Mission Advancement is Like an Olive Grove

Over the past year, I’ve been quiet on LinkedIn. During this time, we relocated from New York City to Umbria, Italy, to care for our family. This move has given me the gift of two olive harvest seasons—and plenty of time to reflect on the work we do to advance causes that matter.

I’ve been struck by how much things can change from one year to the next. Last year’s harvest was plagued by pests, extreme heat, and drought, leading to a low yield. This year, an abundance of rain and cold weather at just the right time killed the pests and resulted in a bumper crop. As for next year? We’re completely in the dark.

This uncertainty has deepened my appreciation for focusing on what is certain. Whether nurturing an olive grove or advancing positive change in the world, relying on steadfast principles and consistent actions provides stability in today’s turbulent political and socio-economic times.

As the calendar year and olive harvest come to an end, I’d like to share some insights to encourage my colleagues to keep up their great work.

The Climate

Climate change is real and has made the agricultural cycle unpredictable. One thing seems certain: next year will likely be warmer than this one. Beyond that, we cannot know when the cold will come, how much rain will fall, or what diseases and pests might threaten the trees.

Similarly in the nonprofit world, the socio-political landscape has become increasingly volatile. Global political shifts and wars have increased economic uncertainty, underscored inequity, and reduced access to health and human services, making an impact on individuals, families, and communities alike. These uncertainties can make donors hesitant to engage in conversations about transformational giving, especially when political implications might affect them, the nonprofit, or the program participants.

Yet, some things remain certain: olives will grow next year, just as people will continue working toward solutions for the challenges they face. In every community, there will always be those willing to offer their time, talents, and support for efforts that make a difference. By focusing on these certainties, progress can endure, even through challenging times.

Care and Cultivation

Olive trees may appear low-maintenance, but they are not. They require consistent care—pruning, watering, and vigilance against diseases and pests. Similarly, supporter relationships thrive on steady attention and nurturing:

• Check in regularly to hear about each other’s lives, families, needs, and priorities.

• Update frequently on the milestones, innovations, and challenges the organization has faced.

• Offer meaningful opportunities to collaborate and work towards shared goals, to demonstrate how together you are advancing the mission and affecting social change.

In uncertain times, this constant and intentional care builds trust and creates a foundation of reliability. Relationships, like olive trees, flourish when nurtured with consistency and attention.

Just as no two olives are identical—they come in various sizes, textures, and stages of readiness—every person contributing to a cause—whether through time, energy, or resources—brings unique perspectives, strengths, and readiness.  Acknowledging and respecting these differences ensures that everyone feels valued and included in the shared mission, regardless of how challenging the times are.

The Harvest

Harvesting olives offers a striking parallel to collective engagement and shared impact, particularly during uncertain times.

• Low-hanging fruit: These olives are easy to pick but tend to be smaller, as they receive much less sunlight. Similarly, loyal supporters who consistently show up—whether by volunteering, making regular contributions, or sharing expertise—provide the foundation for sustained efforts. Like the deep roots of an olive tree, their steady involvement grounds the work and supports it through every season, predictable or not. 

• Larger fruit at the top: These olives, exposed to the most sunlight, are larger and require more effort to harvest. Reaching them requires ladders and specialized tools. Similarly, individuals who contribute significant time or resources often do so after careful alignment of their priorities with the work at hand. These contributions are highly impactful but may also be influenced by external factors, such as economic conditions or public scrutiny. In uncertain times, transparency and collaboration help create confidence, enabling individuals to participate in ways that feel secure and meaningful, which may include giving anonymously, giving as part of a donor collective, or delaying giving altogether until conditions feel more predictable. 

Whether reaching for the top or gathering from the branches falling near the roots, every contribution is valuable. The focus should remain on certainties: the trust built through consistent care, the shared vision, and the tangible difference every act of support makes.

Timing Matters

The timing of an olive harvest is critical—just as timing can influence when people are ready to contribute to a cause. In Umbria, olives ripen from mid-October through the end of December, but the olive presses only operate for a limited window through late November. This timing creates a few dilemmas:  harvest early for a spicier, lower-yield oil, or wait for a smoother, higher-yield oil with a tighter deadline.  Regardless, the presses will close before all of the olives are ripe.  Similarly, advancing a mission requires balancing readiness with pressing needs, particularly in uncertain times.

Some contributors act as catalysts, much like those who harvest early. Their efforts provide momentum and ignite new initiatives especially during challenging periods, even if they do not represent the full potential of what is to come. 

Others, like those who harvest later, focus on becoming deeply involved with the mission and building a comprehensive understanding of the impact they want to make.  They focus on the certainties of their relationship and contribute after careful deliberation.

By focusing on shared certainties—such as the urgency of the mission, the unwavering dedication of those involved, and the long-term value of collaboration—these decisions can align to ensure meaningful progress, regardless of timing.

Navigating Urgency

While respecting each donor’s timelines, nonprofits do not always have the luxury of waiting. Programmatic urgency, fiscal cycles, tax year considerations—or even the proverbial “olive presses closing”—may require action now.

Clear and transparent communication is essential in these moments. Donors and nonprofits need to identify where their combined efforts can have the most immediate impact and where and when flexibility to wait exists. This honesty strengthens trust and ensures that everyone involved feels their contributions are valued and effective, even in the face of uncertainty.

A Collective Effort

The beauty of an olive grove lies in how all the olives—regardless of size or ripeness—are pressed together to create exceptional oil. Similarly, when everyone’s contributions are considered collectively, their combined efforts amplify impact.

In uncertain times, leaning into certainties—like the resilience of olive trees and the unwavering commitment of those working for change—provides a path forward. If we can continue to nurture relationships with care and purpose, just as one tends an olive tree, we can create something truly extraordinary together.