Imagine taking a struggling two-star brasserie in New York City and turning it into the best restaurant in the world. That’s exactly what Will Guidara did with Eleven Madison Park. The secret? Unreasonable hospitality—creating experiences so memorable and personal that they resonate deeply with people.
But what does this have to do with fundraising? Everything.
Will’s approach to hospitality transcends restaurants and can be applied to the nonprofit world to transform how we build relationships with donors. It’s about more than just providing good service; it’s about making donors feel seen, valued, and deeply connected to your mission. In doing so, you don’t just raise funds—you create lifelong partners.
Will’s success at Eleven Madison Park wasn’t just about the food; it was about offering guests an experience they’d remember forever. He calls this “unreasonable hospitality,” and it’s rooted in these three human needs:
- To be seen
- To belong
- To be cared for
How can we apply this to our work? By delivering an experience so personal and meaningful that it becomes part of a donor’s story. That might mean surprising them with small acts of appreciation or creating unique opportunities for them to see the direct impact of their contributions.
Think about your next donor interaction: how can you make it an unforgettable experience that they’ll want to share and cherish? The path to excellence in fundraising may just lie in creating more meaningful, human connections.
