Craving More: How to Navigate and Leverage the Culture of Excess in Mission-Driven Work
- ewoodworth
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
We live in a culture of more. More money. More visibility. More impact. And nonprofits aren’t immune. But what if the key to attracting more donors, volunteers, and supporters isn’t resisting that culture—but understanding it, reframing it, and stewarding it wisely?
During my summer vacation, I practiced with less—and found that I still had enough. Maybe even excess at times. It made me pause and ponder: What does “more” really mean in the nonprofit world? When I sit down with organizations and ask about their needs, the answer is almost always more of something.
Let’s take a moment to look at “more”—and how to use it with intention.
Step 1: Know What “More” You Actually Need
Before chasing growth, organizations must define it.
Is it more funding for a specific program or general operations?
Is it more volunteers to expand reach or deepen relationships?
Is it more visibility to influence policy or attract partnerships?
Thoughtful Questions: What does “more” look like for us—and why does it matter now?
This is where self-awareness meets strategy. Clarity here sets the tone for everything that follows.
Step 2: Translate Need into a Message That Resonates
The culture of more is loud, fast, and emotionally driven. To cut through, your message must be:
Aspirational: Paint a picture of what “more” will unlock.
Relatable: Connect to shared values or urgent needs.
Specific: Avoid vague calls for support—clarity builds trust.
Instead of “We need more volunteers,” try: “With 10 more mentors, we can double the number of teens who graduate with a career plan.”
This is where storytelling and branding become powerful tools for connection.
Attracting People Who Are Already Seeking “More”
Your message doesn’t just inform—it magnetizes. There are people out there craving more meaning, more purpose, more connection. When your organization communicates with clarity and conviction, you become the answer to their search.
Donors want more impact for their dollars
Volunteers want more fulfillment in their time
Partners want more alignment with their values
Your job is to show them how your mission delivers that “more”—and how they can be part of it.
And once they step in, your stewardship ensures they stay.
Step 3: Measure What Matters—and Share It
If you’re asking for more, you must show what you’ve done with what you already have.
Use impact dashboards, progress snapshots, or gratitude reports.
Be transparent about challenges and growth areas.
Invite supporters into the journey—not just the results.
Transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s magnetic. (It also gives you the opportunity to offer another communication touch point.)
When people see their contributions in action, they’re more likely to stay engaged—and invite others to join.
Step 4: Steward the “More” You Receive
Getting more is only half the equation. Stewardship is what sustains it.
Celebrate new donors and volunteers publicly.
Report back on how their support made a difference.
Build systems that honor generosity with gratitude and accountability.
More without stewardship becomes noise. More with stewardship becomes momentum.
This is where trust deepens and long-term relationships flourish.
Let’s Talk About Your “More”
The culture of more isn’t going anywhere. But nonprofits have a choice: chase it blindly or engage it wisely. When we lead with clarity, transparency, and gratitude, more becomes not a burden—but a blessing.
I’ll leave you with this thoughtful question:
What kind of “more” is your organization truly ready for—and how will you steward it?
If your organization is ready to explore how to attract and steward more—with integrity and impact—I’d love to help. Let’s schedule a connecting conversation to uncover what “more” means for you and how to message it with clarity and confidence.
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