What do you do if you're struggling with self-doubt and need to be more assertive in fundraising?

Wanna know a secret? Even the folks who are successful in fundraising, raise tens of millions and seem "fearless" are afraid. Often. Fear in fundraising is normal. Just don't let it stop you from taking action. Courage is a muscle. It's the risks we take on behalf of our mission. Take one small risk daily and get in a community of risk-takers. Before you know it, your ability to take on bigger challenges will grow. We often know what we're supposed to do, and don't do it. Why? Because we need guts, guidance and community. It takes courage to admit you're afraid. You're not alone. Don't let fear have the last word. You're more courageous than you think.

We have talked to two clients this week who have expressed that their organizations don't "fundraise." After about 20 minutes of asking questions, we determined they were both nervous/scared to ask for money for fear of rejection. Fear is a valid emotion when it comes to asking for support. We encourage all our clients to think about their mission and the work they are d doing in this world. With that at the forefront of the ask, the hope is that people will feel empowered to ask for support from a variety of donors.

Resource myself—recall that self respect and worthiness is where my heart can be restored. Remind myself that I am loved. Finally that I love the people I serve, that my courage in showing up can make a difference.

First off, it's okay to acknowledge that you're feeling nervous or uncertain. Self-doubt is a common hurdle, especially when it comes to asking for support or funding. Recognize that it's normal to feel a bit uneasy, but don't let it hold you back.

Love the numbers but don’t let them be what I am holding in my heart when I go to sleep at night. This is the way to maintain my humanity, I look higher while staying grounded.

Celebrate the small achievements, and continue to build upon them, as you began to see those accomplishments, your self-esteem will become heightened, and confidence in your ability to make a difference will shine through.

Next up, set some realistic goals for yourself. Break down the fundraising process into smaller, more manageable steps, and set achievable targets along the way. Whether it's reaching out to a certain number of potential donors or securing a specific amount of funding, having clear goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose.

I've seen firsthand how "practicing your pitch" can make a real difference for those whose nerves are unsettled with making an ask. It's one thing to know what you need, and it's another thing to write it down and even practice it in the mirror. However, practicing out loud with someone who will engage with you and ask you questions will help you build the confidence you need to put your best foot forward with an actual donor. I recommend Zoom first (so you can record it and watch it), the second time again on Zoom (to compare how far you've come), and the third time in person. 1-2-3....then, give it a GO!

Now, it's time to hone your pitch. Practice delivering your fundraising pitch in front of a mirror, to friends or family, or even to your pet—whatever helps you feel more comfortable and confident. Focus on articulating your passion and the impact of your project, and remember to breathe and speak slowly. The more you practice, the more natural and assertive you'll become.

I have been trying to journal about the little things. I keep a Word doc open ALL the time to jot down new vocabulary words that grab my attention when I am listening to people I respect. If a story touches me, I will also write that down. I don’t ask myself when I am doing it how it will fit into my work, but I trust that if it touches me it will do the same for others.

Personal relationships are your leading indicator for fundraising success. It often takes time to see larger gifts come in, and they nearly always emerge from inputs in those relationships over time. Then, there is a time for a specific ask. When you're confident in the vision of the donor-investor you're interacting with, the ask emerges from the things they want to accomplish that your organization is uniquely positioned to accomplish.

Some of the things I think about when building relationships in fundraising are: - Lean into what makes you passionate about the organisation in which you work. It is easier to speak with confidence when you are talking about something you care about that is outside yourself. - Be authentic. It's much easier to build relationships that way. Your donors can tell when you are not being yourself and that can contribute towards discomfort in the conversation. - Be curious. Focus on understanding your donor first, what matters to them, and then what you have to say second.

My philosophy of fundraising is grounded in an understanding that transformational gifts for the donor and the institution should be cultivated within in the context of an authentic relationship. As part of this, how donors are stewarded makes a significant impact on both their relationship with the organization and their continued philanthropic giving. In my experience, stewardship is an often missed but a vital part of the cycle with donors; building that trust and goodwill takes time.

Remind yourself every day that you are not raising money for you. The gifts you are asking for will not be lining your pockets. You're doing this to benefit people, communities in need. At the same time, there are people out there who will be happy to provide some mentorship, to be a practice wall. Put some time in to sharing how you solicit and cultivate and get feedback. It helps.

I pay attention to people that make me feel seen and heard and emulate them. Because ultimately, we all want to be in connection, and what better way to do that then be curious about a person?

This is so important! If you are human, and last I checked we ALL are, we make mistakes and have bad days. Self worth means knowing that your value is not based on your bad days. It’s going to be hard to get feedback that isn’t positive but it will expand your awareness and make you a better person.

Not many of us are natural fundraisers and it is really helpful to seek help in honing the craft. Today, new fundraising professionals in the social sector can go to the Singapore University for Social Sciences to get a diploma with a goal to be a fundraiser. It is also possible to join various networks of fundraising professionals in Singapore to gain better insights and guidance as many others are ready to help through casual coffee chats, informal sharing sessions, organized learning journeys and Ask-Me-Anything panels. Just reach out.

Go back to basics. What inspired you to work with this org in the first place? What excited you? Think about specific wins you had early in your tenure. If necessary, go visit a location or beneficiaries of your fundraising. You’ll be re-inspired. Good luck!