How To Stay Motivated as a Fundraiser
Fundraising can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career, but it can also be challenging and demanding. Fundraisers are often under supported in their roles, and it's easy to feel burnout or compassion fatigue. One of the biggest challenges faced by fundraisers is staying consistently motivated over the long haul. Let's face it, fundraising campaigns take a long time, years typically! Whether you are working for a nonprofit organization, volunteer campaign, or another cause, here are our top tips to help you stay motivated and energized in your work...
Remember your “why” - It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of fundraising and forget the bigger picture. Take some time to reflect on why you chose this line of work in the first place. What values or causes are you passionate about? What kind of impact do you want to make? Keeping your “why” in mind can help you stay motivated and focused on the mission.
Celebrate small victories - Fundraising can be a long and difficult process, and it’s important to take the time to celebrate the small victories along the way. Did you just secure a big donation? Reach a fundraising milestone? Take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and celebrate your progress.
Connect with your donors - One of the most rewarding aspects of fundraising is the opportunity to connect with donors and supporters who share your passion for the cause, the people. Take the time to get to know your donors and build relationships with them. Not only will this help you stay connected to the human side of the cause, but it can also lead to more fundraising revenue in the long run.
Stay organized - Fundraising involves a lot of moving parts, from donor databases to event planning to grant proposals. Staying organized can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Make a to-do list or use a project management tool to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Make sure you are being realistic about your tasks and even more importantly, your goals.
Seek out inspiration - Feeling stuck or uninspired? Look for inspiration from other fundraisers, successful campaigns, or even outside your industry! Attend a conference or networking event, read a book or blog by a fundraising expert, or connect with a mentor who can offer guidance and advice. Motivation isn't infinite, and we should try not to be totally reliant on it to keep us moving, but every now and then, we just need a little dopamine boost.
Take care of yourself - Fundraising can be a high-stress, high-pressure job. It’s important to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout/compassion fatigue. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and finding time for exercise or other activities that help you recharge. And please...take some time off! Your program and your body will thank you!
Stay flexible - Fundraising is a constantly evolving field, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Stay open to new ideas and approaches, and be willing to adapt your strategy as needed. This can help you stay engaged and energized in your work. Building systems are great, just leave some room for change and creativity.
Staying motivated as a fundraiser requires a combination of mindset, strategy, and self-care. By keeping your “why” in mind, celebrating small victories, building relationships with donors, staying organized, seeking inspiration, prioritizing self-care, and staying flexible, you can stay energized and effective in your work!
Still need a little boost? We'd love to chat to see if we can help energize your program!
