The Slow Fundraising Manifesto

We invest in sustainability, not just survival.

Slow Fundraising supports thriving organizations and thriving communities.  It's how we avoid burnout, build resilience, and create lasting impact.

We take the long view.

We measure our success not by today's campaign results, but by the lifetime value of connection and trust.  Our work is a garden, not a vending machine.

We build relationships, not transactions.

We don't treat donors as data points or revenue streams.  We get to know them, listen to them, respect them, and invite them into something meaningful.

We trust our donors – and earn their trust.

We are transparent.  We say thank you like we mean it.  We involve donors in change, not just ask them to fund it.

We prioritize meaning over noise.

We resist the pressure to be louder and faster.  We choose clear, heartfelt, and intentional communications that inspire rather than overwhelm.

We use tools that create space for depth.

Yes to digital.  Yes to mail.  Yes to phone calls.  Yes to face-to-face.  But we choose tools based on how well they build human connection – not what's trendy or cheap or fast.

We remember why we do this.

This work isn't just about raising money. It's about making life better – for people, for places, for the planet…for the future.