things you’re doing...never to overshadow the hurt or the hard happening around us. Because I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the world needs you and the work you’re doing, especially today.
I hope these notes that show up in your email allow you (at some level) to slow down and notice the sacred in the simple: a thank-you spoken, a kindness offered, a moment shared.
I am so grateful for you and am cheering you on.
Megan
Like this post? Let’s make it official. Join the Philanthrope Reimagined Community and get Good Things Ahead — our weekly newsletter with encouragement, strategy, and a little sparkle — delivered straight to your inbox every week (ish).
