A Foodie in Development: Baking Brownies and Cultivating Relationships

Nov 15

Nov 15 A Foodie in Development: Baking Brownies and Cultivating Relationships

Dear Diary,

As the majority of us in the United States enter the colder season of the year, I thought it was time for something rich in flavor and texture to warm my bones. So, I decided to make milk chocolate brownies. Now, I have to give an apology and disclaimer to those who know how to bake and create their brownies from scratch. Those who enjoy and only know how to bake from the box are talented with the instructions. For this great baking day, I chose the Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix, which I believe is available in most supermarkets in the United States.

To start, I had my necessities and ingredients ready on the kitchen counter – a large mixing bowl, an oven tray and baking sheet, olive oil, measuring spoons, a measuring cup, and two eggs. I felt ready to open the box and begin. It is a three-step process to baking these brownies: (1) Heat oven as directed in box’s chart. Grease bottom of pan. (2) Stir Brownie Mix, water, oil, and eggs in a medium bowl until well blended. Spread in pan. (3) Bake as directed in the box’s chart or until a toothpick inserted two inches from the side of the pan comes out almost clean; cool.

The secret that I have learned while baking has been to begin with the liquids – first, mixing just half a cup of oil, two tablespoons of water, and two eggs together. Although the box states to just mix everything together, there has to be an order to how you introduce the different elements so the batter can have the desired texture. And, what a principle to assume when trying to cultivate relationships with prospective donors. A relationship has to begin with some fluidity. Although both parties know there is a need and purpose for the conversation, it is not transactional. There must be a desired future, so the relationship is not “one gift and done.” It flows from casual to nostalgia to impact to storytelling to formalities to case for support to impact and maybe back to casual. The bowl of conversation is never filled with static energy or hesitation – the foundation is to get to know someone and build a relationship for a purpose larger than you and the prospect.

Next, it’s time to add the brownie mix as it hits the mixed liquid and bowl with a flurry of chocolate dust.

Let’s think of a specific prospect, the one we all know and love, the most inquisitive one. Every organization has the prospect that feels like they know your nonprofit because they volunteer and chair several committees at different organizations. You meet with the prospect only to listen, and it’s always to hear their thoughts. Cultivating a relationship with a prospect like this requires direction. Where should the relationship go? And who should take turns driving the relationship, and at what stage? There may be heaviness in this task, and it may be a prolonged process that requires more attention than you can give with minimal resources. In all, the relationship is similar to stirring up a brownie mix. The turning of your wrist as you keep the consistency and chocolate mixture molding and thickening. This is the prospect that will champion your organization as you twist and turn through important discussions about your work. This is the prospect that needs to know that the community they live in is being served by your organization, and in return, you are expecting them to support valuable work.

The mix is ready for the oven, which is set at 350 Fahrenheit (or 176.6 Celsius) for 30 minutes. The heat should not be feared. Cultivation is successful when you know the answers to questions such as what their philanthropic interests are? What organizations do they support? What matters to them right now in their lives? What do they want to learn about your organization? What is their story, and how did they get to where they are today?