Stewardship in Turbulent Times
- Chris B.
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Having raised funds for more than 20 years, I can attest to the fact that there will always be turbulent seasons in our work.
Sometimes it’s global. Sometimes it’s internal — an executive director retiring, a board chair stepping down, a major shift in strategy. None of this means your organization is broken. It means you’re living in the real world.
That’s why stewardship matters more in these moments than in the (relatively) calm ones.
Stewardship might start with a thank‑you letter, but it is also a series of intentional actions that communicate gratitude, impact, and forward momentum — through group updates, one‑on‑one conversations, and all the small touches that show donors they’re seen and valued.
So, what do you do when your organization is facing one of those turbulent seasons? Something internal that is challenging your ability to fulfil the mission?
You tell the truth. Not the polished version. Not the “sunshine and lollipops” version. The real version — shared with care, context, and clarity. In a world where information travels fast, donors will hear about major changes eventually. It’s always better for them to hear it from you.
And when you share the truth, pair it with what comes next. Even if what comes next is something simple. Stewardship is a chance to show donors that even in turbulence, the mission is steady and the work continues.
Start with the donors closest to your organization — not necessarily the biggest givers, but the most engaged ones. Call them. Talk to them. Let them hear your voice. Mass communications have their place, but nothing stabilizes a relationship like a direct conversation.
Turbulent seasons are inevitable and strong stewardship is how you make sure donor trust survives them.
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