Fundraising Staffs are Overworked: Here’s the Solution

Key Takeaways:

• The Problem:

  • Many nonprofits have limited or overstretched fundraising teams.

  • Excess workload results in either uncompleted tasks (lost revenue) or overtime sacrifices.

• The Solution – Philanthropy Volunteers:

  • Build a Philanthropy Council of 30–50 volunteers, organized into 4–7 committees, focusing on specific gift types or sizes.

  • Volunteers dedicate 3–5 hours monthly, including meetings, to amplify fundraising efforts.

• Recruitment Tips:

  • Source volunteers from board members, donors, retired employees, and community leaders.

  • Conduct feasibility studies to identify potential volunteers and campaign opportunities.

  • Provide in-person orientations and training to set clear expectations and goals.

• Keys to Success:

  • Prioritize quality over speed in volunteer recruitment.

  • Secure financial contributions from volunteers as part of onboarding.

  • Ensure diverse representation across community demographics for long-term engagement.