Fundraising can be full of contradictions—to those outside of our world, we are extroverts who spend all day talking with donors and other constituents. However, we know that much of fundraising is solitary, and contrary to outside impressions, the work can feel lonely at times. The pressure to secure resources is significant. Even if we’re part of a large development team, we can ultimately feel on our own when trying to meet goals and grapple with obstacles. And these days, many organizations are understaffed and facing high rates of turnover, compounding the pressure felt by fundraisers.
I have found that fundraising peer networks are a key resource for coping with the ups and downs of this work. I’m not speaking of formal professional associations (which have tremendous value for training and networking purposes), but rather informal gatherings of other fundraisers where you can share successes and challenges in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Being a part of a peer network has been a great source of support to me. Earlier in my career, I worked for a large organization with dozens of fundraisers across the country. I had a particular bond with a few people, and it was wonderful to connect with colleagues from across the country on our monthly conference calls. Currently, I am fortunate to have a deep bench of former colleagues to consult with one on one, as well as a broader network of nonprofit professionals and leaders. While earlier in my career I utilized my network to discuss broad challenges I experienced, I now rely on my network as a sounding board to help inform my decision making.
There are numerous benefits of a more personal group at any career stage. For junior professionals or those just starting out, the upsides are clear—you can learn about the field as a whole, see how different organizations operate, and perhaps gain mentors. For more seasoned professionals, you can learn how your peers problem-solve, know that you’re not alone in your struggles, and seek career guidance.
If you don’t already have your own network, here are a few steps to get you started:
Reach out to others based on what makes sense in your setting. If you’re in a smaller community, it might be everyone working in fundraising. If you’re in a major city, think about your sector or geography—e.g. university major gift officers, those working in small organizations, or even your surrounding neighborhood. Do a title search on LinkedIn with words like “fundraising,” “fundraiser,” “major gift officer,” etc. and narrow down the search based on your geographic area.
Establish consensus for how often you’d like to get together. Maybe quarterly or semiannually? While these meetings are incredibly valuable, they shouldn’t be burdensome to schedule. A standing coffee date or brown bag lunch can work well.
Be intentional about structure, even if there is no formal structure. Your first meeting can be about everyone getting together, but think about how you’d like to gather. Is it useful for participants to have a totally informal space to chat and share, or do you want to pick a guiding topic for each meeting?
I hope that these tips are helpful, and if you don’t already have a supportive peer group of fundraisers around you, this will help you start one and reap the benefits of increased connection.