It’s Not Easy Right Now

No matter your nonprofit’s mission, our chaotic world is affecting fundraising and those doing the fundraising.

Most of the nonprofits I work with have targets on their backs.

Instead of a staff meeting celebrating successes, there is training on what to do if ICE shows up at the office.

Those served by many of my clients live in fear.

Even nonprofits that do not serve refugees or immigrants have no idea if that approved federal grant is going to be honored.

Those of us in fundraising are in a whirlwind as we get weekly reports that this money is not there, and that money will not be coming.

Our responsibility is bigger than at any time most of us can remember.

Here’s what I am doing to let go of everything I do not have control over and focus on what I do:

I am meeting with donors. Coffee, lunch, any way I can get face-to-face time.

I meet with those in programs and get stories to share with donors. I email stories every day.

I continue to thank donors immediately and share with them what the impact of their donation is.

I meet with others in fundraising who are experiencing difficult times.

I do my best to keep my eyes on the prize, which is for me to build relationships with donors so our program team has all they need to support those we serve.

We’re all in this together.

—

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

Book suggestion for nonprofit fundraisers!

I’m reading “Thankology” by Lisa Sargent! I highly recommend this for colleagues and clients in nonprofit fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or those on nonprofit boards.