Celebrating Small Wins: How Micro-Victories Keep Fundraisers Motivated
By Sandra Davis, CEO & Founder of Donorly
There are days when fundraising can be so rewarding. But boy-oh-boy are there some difficult days, too.
I’m talking about long timelines, unpredictable results, and high-stakes goals. Even the most passionate and optimistic fundraisers can feel discouraged. When all the focus is on big wins—major gifts, groundbreaking campaigns—it’s easy to overlook the small moments that quietly power long-term success.
That’s why I want to talk about the importance of small wins.
Recognizing micro-victories keeps fundraisers grounded, motivated, and moving forward. These moments of progress build momentum, boost morale, and remind us that every step counts.
In this post, we’ll dive into why small wins matter and how to intentionally celebrate them in your fundraising work.
The Science Behind Celebrating Small Wins
Research tells us that even minor achievements activate the brain’s reward system, triggering a dopamine release—the feel-good chemical that fuels motivation. And who doesn’t want that?
When fundraisers experience these positive feedback loops, they’re more likely to stay engaged and resilient.
Tracking progress also helps shift the mindset from overwhelmed to empowered. Seeing incremental growth builds confidence and keeps energy focused on the journey, not just the destination.
Momentum is fuel!
What Counts as a Small Win in Fundraising?
Big wins like six-figure gifts or national media hits are exciting—but they aren’t the only signs of success. Small wins often happen behind the scenes and are just as important. A few examples:
Securing a first-time donation, no matter the amount
Getting a “yes” to a meeting or a warm reply from a donor
Completing a tricky grant application
Reconnecting with a lapsed donor
Carving out the time to send a batch of personalized thank-you notes
Brainstorming a fresh campaign idea with the team
Bouncing back after a rejection with a stronger proposal
Each of these moments contributes to the bigger picture. Naming and celebrating them helps keep teams energized and spirits high.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins
1. Personal Acknowledgment
Keep a running list or journal of small accomplishments to review
Take a moment each day to reflect on what went well—mentally or in writing
Track progress visually (e.g., a goal chart or sticky notes) to make success visible
2. Team Recognition
Highlight small wins during team meetings or in newsletters.
Start a “win of the week” ritual to close out the week on Friday
Use Slack or Teams to create a dedicated channel for shoutouts
Encourage peer-to-peer recognition—it builds connection and shared momentum
3. Leadership Support
Managers should model the behavior by publicly recognizing team efforts
Celebrate the process, not just the outcomes—especially when it comes to creativity, persistence, and relationship-building
Connect small wins back to the mission to reinforce purpose
4. Celebratory Rituals
Mark milestones with small rewards: coffee breaks, team lunches, or a spontaneous dance break
Create team traditions, like ringing a bell for a new donor or posting handwritten thank-you notes
Cultivate a culture where celebration is the norm—not the exception
Celebrating small wins isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a powerful way to keep fundraisers motivated, focused, and connected to the mission. When progress is seen and acknowledged, people stay committed. By building a culture that values micro-victories, nonprofits can create momentum that lasts. And it makes the day-to-day a lot more fun.
So, what’s one small win you’ve had this week? Take a moment to celebrate it—and maybe even share it with a teammate. You’ve earned it.
