Motivating Fundraisers in the Face of Increased Competition for Grants, Corporate Partners, and Major Donors

Fundraising for charities has always been a challenging task, and in recent times, the competition for grants, corporate partners, and major donors has intensified. The statistic which came out a few weeks ago highlighting a 49% decrease on regular giving compared to the year before means a significant change in demands on fundraisers. More accurately, where charities are choosing to invest and spend their budgets to increase the chances of securing income.

·????????Trusts and Foundations – Competition has doubled for funds.

·????????Major Donors – Higher risk and reward attached to philanthropists.

·????????Legacies – Higher reliance on legacies than ever before

·????????Corporates – COTY applications are highly competed for.

All the above means there is added pressure on all the fundraising teams. IG are trying to be the exception and turn the untethered tide.

As a leader managing a team of fundraisers, it is crucial to understand the difficulties they face and provide the necessary support and motivation to keep them inspired. This article explores effective strategies to motivate fundraisers and offers insights into empathizing and supporting them in this demanding role.

Acknowledge the Challenges

Recognise and openly acknowledge the increased competition your fundraisers face. Discuss the changing landscape, market trends, and the evolving needs of donors. By acknowledging the challenges, you create an open and transparent environment that allows for realistic goal-setting and problem-solving.

Positive Team Culture

Build a strong sense of camaraderie within the team. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas and best practices. Celebrate both individual and team achievements regularly, reinforcing the notion that fundraising success is a collective effort!

Provide Clear Goals and Expectations

Set clear and measurable goals, ensuring they align with the organisation's overall mission. Involve your fundraisers in the goal-setting process to foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Break down the larger objectives into smaller milestones, making them more achievable and motivating.

Highlight your own Challenges

It can be a powerful thing to tell your team when you are finding things difficult and challenging. Telling your team this will lead the way to allow them to tell you when they are struggling. Talking about the battles, the ups and the downs can be so important. Showing a little vulnerability means they will see that they are not alone with their own struggles. Ultimately, you will secure a better relationship with those team members.

Empower Autonomy and Decision-Making

Give fundraisers the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Encourage creativity and innovation in their fundraising strategies, allowing them to adapt and find new approaches in the face of increased competition. This autonomy fosters a sense of trust, autonomy, and responsibility, ultimately motivating them to excel.

Provide Regular Feedback and Recognition

Offer constructive feedback on their performance, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Regularly recognise their efforts, whether through public acknowledgment, performance rewards, or small gestures of appreciation. Feeling valued and appreciated boosts morale and motivates fundraisers to persevere when it is tough.

Supportive Environment

Fundraising can be emotionally challenging. Recognise and empathise with the pressure and stress your team may experience. Provide a safe space for them to discuss their concerns, share experiences, and seek guidance. Offer emotional support, be a compassionate listener, and help them navigate setbacks while maintaining their motivation.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

Fundraising can be demanding and time-consuming, leading to burnout. Encourage your team to prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Support flexible work arrangements, when possible, promote wellness initiatives, and remind them of the importance of recharging to perform at their best.

A Sense of Purpose

Remind your fundraisers of the profound impact their work has on the community and the lives they touch. Connect them with the beneficiaries of their efforts, share success stories, and invite guest speakers to illustrate the real-world impact of their fundraising. Reinforce the purpose behind their work, inspiring them to persevere during challenging times.

Motivating fundraisers in an increasingly competitive environment requires a multi-faceted approach. By being an empathetic human being, you can tie together all of the above and connect with your team on a professional and personal level at a time where their roles are crucial, and the pressure is high. The demands on them do not just affect them, but those who benefit from the charity’s income and programmes.?