These days, where are the supporters you can count on to keep your group not just going, but growing?

What if you don't have the support of any megadonors and you're not sure how to get on MacKenzie Scott's radar screen?

Well, it does take a special kind of confidence on your part to keep doing what you do and telling your story in these times. But there are certain donors who will help you more than others, and sure-fire ways to be ready to help your group grow and thrive.

First, ready yourself. If you are a board member or a development officer, learn about the beneficiaries of your group's mission, its programs, and its results as deeply as you can. This is how you will be credible and persuasive to others when the opportunity arises to attract more support. And you will be utterly comfortable, because you know your stuff.

Second, you should probably stop dreaming about megadonors. It's not that you will never have the support of a megadonor, but chasing them is not a great way to get their attention. Instead, focus on your most passionate existing donors and utilize their help to add new donors from time to time. Their passion is contagious, and they know how to appeal to great people in their own network. Help your current donors explore their own social, family, and business connections and then support them to get your story out. THIS is how people hear about you and ultimately want to help your group be even more successful.

Third, look around you at the wonderful group of volunteers that gives so much of their time and energy to the work of your group. Don't forget to invite them to give funds as well as their own talents and time.

Of anyone outside your staff and board, your volunteers know your organization - blemishes and all - and believe in the work. They are perfect examples of the term "informed investor."

Get to know your volunteers AND get them involved in making gifts that will be meaningful to them. They will give annually, to special campaigns, and often through their estates. They are stalwart supporters and they are STARS!

Fourth, speaking of estates, don't forget to mention planned giving options often and to everyone - don't worry whether they are "old enough". And by "planned giving", I mean leaving a gift through their will or living trust, primarily*. I worked with a group a few years ago that had operated almost entirely on income from bequests, from the time they started. Yes, the first 10 years were really tough, but now after 40 years they receive several million dollars in bequests every year. Building a bequest program is a long-term strategy, and it takes commitment and patience, but these are good reasons to get started NOW. Include messages about leaving a bequest in your periodic giving asks (yes, by email and social media too) and link it all to a section on your website with helpful examples of how someone can leave your group a bequest.

In other words, work the basics and don't leave any of your most supportive groups out of your thinking, planning, and action. Solid support comes from those who already care about your mission and can be encouraged to find even more ways to show their passion.

And who knows, maybe you'll discover that one of your volunteers taught MacKenzie Scott in primary school!

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*Other planned gifts include charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, gifts of retirement assets, real estate gifts, and making your charity the beneficiary of an insurance policy, just to mention a few. If your group doesn't have the staff expertise, work with your closest community foundation to understand how they might help you and your donors develop planned gifts to benefit your group.