Why Fundraising is a Lot Like Fly Fishing

Tom Iselin
Jul 13, 2015
3 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2025

0.57. It's tough "catching" big donors, but it important to keep casting even when the fishing is not that good. Meanwhile, enjoy the process of catching the little ones.

Why Fundraising is a Lot Like Fly Fishing

Yes—you should absolutely fish for big donors.

But it’s also just as fun—and just as important—to fish for small donors.

Because small donors have a funny habit of turning into big donors over time.

The Big Misconception About Donor Size

Too many nonprofits get overly fixated on landing the “big one.”

The six-figure donor.The transformational gift.The whale.

And while major donors absolutely matter, focusing only on them misses the point—and the joy—of fundraising.

Just like fly fishing, not every cast is about the trophy fish.

Sometimes it’s about:

Being present
Enjoying the process
Appreciating what shows up
Learning the water

Small Donors Are Not Small Opportunities

Every donor starts somewhere.

Many major donors:

Begin with a modest first gift
Want to test the waters
Watch how they’re treated
Decide over time how deep they want to go

A $50 donor today can become:

A $500 donor
A $5,000 donor
A lifelong supporter
Even a legacy donor

But only if you value them early and often.

Fundraising, Like Fishing, Is About the Process

Anyone who fishes knows this truth:

You don’t control the fish.

You control:

Your patience
Your technique
Your attitude
Your appreciation for the experience

Fundraising works the same way.

You can:

Show up prepared
Build relationships
Be grateful
Stay consistent

But you can’t force generosity.

And when you stop enjoying the process, donors feel it.

Gratitude Is the Real Secret Weapon

Whether someone gives $25 or $25,000, the response should feel the same:

Genuine appreciation.

Donors want to feel:

Valued
Seen
Respected
Thanked

When gratitude is real, relationships deepen.

And when relationships deepen, generosity often follows—sometimes when you least expect it.

Sometimes You Hook a Big One

Here’s the magic part.

When you’re patient.When you enjoy the work.When you honor every donor.When you stay grateful.

Every now and then…

You set the hook and realize something special is on the line.

The big one.

And it didn’t happen because you chased it desperately.It happened because you were present, consistent, and doing things the right way.

Key Takeaways

Big donors matter—but so do small ones
Small donors often grow into major supporters
Fundraising is about patience and presence
Enjoying the process makes you better at it
Gratitude strengthens every donor relationship

Summary

Fly fishing and fundraising? What?

Fundraising isn’t just about landing the biggest gift.

It’s about:

Showing up
Building relationships
Enjoying the journey
Being thankful for everyone who supports your mission

Do that consistently, and every so often—when you least expect it—you’ll hook a big one.

And trust me…That makes the whole day on the water worth it. 🎣

Tom Iselin

Rated One of America’s Best Board Retreat

and Strategic Planning Facilitators

About the Author

Tom Iselin is recognized as one of America’s leading authorities on high-performance nonprofits. He has built nine sector-leading nonprofits and two software companies, written six books, sits on multiple boards, and has been rated one of America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitators. His work on nonprofit strategy, board leadership, and culture has been featured on CNN, Nightline, and in Newsweek.

Tom is the president of First Things First, a firm specializing in board retreats, strategic planning services, fundraising strategy, and executive coaching for nonprofit CEOs.

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If you’re looking for a board retreat facilitator or strategic planning facilitator who has been in the trenches and understands real-world nonprofit challenges, Tom can help your board gain clarity, build alignment, and create an actionable plan that improves performance and impact. His sessions propel organizations to the next level of performance and impact . . . and they're fun!

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