What's Stopping You?

There comes a time in every fundraiser's life when you are looking at a list of calls to make.

Maybe it's a list of new donors. Or prospective donors.

Maybe it's a list of volunteers who need to be invited to the event.

Or a list of lapsed donors you want to re-connect with.

And, often at the same time, that same fundraiser gets the idea that it's a great time to take one more look at that CRM report.

Or to double-check to make sure the update email has the right links.

Or to finally read that email from that fundraising consultant that you haven't replied to yet.

In other words, anything to keep us from picking up the phone and making the call.

And this is why we can all benefit from some accountability - and why accountability is a key part of the work I do with my coaching clients.

Accountability is one of the most underrated drivers of fundraising success. Not the punitive kind, but the kind that keeps you aligned with your goals, your values, and the commitments you’ve made to your donors and your organization.

In coaching, accountability becomes a shared structure. It helps you stay focused on the right activities, follow through on your plans, and build momentum week after week. When fundraisers have a partner who helps them stay on track, their results compound.

In other words, if you tell me on week #2 that you're going to make some calls, guess what I'm going to ask about when our week #3 call starts up?

The accountability that comes with coaching isn't about checking off a task list. It's about building the habits that lead to more dollars raised and more donors engaged with your mission. Ready? Let's get started …

PS - Washington folks, I'll be talking about accountability and board fundraising at the Nonprofit Leaders Conference in Ocean Shores. This year's conference is April 16 & 17 - and early bird pricing ends on February 28. Hope you can join the conversation!