Today reminded me of an important point: almost all great ideas start small. And some of those small beginnings grow into sophisticated nonprofit organizations delivering desperately needed services.
I spent most of my day at the East Texas Nonprofit Summit. Several hundred people gathered to learn from experts about fundraising, marketing, strategic planning, and leadership.
Over and over, I introduced myself to someone I hadn’t met before, often learning about a very small organization in its early years. That’s an important time for a new nonprofit: long on ideas, hope, and energy—but short on donors.
The conversations reminded me how important it is to pause and think small—even in a world that tells us to dream big. Take a few minutes with me to reflect on how thinking small can shape your giving in a big way.
To think small is to think:
- Focused – seeing through a microscope
- Compacted ideas – small, interconnected ideas forming a stronger web
- Baby steps – ideas in infancy, falling and rising again
- Small-scale – the test version of a big vision
Alone, each of these ideas carries power. Together, they can lead to even greater impact—for essential services and for donors intent on giving effectively.
Look for the small, Van Gogh-like masterpiece. Van Gogh himself said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Focused
The focused donor seeks ideas that align with their passion and support new initiatives, programs, and small beginnings. A single small investment can fuel early momentum and encourage others to join in.
Compacted Ideas
For donors with clear intent and expectations, compacted ideas open the door to funding far-reaching possibilities, regardless of the organization’s size. Look for organizations that connect services, either by delivering them directly or in partnership with other nonprofit organizations. When closely related ideas are packed together, they build toward greater impact.
Baby steps
Baby steps are early trials—testing, learning, and adjusting. It’s the first cautious move toward something we’d love to see happen. Support leaders who are starting from scratch and willing to learn as they go.
Small-scale
Think small-scale as a starting point toward big ideas. Even big ideas must start somewhere. They often grow from small seeds that slowly take root. For donors who want to accomplish something significant, small-scale pilots are a powerful starting point. They provide time for ideas to be tested, refined, and expanded with confidence.
For many nonprofit organizations, starting small is a journey that feels nearly impossible. Getting started is hard work. The early stages demand creativity, persistence, and the willingness to start, fail, and start again—one baby step at a time.
Leaders of small nonprofits are energetic, sleep-deprived, and eager to share their vision. What they need are donors willing to come alongside them.
Even large organizations often launch new programs on a small scale before expanding to serve more people.
Today, I met several small organizations inviting us to join them—to think small together.
Confucius said, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
What small stones are you starting to move?
🌱 Do you have a budding idea just waiting to grow? As a trained and experienced coach, I can help you nurture that inspiration, discover opportunities, and shape strategies to bring your dream to life. I’d be glad to have a no-obligation conversation to see if we might be a good fit together.
© Copyright 2025. Dawn Franks. All rights reserved.
