In 2009, I made a life-changing decision to step away from my career in the for-profit sector and transition into nonprofit fundraising.
There were a lot of factors that went into my decision to make a career change. But oddly enough, one of my biggest inspirations for this shift came from television. Back in 2008, like so many others, I remember sitting on my couch when the ASPCA commercials began to air.
You know the ones I’m talking about.
“In the arms of an angel…”
That heartbreaking Sarah McLachlan song is probably already in your head just from me mentioning it! You would see the commercial once, and it would stick with you for days. I was completely fascinated by it.
As an animal lover, the images were heartbreaking, the message was powerful, and the emotion was undeniable. Those ads struck a chord across the country. People didn’t need to be wealthy philanthropists to respond.
Instead, thousands of everyday viewers picked up the phone or went online to give what they could.
The Power of Monthly Giving
What amazed me most was not that a few large gifts made the campaign successful, but that so many small donations – $10 here, $25 there – added up to millions to help animals in crisis. It was proof that collective generosity can move mountains.
That realization has stayed with me ever since.
It taught me that fundraising is not just about seeking big checks. It is about building a community of supporters who give what they can, month after month, to sustain a mission they believe in.
Some of the most meaningful acts of generosity are not grand gestures, but steady commitments. That’s what makes monthly giving so powerful. It’s a way for people who care deeply about a cause to create lasting impact through one thoughtful gift at a time.
Monthly donors are more than supporters. They are partners. They help us dream bigger, plan with confidence, and sustain programs that bring hope to countless lives.
Let’s explore why this type of giving matters so much – to you, to us, and to the people whose lives are touched by your generosity.
Why Monthly Giving Matters for Donors
1. Manageable and meaningful
Sometimes giving feels daunting when we think it must be large to matter. But monthly giving proves that’s not true. Smaller, consistent gifts add up to significant impact. For example, $15 a month may feel comfortable, but in a year it becomes $180. That’s an incredibly meaningful contribution to programs you care about.
2. Belonging to a community
Monthly donors become part of a circle of people who share the same vision. There’s a sense of connection and pride in knowing that you are standing alongside others who are committed to making a difference month after month.
3. Seeing your impact grow
The beauty of monthly giving is that it creates ongoing impact. With every gift, you contribute to a story that unfolds over time. You’ll know that your support isn’t a one-time act, but an investment in lasting change.
Why Monthly Giving Matters for Nonprofits
1. Reliability that strengthens impact
Nonprofits need to be ready for today’s needs while planning for tomorrow. Monthly giving provides steady, predictable revenue that allows us to respond with confidence and to expand programs that require long-term commitment.
2. Stronger relationships
Monthly donors are more closely connected to the heart of our work. This ongoing partnership opens the door to deeper engagement, more meaningful updates, and a greater sense of shared accomplishment.
3. A foundation for growth
Reliable income from monthly donors gives us room to innovate and grow. It’s the difference between reacting to needs and proactively shaping a stronger, more hopeful future.
When We Give Together, No Gift is Too Small
One of the most beautiful truths about monthly giving is that every gift matters.
A $10 or $25 monthly contribution might not feel like much on its own, but when joined with hundreds of others, it becomes something extraordinary.
That collective generosity fuels programs, supports families, and changes lives. It’s proof that giving isn’t about the size of the gift. It’s about generosity and collective impact.
Join the San Diego Impact Circle
For 50 years, San Diego Foundation has connected people who care to causes that matter. Together, we’ve supported students pursuing their dreams, strengthened families, and preserved the natural beauty around us.
As we look to the next 50 years, our commitment is stronger than ever: education, children & families, and the environment will be at the heart of our work. And today, we invite you to help shape the future of the place we call home.
You can join the San Diego Impact Circle for as little as $10 per month.
Monthly giving is simple, sustainable, and powerful. Just look at what your gift can do:
Every monthly gift creates impact!
When you become a monthly donor, you become part of a growing movement of San Diegans dedicated to lasting change. We hope you’ll join us!
