How can you keep up with fundraising trends as a self-employed consultant?

The best way to stay current on trends is to find your community. There are many groups you can join--from AFP to groups on Slack and FB. Create your own peer mentoring group who share a niche with you and have deep-dive convos as well as case study overviews. Over 25 years as a fundraiser and now fundraising consultant, I've learned more from my peers than any other source.

Based on my 11 years helping startup fundraising, 2 things to know: 1) Read, Read, Research: You need to read and research about the market and know which industry will be hot to focus on 2) Build network: You will build your network with other experts and exchance the knowledgw with them

In addition to reading up on fundraising trends and developments, I would recommend listening to fundraising podcasts, joining webinars, and attending conferences. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has provided a wealth of knowledge to me over the years through webinars on emerging trends, engaging panels, and lively conferences. There are always opportunities to continue learning and growing despite where you are at in your career!

Keep expanding your knowledge base with technical skills that enable you to be up to date with new trends in fundraising, expand your network, join peer groups with the same interests, and lastly visit grants sites and get to know what funders are interested in.

Reading is primary technique for self employed fundraisers or freelance to be on trends. Remainder we are in social era which mark the end of information era, this means material are available worldwide in different formats, its you and your precious time only will define your elevation.

It is important to stay active within the relevant communities to keep up with market intel and news flow. Proactively share and exchange relevant info with your contacts/network to keep abreast of fundraising trends. Seek to add value to your community and those around you by making referrals and useful new connections for your contacts. Often times, what goes around comes around.

Plan for at least one event per week, whether training, professional gathering, business event, fundraising works, guest speaker etc. Make sure every event you attend you add new network whether prospective clients or business partners or someone to learn from. Make sure you keep in touch with him/her but don't be stubborn.

Read wide, research often, and network within the industry. Taking a posture of learning and listening can help you keep a pulse on the current market and trends as a contractor.

In my 17+ years of fundraising experience, I've learned that listening to your donor or sponsor is a crucial aspect of the business. I have a practice of initiating meetings with potential corporate sponsors by saying, "I would like to understand the current situation your company is facing; I want to hear from you." This sets the tone for the entire meeting. By doing so, I can map out their expectations regarding funding or project sponsorship and understand which fundraising strategy makes the most sense for them at that moment. This approach enhances the alignment between their needs and our fundraising efforts.

In my extensive fundraising career, being a bit of a snooper has led to remarkable outcomes. Once, attending a face-to-face strategic meeting with an international cooperation foundation, I noticed an unknown agency on the ground floor. Curiosity led me to knock on their door. This chance encounter secured a meeting with the agency's director, who expressed interest in our project—providing musical instruments for an underprivileged children's community music school in Rio de Janeiro. This unexpected connection beautifully unfolded into a valuable partnership. It emphasizes the importance of seizing unconventional opportunities in fundraising.

I think that consultants working with multiple charities throughout the year are best placed to see new trends in income, what success looks like, and what changes are on the wind in the wider non profit sector. If they are looking!

Regularly attending industry conferences, webinars, and workshops are crucial for networking and staying informed about the latest strategies and technologies. Subscribing to leading fundraising and nonprofit blogs, newsletters, and journals can help stay on top of emerging trends and best practices. I also suggest actively participating in professional groups and forums to exchange ideas and experiences with peers. Continuously seeking feedback from clients and adapting strategies accordingly ensures that approaches remain innovative and effective. This commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability is key to staying relevant and successful in the ever-evolving field of fundraising.