Fundraising Tip: Don’t Stop

I know it’s a difficult time to be in nonprofit fundraising, and those we serve need us more than ever.

Last week it seemed like every hour brought a new challenge. If you’re in nonprofit fundraising, you may be able to relate.

With most of the challenges, we have no control over them.

What is working for me is to stick to things I do have control over. And there are plenty of things in this arena.

I’m a fundraiser. I’m in the relationship business. I’m also one in our field who believes that fundraising is about relationships, not money. So relationships are where my focus usually is.

With the fires in the Los Angeles area in January and then the new government in D.C., there have been many opportunities for me to reach out to our donors. With the fires, it was all about “How are you?” and “Can I do anything?”. With the new government, it was all about “we need you”.

Aside from donor relationships, I also spend a lot of time checking in with colleagues, both where I work and with those who work for my clients, and friends who are also in fundraising. I want to make sure they know that I am here for them.

We have to stick together.

The more community we have surrounding us, the easier it is to keep going.

Because we can’t stop. It’s not an option. There are too many who depend on what we do for our missions.

Keep going.

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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.