Solutions to Fundraisers’ Biggest Challenges

In the August 2019 issue of the Chronicle, the cover story, “Why Fundraisers Are Fed Up,” explains why half of the development professionals in a recent survey plan to leave their jobs in the next two years. (The Chronicle conducted the survey in conjunction with the Association of Fundraising Professionals.)

In our coverage of the survey findings, we explore numerous problems that respondents cited, but we also offer solutions. Our online library holds a host of articles, tools, and checklists that can further help fundraisers, their managers, and nonprofit leaders improve the quality of life for those who raise money to make the world a better place. Here are a few of those resources.

For Leaders

One way to relieve some of the pressure fundraisers face is to instill a culture of philanthropy throughout your organization, promoting the expectation that every staff member can explain the mission, cultivate donors, and share the results of the organization’s work to demonstrate its impact. Two resources to help do that are 8 Questions to Ask Before Building a Culture of Philanthropy at Your Nonprofit and 12 Steps to Building a Culture of Philanthropy.

Keeping top fundraisers on the job is a challenge. Consult the collection How to Hire and Retain Talented Fundraisers for tips on holding onto talented professionals, finding fundraisers from other walks of life, and keeping poachers at bay.

For Fundraisers

As development professionals, you juggle many competing demands. It can be hard to prioritize, and it can be even harder to set limits. In the collection Tips for Improving Your Pay and Achieving Work-Life Balance, you’ll find advice to help you negotiate the best salary possible, work more efficiently, enjoy a real vacation, and avoid or recover from burnout. You may also want to consult Advice to Jump-Start Your Nonprofit Career in 2019.