Asking for Help While Asking for Money
Perhaps one of the most fulfilling roles on a nonprofit staff is in fundraising. You get to connect passionate donors with meaningful causes and create real impact by turning missions and visions into change and impact. Unfortunately, development work also comes with a ton of stress. Bringing in the big bucks for an entire organization is no small feat, and if you’re not getting that much needed back-up from your team, it can feel next to impossible. That’s why we’ve compiled a few simple ways to engage your colleagues that will excite them about the fundraising process and get them amped about doing their part in making that moolah.
THE PHONE LINES ARE OPEN
Open and honest communication with your staff and board is essential when it comes to large development tasks. Don’t underestimate what others can do to help– you never know who might have an in at a great event space for your next fundraiser, or a more efficient tool for tracking donors or a connection with that one rich CEO looking to give away some of their cash to a worthy cause. You won’t know if you don’t ask!
GOAL SETTING
The best way to motivate a group is by articulating where and how their efforts will be rewarded. Will reaching a large fundraising goal allow your organization to house more families? Provide more health services? Run more educational programs? A specific result is a great way to get people focused and invested.
DON’T HATE, DELEGATE
The prospect of asking others for money is a task most of us are uneasy about. It’s why fundraising roles are so hard to fill! So when you’re looking for help in your development efforts, take the time to explain how each individual’s role fits into the larger picture. What ways can your fellow org members support you? Perhaps it’s taking the lead on the messaging of a new email campaign. Or spending time identifying potential donors. Or manage the RSVPs for an upcoming gala. Collaborative opportunities not only strengthen a participant’s connection to the cause, but also makes them feel valued and respected for their expertise and ideas.
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Recognize and celebrate the contributions of your staff and board members. Acknowledge the time, effort, and resources they invest by noting all those milestones, big and small. By creating an empowering environment like this, everyone will continue to be motivated to help the organization reach its fundraising goals, leading to sustainable success for your nonprofit.
EVERYONE’S HIRING!
There’s never been a more crucial time to fundraise for nonprofits. And we would absolutely love to help you find your next development opportunity so that both you and your next organization can thrive in this new nonprofit landscape. Check out our current job openings HERE.