It's A Team Sport! Now What?
- Chris B.
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Fundraising is a team sport and members of your programs team play a vital role in building relationships with donors.
But this doesn't mean your friends on the programs side of the shop are expected to raise funds. In fact, they might feel intimidated at the prospect of talking with donors or unsure how they can help.
So, consider this a quick guide for your non-fundraising friends.
If you are invited to meet with a donor, bring your expertise with you. Bring your joy, your knowledge, your passion. Donors don’t know the work the way you do — and they don’t want you to pretend they do. A strong fundraising team doesn’t ask staff to shrink their expertise; they rely on it. You are the expert in the room, and donors want to see that expertise in action.
And donors aren't bosses. They may come from different backgrounds, have different lived experiences, or feel intimidating on paper. But at their core, donors are curious, compassionate people who care deeply about the same mission you do. At first, meeting with a donor might feel like going to the principal’s office but, with practice, you'll realize it's all about connecting with someone who shares your commitment to the work.
Of course, your support of fundraising isn't limited to talking with donors. You can make a huge difference by talking with your fundraising team.
Sharing program updates, successes, challenges, and client stories with your fundraising team is one of the most powerful things you can do. Those insights become grant narratives, donor talking points, stewardship messages, and impact stories. There’s a whole world of supporters who are eager to understand the work you’re doing and your colleagues can’t tell those stories without you.
Program staff don’t need to become fundraisers. But when you share your insight, your stories, and your passion, you make fundraising stronger and you help donors stay connected to the mission you’re all working so hard to advance.
Fundraisers, have you worked with your programs team members on donor visits?
Program teams - have you been asked to "help" with fundraising but haven't been given any additional info?
I can help your organization bring this sense of joy and community to your fundraising. Ready to chat? Click the link below to set up a call.
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