What do you do if your fundraising problem-solving leads to potential risks and challenges?

1 Identify the risks and challenges

The first step to solving any problem is to understand it. You need to identify the possible risks and challenges that your problem-solving approach may create or encounter. These could be internal, such as budget constraints, staff turnover, or donor fatigue, or external, such as market changes, legal issues, or public perception. You can use tools like SWOT analysis, risk matrix, or scenario planning to assess the likelihood and impact of each risk or challenge, and prioritize them accordingly.

2 Evaluate your options

Once you have a clear picture of the risks and challenges, you need to evaluate your options for addressing them. You can use tools like decision matrix, cost-benefit analysis, or pros and cons list to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and weigh them against your objectives, criteria, and resources. You should also consider the ethical, social, and environmental implications of each option, and how they align with your values and mission.

3 Implement your plan

After you have chosen the best option for your situation, you need to implement your plan with care and caution. You should communicate your plan clearly and transparently to your stakeholders, such as donors, staff, partners, and beneficiaries, and explain the rationale and expected outcomes. You should also monitor and measure your progress and results, and adjust your plan as needed based on feedback and data. You should also document your actions and learnings for future reference and improvement.

4 Manage the uncertainty

Even with the best problem-solving skills and planning, you cannot eliminate all the uncertainty and unpredictability that comes with fundraising. You need to be prepared for unexpected events, changes, or setbacks that may arise along the way, and have contingency plans and backup resources ready. You also need to be flexible and adaptable , and willing to experiment and innovate when necessary. You should also embrace the uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow, and not let it discourage or paralyze you.

5 Seek support and guidance

You don't have to face the risks and challenges of fundraising alone. You can seek support and guidance from various sources, such as mentors, peers, experts, consultants, or coaches, who can offer you valuable insights, advice, or feedback. You can also leverage your network and community, such as donors, partners, volunteers, or advocates, who can provide you with resources, connections, or referrals. You can also join or create platforms and forums, such as groups, events, or podcasts, where you can share your experiences, challenges, and best practices with other fundraisers.

6 Celebrate your achievements

Finally, you should celebrate your achievements and recognize your efforts, no matter how big or small. You should acknowledge and appreciate your own and your team's hard work, creativity, and resilience, and reward yourself and them with recognition, gratitude, or incentives. You should also share your success stories and lessons learned with your stakeholders, and show them the impact and value of your problem-solving. You should also use your achievements as a motivation and inspiration to keep learning, improving, and fundraising.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?