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Microwave Fundraising vs. Crockpot Fundraising: Why the Slow Simmer Wins Every Time

7/13/2025

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Microwave Fundraising vs. Crockpot Fundraising: Why the Slow Simmer Wins Every Time

A few years back, I worked with a team that was stuck in microwave fundraising mode. If there was a quick-cash tactic out there, they were doing it: golf tournaments, raffles, sponsorship deals heavy on the benefits, you name it. It kept the lights on, but it wasn’t building anything lasting. I gave a presentation about crockpot fundraising – relationship-building, long-term strategy, donor engagement – and it started to click. I wanted to challenge them to try something new and to move out of their "microwave" comfort zone. I promised them that if they could do that, it would pay dividends down the line and make fundraising easier and more enjoyable.

I've been in rooms full of nonprofit leaders who are scrambling to make payroll, stressed over budget gaps, or just plain overwhelmed by the pressure to "do more with less." And in those moments, it's tempting to reach for the quick fix – a car wash, a 5K, a golf tournament, a donut sale, a last-minute sponsorship deal. These microwave fundraising tactics can bring in a little fast cash, and I won't pretend they never have a place. But let's be honest: they're not going to carry your mission for the long haul.

Microwave fundraising is all about urgency. It's transactional. It gets warm fast, but it cools off just as quickly. These events are often labor-intensive, draining your staff and volunteers. The ROI is usually modest. They’re familiar, easy to organize, and feel reliable. But they’re not always the healthiest choice for your organization. They only feed a few folks, and they don’t build connection to your mission or long-term sustainability.
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Here's a side-by-side breakdown that captures the heart of the metaphor:
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Caption: Microwave vs. Crockpot Fundraising: A visual comparison of quick, transactional tactics vs. slow, relationship-centered strategies.

Then there's crockpot fundraising. It takes longer to get cooking, no doubt. And yes, there’s a learning curve. But it’s healthier for your mission in the long run. These strategies usually involve more “vegetables” – meaning thoughtful, nourishing activities like donor conversations, stewardship touches, and consistent storytelling. It takes time. You can’t flip a switch and expect results tomorrow. But when you commit to it – when you really let it simmer – the flavor builds. The connections deepen. The nourishment multiplies.

Crockpot fundraising feeds a crowd. You’re not just generating one-time gifts – you’re building community. It’s transformational. It deepens loyalty. It keeps donors connected to the mission. It gives your work staying power.

It means investing in consistent donor communications, one-on-one conversations, thank-you calls, stewardship, and strategic asks. First-time donors become recurring givers. Recurring givers become advocates. Advocates become legacy donors.

Is it slower? Yes. But it is sustainable. It doesn’t burn you out or box your organization into lopsided agreements just to chase a check. It feeds your mission in a way that microwave tactics never will. It keeps your team grounded and your donors inspired.

So when you're weighing your next move, ask yourself: Are we microwaving or crockpotting this? One will keep you hustling for scraps. The other will feed your mission for years to come.

Let it simmer. You'll be glad you did.
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Cheers!
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​PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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Take Your PTO: Why I’m Logging Off – and Why You Might Need To, Too

7/6/2025

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Take Your PTO: Why I’m Logging Off – and Why You Might Need To, Too

In a few days, I’m heading out of the country with my family. No laptop. No inbox. No quick peeks at work in the evenings. Just real, present time with the people I love most. (Peep the picture above of my kids in their first Uber ride last week.) 😊

We recently had one of those “now or never” conversations. Our kids are growing up fast, and we realized that if we didn’t start making international travel part of our family story, we might miss the chance. I want them to see the world – to experience other ways of being, other values, other rhythms of life. I want them to be citizens of the world, not just the United States.

So we’re going. And I’m letting myself go all in.

Here’s the truth: I’m not stepping away from work despite being a fundraiser. I’m doing it because I am.
Fundraising is heart work. It’s personal, demanding, often overwhelming. That passion can make rest feel like a luxury – something we have to earn or squeeze in around the edges. That shows up across the sector: data from January 2025 show that nonprofit workers leave more unused PTO than all industries except government.

But rest isn’t a luxury. It’s part of the job.

I’ve shared before why self-care for nonprofit fundraisers matters – and not just for bubble baths, but for building real boundaries and intention. I’ve also explored burnout in our profession and how it quietly silences the best of us.

Taking breaks gives us perspective. It reconnects us with our “why.” It lets us return creative, grounded, and ready. When leaders model this, they build a culture that values people – not just productivity.

If you’ve delayed that vacation or pushed through burnout thinking your mission can’t wait: the work will be here when you get back. And you’ll be better for having stepped away.

I’ll be off until mid-July. I hope you find your own window to rest, recharge, and remember who you are outside the job.

You deserve it. And the people you serve deserve the best version of you – not someone running on fumes.

Cheers!
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P.S. Don’t worry – while I’m away, I’ve scheduled fresh content to post on my TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky. So if you need encouragement or inspiration, it’ll be waiting for you.

PPS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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If you liked this…
  • Why Most Fundraising Plans Fail
  • Self-Care for Nonprofit Pros
  • Climbing Out of Burnout
  • How to Spot and Stop Fundraising Burnout and Turnover
  • Discovery Visits Demystified
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Your Board Wants to Help with Fundraising – They Just Don’t Know How

6/22/2025

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Your Board Wants to Help with Fundraising – They Just Don’t Know How

Let’s bust a myth right now: “Our board won’t help with fundraising.”
That’s almost never the full truth.
Most board members want to help. They believe in your mission. They want your organization to succeed. What they don’t have is clarity or support.
They don’t know what to do, where to start, or how to help in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful.
​In other words: this is usually a training problem, not a motivation problem.

If you want board members to engage with fundraising, you have to give them a roadmap.

That’s why I created a “Board Fundraising Menu” – an easy, low-pressure way to show board members that fundraising is more than just asking for money. (Full transparency: this is an idea inspired by Andy Robinson, who has great books about how to train your board to raise money.) It’s about helping create the conditions where giving is more likely.

I used this with a higher education Board of Trustees and told them it was an “All You Can Eat” menu but they had to pick at least one from each category: Appetizers, Entrees, and Desserts. I walked them through filling it out in the meeting and left with a list of folks who could write notes, open doors, make calls, and host events!

​Here are 3 specific actions your board members could take today:

Appetizer: Sign and personalize donor letterS

If picking up the phone makes them queasy, that’s fine. Start here.

A short handwritten note or a personally signed appeal letter makes a huge difference – and helps board members feel included without the pressure of a direct ask.

Entrée: Host a house party or donor touR

This one’s for your connectors.
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Board members don’t have to ask for money – they just need to open the door. Hosting a gathering where staff shares impact stories or tours a program site is a powerful way to build trust and widen your prospect funnel.

Dessert: Make thank-you calls to donorS

No one is ever mad about a thank-you call.
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And hearing directly from a board member? That’s memorable. It boosts donor retention (especially for first time donors) and builds board confidence in your development process.

But here’s the truth: board members need support.

Okay, okay – you’re busy. I know. You’re running events, managing emails, answering the auditor’s questions, and cleaning up after the copier jammed again.

But they’re busy too. They’re volunteers. They have full-time jobs, families, responsibilities – and most of them have never done this before. Anyone would feel unsure operating outside their expertise.

So when a board member says, “I’ll introduce you to my friend,” the best thing you can do is write a draft email for them to send.

Not because they can’t write one, but because it saves them time and anxiety. It gives them something to react to. They can edit it to sound like themselves – but only they can send it.

If they offer to make calls, set them up for success with a guide that explains the data set, answers frequently asked questions, and provides scripts and samples. And don’t forget to give them a seamless way to get all that feedback to you so it can be recorded in your database too!

Your role? Be their concierge. Their guide. Their teacher.
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When you hold their hand through these steps, you're not just getting results today – you’re building better, more confident board members for the future.

The secret? Board members are your partners.

If this kind of clarity and confidence sounds like something your board needs, I’ve built something for you. Tired of chasing your board or getting ghosted after a meeting? Inside the Smart Start Fundraising System, you’ll get a plug-and-play plan to turn passive board members into proactive partners.
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Because fundraising isn’t a solo sport. It’s a team effort. And your board? They're not just fiduciaries – they’re your fundraising partners. But they need the tools, training, and support to step into that role effectively.

Want the full board engagement menu?

It’s included in the Smart Start Fundraising System – along with a plan to actually activate it.

💡 You’ll learn how to:
  • Train your board without making them panic
  • Assign roles that align with their personalities and strengths
  • Make board fundraising support sustainable, not sporadic

🎯 Enrollment is open now.
Click below to get started and download the full board fundraising menu inside:

👉 [Click here to enroll now]

Because “they won’t help” can become “they’re amazing ambassadors” – with the right structure in place.

Cheers!
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​PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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If you liked this…
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  • 4 Power Questions to Ask Donors That Build Rapport and Lead to Major Gifts
  • Culture of Philanthropy Check-Up
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Why Most Fundraising Plans Fail (and How to Build One That Doesn’t)

6/1/2025

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Why Most Fundraising Plans Fail (and How to Build One That Doesn’t)

Let’s be honest: a lot of “fundraising plans” aren’t really plans.

They’re a collection of ideas scribbled in the margins of a notebook. A to-do list that gets buried under meeting notes. Or a spreadsheet no one has opened since last fiscal year.

And when things feel uncertain or urgent, even the most well-intentioned plan gets abandoned.
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So why do most fundraising plans fail? After 20+ years of working in and coaching nonprofit teams, here’s what I’ve seen over and over again:

1. The plan is not aligned with real capacity.

Too many plans are built for imaginary versions of our organizations. You know the ones: the org with unlimited time, a full development team, and a budget for days. In real life, you’ve got a stretched-thin staff, a volunteer board, and one printer that jams every third sheet.

The best fundraising plans start where you are. They work with your current capacity – not against it. They help you make choices, not just lists.

Staff turnover is one of the biggest challenges that can set you back in fundraising and burnout is often the cause. If you build your plan around the staff you have and use technology to leverage that plan, you can mitigate burnout and turnover.

2. The plan is disconnected from results.

If your plan doesn’t tell you how much money you can expect to raise – and from which methods – it’s not a plan. It’s a wish list.

A strong fundraising plan includes projections based on past data, average gift sizes, and realistic conversion rates. This lets you set expectations, allocate resources wisely, and make the case for investments when needed. I did an entire blog post showing you how to build those projections so you know what you are able to raise, not just what you wish you would raise.

No more spaghetti-on-the-wall fundraising. Just clear goals with measurable outcomes.

3. The plan doesn’t assign real accountability (Or backup).

​Even when a plan exists, it often fails at the handoff: no one knows who’s doing what – or worse, everyone thinks someone else is handling it.

That’s why the final step of a good plan is assigning each task to a specific person. And then assigning a backup person to be cross-trained. This keeps your plan running when life happens – vacations, sick days, job changes – and builds resilience into your team. That’s why I wrote about building a responsibility calendar to protect your plan and ensure it becomes real.

No more scrambling. Everyone knows their role, and the show goes on.

So what does a successful fundraising plan look like?

It’s clear. It’s doable. And it starts with what I call the MVPPP Framework, which is part of my Smart Start Fundraising System course:
  • Message – Your compelling case for support
  • Vehicles – The channels you’ll use to reach donors
  • Prospects – Who you’re asking
  • Partners – Who’s helping you ask
  • Plan – Bringing it all together with structure and accountability
This framework works whether you’re a one-person shop or leading a full advancement team. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things on purpose.

Want to build your best fundraising plan yet?

My new course, The Smart Start Fundraising System, is officially here! It’s designed for nonprofit leaders who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to raise more  –  strategically, confidently, and without burnout.

🎯 Inside, you'll learn how to craft a compelling message, choose the right methods, identify and engage donors, mobilize your board, and build a plan you can actually execute  –  all using my proven MVPPP framework.

✅ 5 Pre-approved CFRE credit hours available
✅ Four high-impact bonus trainings included
✅ A 21 page workbook plus tools, templates, and spreadsheets you can plug and play
💻 Enrollment is open now! Price is $549

Take a look, see what’s inside, and get started at your own pace:
👉 Take a closer look here.
Because passion doesn’t build a fundraising plan. But clarity? That’ll take you the distance.
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Cheers!
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​PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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​If you liked this…

  • Nonprofit Productivity and Time Management
  • Goals versus Projections: What’s the Difference?
  • Building Fundraising Projections for your New Fiscal Year
  • The Responsibility Calendar: The Key to Making Your Fundraising Plans a Success
  • Who’s Afraid of Burnout and Turnover? You Should Be.
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Nonprofit Branding: How to Make Your Mission Memorable

3/9/2025

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Nonprofit Branding: How to Make Your Mission Memorable​

When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, one thing is clear: Your mission is the heart of your organization. But while your cause drives everything you do, a strong, memorable brand is what helps you stand out and attract the major gifts that will take your work to the next level.

Whether you’re at a large, established institution or running a smaller startup nonprofit, your brand should reflect who you are, what you stand for, and how people can get involved. A polished brand boosts credibility and builds trust, but a memorable one moves people to action.

​Your Mission Is the Core of Your Brand

Before thinking about logos, colors, or marketing campaigns, start with the foundation of your nonprofit brand: your mission. What drives your organization? What problem(s) are you solving? What’s your CEO’s vision for the future? These aren’t just feel-good statements – they should be at the core of every message you share.

Example: The Monson Free Library

This small library in Maine has embraced its fun and quirky side by creating TikTok videos that showcase the staff’s personality while highlighting their programs. By tapping into the creativity and passion of their team, they’ve built a brand that’s as unique and welcoming as their services. The community now sees the Monson Free Library as more than a place for books – it’s a place to have fun, get involved, and support something bigger than themselves. Learn more.

Actionable Tip: Start by asking yourself these questions:
  • What do we stand for?
  • How do we create positive change in people’s lives?
  • What kind of emotional connection do we want to build with our audience?​
Answer these clearly, and you’ve got the heart of your brand. Everything else builds from there.

​Visual Identity: Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible

When you think of branding, visual elements like logos, color palettes, and fonts come to mind. These are crucial for creating a consistent, professional presence. But let’s be real – sometimes, nonprofits get so caught up in the “rules” of branding that they lose the ability to stay nimble. There’s a balance between maintaining brand integrity and being flexible enough to seize opportunities in the moment.

Many nonprofits create brand guides with rigid rules for logos, colors, and language. And while I love a good style guide, if these guidelines slow you down or make it harder to engage donors, it’s time to rethink them. A major gift might hinge on a timely, heartfelt social media post or a quick thank-you email. If your guidelines require three layers of approval for every little thing, you could miss your moment.

Example: The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project underwent a major rebrand in 2019, replacing a formal font and muted colors with a bolder typeface and a vibrant, colorful design. The updated branding, along with fresh messaging and visuals, emphasized inclusivity, hope, and support for LGBTQ+ youth. The change strengthened their identity as a safe, approachable, and supportive organization while making them more visually appealing to young people. See their rebrand.

Actionable Tip: If your branding guidelines feel like red tape, ask yourself:
  • Does this branding choice serve our mission, or is it just a formality?
  • Can we be more flexible in how we communicate without losing integrity?

​Messaging That Moves People to Action

​Now, let’s talk about the most important aspect of branding – your story. Whether you’re crafting an email appeal, a social media post, or a campaign landing page, your messaging should inspire action. Major donors don’t just give to organizations; they give to stories they believe in. That’s why it’s essential to center your messaging around the people you serve and the change you’re driving in the world.

Storytelling Tip: Showcase Personal Stories

People want to feel emotionally connected to your cause. Show them the impact they can have through the eyes of those you help.

Example: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude’s branding and messaging revolve around powerful, emotional stories of families whose lives have been transformed by their medical care. These stories create a deep personal connection, inspiring donors to give and stay engaged. Explore their storytelling approach.

Actionable Tip: Incorporate donor-centered language into your messaging:
  • Focus on what the donor’s gift makes possible.
  • Share authentic stories of people whose lives have been impacted by your work.
  • Use visuals (photos, videos) to bring your cause to life.

Building a Memorable Brand: Flexibility, Authenticity, and Consistency

A memorable nonprofit brand is more than a logo or a catchy slogan – it’s a vehicle for connection. It drives donor engagement, cultivates long-term support, and inspires major gifts. To build a brand that resonates, focus on three key principles:
  1. Be flexible enough to adjust messaging and tactics based on current events, donor feedback, or unexpected opportunities. Don’t let rigid branding guidelines hinder meaningful engagement.
  2. Be authentic in your communications. People give to organizations that feel genuine and trustworthy, so let your mission shine through every touchpoint.
  3. Be consistent in your message and visual identity across all channels – your website, social media, and email appeals. Consistency builds recognition and trust over time.

Make Your Brand Matter

Branding isn’t about flashy logos or catchy taglines – it’s about making an emotional connection with your supporters. When your brand reflects your mission, values, and unique story, it becomes a powerful tool for attracting major gifts and building lasting relationships.

Your nonprofit’s story is powerful. Make it memorable. Make it matter. And don’t be afraid to let your passion shine through.

Now – it’s your turn. Have you been through a rebrand? Was the process the transformation you hoped for? Do you feel your branding guidelines and processes support your fundraising work or hold you back? Let me know in the comments!

​Cheers!
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PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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How to Spot and Stop Fundraising Burnout Before It Leads to Turnover

9/3/2024

 
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Who’s Afraid of Burnout & Turnover? You Should Be.

I couldn’t stop crying. A holiday party hosted by a colleague was starting in about an hour. I’d love to say that I hadn’t felt like this before, but I had. But, this time, it wasn’t postpartum depression or difficulty dealing with isolation during COVID. This time, I knew I had careened directly into a wall called burnout.
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My introvert husband volunteered to go alone in my stead. I was so grateful. He would say I had a headache, which after all the tears was true. I retreated to my bed. I was so embarrassed that I could not pull myself together, especially since my expertise was relationships.  

I had sold a house, bought a house in a new town, began going into an actual office again after being a remote employee for 8 years, hired an entire team, and was juggling what seemed like 18,000 competing demands of fundraising for an institution that needed much more than they had in the donor pipeline. I had no friends outside of work in my new town and I had high blood pressure (literally). Even after many months, my house still looked like a storage unit and we lived in the rabbit trails between stacks of boxes that I had neither the time nor energy to unpack.

At the time, did I think that something needed to change about my new life? No, I blamed myself for not adjusting well, for not keeping up, for what I perceived as the gap between my public performance and my real life.

I’m now back to my previous remote fundraising position, mixing travel with Zoom meetings. And my energy and zeal for work has made a dramatic comeback. I have a broader network locally than I did before, with time to take walks with a friend most mornings, teach poetry and dance, write this blog and make TikTok videos, and go to yoga classes. My house is a comfortable place to be most days. And I’m raising more money than ever!
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Burnout is more than a buzzword. It is a genuine crisis, not just for the individuals experiencing it, but for the organizations that depend on their energy, creativity, and dedication. And when burnout leads to turnover, it’s more than just a human resource issue; it’s a threat to your nonprofit's ability to build lasting relationships with donors and, ultimately, to its financial sustainability.

The Elephant in the RooM

Burnout is that creeping exhaustion that makes you dread the next meeting, the next phone call, the next donor visit. According to a report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, 69% of nonprofit leaders are worried about burnout among their staff. And why wouldn’t they be? Nonprofit work environments are often high-stress, resource-strapped, and emotionally taxing – conditions ripe for burnout.
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What’s alarming is that this isn’t just a leadership problem. Across the board, from entry-level staff to executive directors, burnout is taking its toll. A survey by Nonprofit Hive found that 77% of respondents reported feeling completely burned out, with 20% admitting they were "crispy" – right on the edge of burnout. This isn’t just a bad day at the office; it’s a systemic issue that’s been brewing for years.

More Than Just a VacancY

Burnout doesn’t just lead to unhappy employees; it leads to turnover. And in fundraising, turnover is more than just a logistical headache – it’s a financial disaster waiting to happen. When your fundraiser leaves, they don’t just take their expertise with them; their leaving disrupts and derails the relationships they’ve spent months or even years cultivating.

Consider this: A Council for the Advancement and Support of Education study on principal gifts at colleges and universities found that more than half of $1 million+ donors had relationships with the institution lasting between 11 and 40 years. On average, it takes nearly 20 months from the initial conversation to the moment a principal gift is booked. Now, imagine the damage that occurs when a key fundraiser – who’s only been around for 16-18 months – leaves before they can seal the deal. The impact on your bottom line is clear, but the real loss is the relationship that never had the chance to fully develop.
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A 2022 analysis by Ruffalo Noel Levitz of over 3,000 major givers further underscores this point. Before making their first $25,000 gift, donors typically spent an average of 11.9 years as supporters, made 13.8 gifts, and had been giving for over 7 years. These numbers tell us one thing: major gifts and especially principal gifts don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of long-term relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and consistency.

Old Leadership Models Aren’t WorkinG

In far too many organizations, the response to turnover is to double down on goals, increase oversight, lean on metrics, and push employees even harder. In my opinion, this is the death knell of the 20th-century leadership model – a model built on command and control, where employees are expected to follow orders and meet targets, no matter the cost to their well-being.
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But here’s the thing: That approach doesn’t work anymore. In fact, it’s going to bite these organizations hard. High turnover rates disrupt the donor pipeline, making it nearly impossible to cultivate the kind of long-term relationships necessary for securing major and principal gifts. When fundraisers are constantly churning through roles, your organization is left in a perpetual state of starting over – losing momentum, missing opportunities, and ultimately, falling short of its mission.

The Need for Trust, Flexibility, and AutonomY

It’s time for a change. The 21st-century workplace must be built on a foundation of trust, flexibility, and autonomy. This isn’t just the humane thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do for the health and viability of your fundraising efforts. Treat your fundraisers like the professionals they are. Give them the autonomy to manage their work, the flexibility to find balance, and the trust to build relationships with donors in a way that’s authentic and sustainable.
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When you create a workplace that supports people as people, you don’t just prevent burnout; you enhance your organization’s ability to thrive. Long-term relationships with donors are the bedrock of sustainable fundraising. By fostering a supportive, empowering work environment, you’re investing in those relationships – and in the future of your nonprofit.

Moving ForwarD

So, how do we move forward? Here are a few strategies to consider:
  1. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Encourage self-care and provide resources to support mental health. Make sure your team feels empowered to take time off when they need it.
  2. Set Realistic Goals: Be mindful of the pressure you’re placing on your fundraisers. Set goals that are challenging but achievable, and recognize when they’ve been met.
  3. Invest in Professional Development: Support your fundraisers in their career growth. Offer training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement within your organization.
  4. Foster a Culture of Trust: Move away from micromanagement. Trust your team to do their jobs well, and give them the autonomy to make decisions.
  5. Build Community: Create opportunities for your team to connect with each other and with leadership. This could be through regular check-ins, team-building activities, or open forums for discussion.
Burnout and high turnover aren’t just HR issues – they’re existential threats to the future of your nonprofit. But you aren’t powerless. By adopting a leadership model that prioritizes trust, flexibility, and autonomy, you can create a work environment where fundraisers thrive, long-term donor relationships are nurtured, and your organization’s financial sustainability is secured.

It’s time to leave behind the outdated command-and-control leadership model and embrace a new approach that recognizes the value of your people and the critical role they play in your mission. Let’s build a future where nonprofits aren’t just surviving but thriving – where fundraisers are supported, donors are engaged, and our communities are better off because of it.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU? Have you experienced burnout? Does your organization have high turnover? If so, why do you think that is? What else do you think can be done to keep good people in the fundraising and nonprofit sector (in a healthy way)? Let me know in the comments! 
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[Updated for 2025]
 
Cheers!​
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P.S. If you’re feeling the weight of constant fundraising pressure and the creeping burnout that comes with it, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to muscle through it alone either. Join me for Building Fundraising Confidence, a free live webinar on 5/28. It's designed to help you rediscover your voice, sharpen your message, and build a plan that actually works. It’s practical, supportive, and CFRE approved. Register now here!

PPS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my monthly newsletter email, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!
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    Jessica Cloud, CFRE

    I've been called the Tasmanian Devil of fundraising and I'm here to talk shop with you. 

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What Folks Are Saying

 Jessica has been a wonderful colleague and mentor over the years.  In the beginning of my annual giving career, I found her expertise, experience and willingness to help, invaluable.  Her advice and custom phonathon spreadsheets had a direct impact on our phonathon’s success and my ultimate promotion.  As I progress in my career, I continue to value her insight and professionalism." 

​- Ross Imbler, Director of Annual Giving, Lewis and Clark Law School
 Ross Imbler

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