By Joyce Penland
Despite the uncertainties of today’s economic climate and the ensuing impact it has had on the nonprofit community, we at Bacon Lee & Associates find that our work is still exciting, significant and worthwhile. We encourage young people to consider a career in the nonprofit sector and we act as mentors for a number of new fundraisers.
Recently we discussed what advice we would offer a new person just entering the fundraising profession. Here are some valuable observations by members of our team. We like to hear what YOUR advice would be, so please weigh in!
- Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Your colleagues have been through the “fire” and have valuable insight that we will happily share with new fundraisers.
- Be flexible! Be willing to wear many hats. Learn to walk in the shoes of everyone in your organization.
- Be a sponge! Attend as many seminars and workshops as you can. Be willing to pay for your professional development if your organization won’t pay your way. We should all be lifetime learners.
- Know those whom you serve. Make time to know the people who benefit from your work and those donors who support your mission. Ask for personal interviews with the organization’s board of directors.
- Get as much broad-based experience as possible: special events, direct mail, annual fund, gift solicitation, stewardship, etc. As a new fundraiser, be a generalist, rather than a specialist in order to get the lay of the land.
- Know thyself! Over the course of one’s career you will hear “no” many more times than you will hear “yes” so learn not to take setbacks personally.
- Ask a valued colleague to mentor you. We’ve been where you are now and we’re willing to share our expertise.
- Give of yourself! Be a volunteer and make gifts to nonprofit organizations that are important to you. This provides a remarkable looking glass from which to see your organization as donors do.
- Celebrate your successes! Remember, that you are an important part of a much bigger picture.
- Remember, special events are the most difficult way to raise money. If you start your career in special events, be sure to intentionally expand your experience to include annual fundraising, direct mail and online fundraising.