When we give context we get motivation. 

Today I received an email about a recent fundraiser we donated to. The email did not ask for more money.

Instead, the organizer of the fundraiser got back in touch with the donors to tell us how the money has been spent so far. He listed the items they were able to purchase and provided color about how important those purchases were for the program.

I was floored.

I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard anything after giving money to a fundraiser or a nonprofit. Usually it’s radio silence until I get another solicitation to donate. 

Too many fundraisers are heavy on pitch but light on context. Similarly, too many of us are heavy on “what” and light on “why.”

Maybe we think the why is unnecessary. Maybe we don’t really know how to explain the why. Maybe it’s too much work. For whatever reason we are shy with why. 

The problem is that our motivation comes from the why surrounding the what. The why is what we act on.

Taking the time to give context is the best way to get motivation.