Fundraising can feel like you’re on a crazy amusement park ride. One minute you’re soaring high after a killer pitch, the next you’re plummeting into the abyss of rejection. But take a deep breath, friend, because you’re not alone. Every development director knows the ups and downs of this game. The key is to keep your head cool and keep moving forward.
Recently, I participated in a dialogue with fellow fundraisers and many communicated about the biggest frustrations faced in their role and how to overcome them. Here’s the lowdown:
- Getting leadership on board: Sure, a great plan is important, but it’s nothing without the active support and commitment of your leaders. Just saying they’re good with it isn’t enough. Your administrators and board members need to be truly involved, if you’re going to reach your fundraising goals.
- Feeling isolated and misunderstood: Sometimes it feels like you’re all alone on this fundraising island. People think you’re just about raking in the dough, but they don’t see the real work it takes. We build relationships, offer spiritual support, and deal with all sorts of emotional stuff with donors. It’s not just a sales job, it’s a life-changing one.
- Needing board support and engagement: Fundraising isn’t just our responsibility. The board needs to be actively involved too: developing and affirming long-term goals and priorities alongside executive leaders, raising funds, engaging with donors, setting a good example, and providing us with the resources and connections we need.
- Recognizing the emotional toll: When people see development professionals, they often just see dollar signs. They forget that we’re human too and hearing about people’s struggles day in and day out can be exhausting. We need to be recognized as the empathetic and compassionate beings we are.
- Prioritizing long-term relationships: Building relationships with donors is like running a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and dedication. And guess what? The decisions our leadership makes directly affect our ability to build those relationships. So, let’s invest in the long game together!
- You need to grow with others: Ever felt like you’re alone on an island of development? Don’t worry, you’re not! There’s a whole community of folks who’ve been there and are happy to help. Find your development tribe – those who understand your unique challenges and can offer a healthy dose of encouragement and perspective. It’s like having a crew of fellow adventurers, cheering each other on and making the journey a little less lonely. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and build those connections. You’ll be surprised at how much they can lift you up.
By acknowledging these challenges, you can navigate the complexities of your roles and achieve sustainable fundraising success. Remember, we’re in this together, and we can ride this roller coaster to new heights. It is always more fun to navigate the ups and downs with friends at your side.
About the Author:  Jody Fausnight, CFRE – has worked in the fund development field for more than 25 years serving as a director of advancement, a community/public relations director with four non-profit organizations, and as a consultant. Jody has expertise in Christian school recruiting, public relations, fund development, and major gift cultivation strategies. He has successfully raised many millions on behalf of numerous organizations and has grown ministry development programs from the ground up on more than one occasion.