An open letter to all fundraisers who are finding it tough

This picture (credit Jacqui J Sze) brings happy memories. I worked alongside Justin Welby 20 years ago in Coventry. He was the Canon for Reconciliation, I was the Development Director.

Alongside Canon Andrew White, Justin led the Cathedral's peace-building work around the world.

Their work inspired me - and many funders. Highlights included securing funds from a peace-building trust for work in Nigeria - and building a fund for peace in memory of the wonderful Mo Mowlam.

Why mention this now?

Simply because I read lots of post from fundraisers who are struggling at the moment. They are being set targets that seem to grow annually, they are being tasked with fundraising in isolation and, here's the rub, they are not fundraising for projects that they themselves truly believe in.

The messages are simple: Push hard for the support of your charity's leadership team and if you stop believing in the work of the cause, seriously think about stepping away.

Justin might be high profile, but the successes I have enjoyed always had inspirational leaders in my corner: And to be totally candid, the plaudits may land with the fundraiser, but I was only ever the "salesman". Some examples of projects that I raised the money for - but for which I was not the visionary and instead depended on amazing colleagues:

• Swim England grant to involve people with disabilities in volunteering (Spirit of 2012)
• Tiny Tim's Children's Centre helping extend its premises
• Coventry University students through scholarships and equipment - including a textile printing machine
• Coventry City of Culture Trust - 150 business backers helping win the title - thanks to the inspirational steering of Andrew Dixon
• Heartlands Hospital - setting up an in-hospital and community choir - Youth Music thanks to a brilliant arts lead
• Armonico Consort - workshops and performance to commemorate King Henry VIII's reign - HLF - created and arranged by a super Artistic Director

Jumping ship - or leaving a job - is a very very brave move. But if you are a fundraiser who does not feel that your leader is doing something incredibly special, it may be time to think about the future.

That happened to me at one of the charities I represented. I was visiting "prospects" with the Director, but could sense that their vision did not excite - or show a desire to work in partnership - and whilst I was perceived to be failing to reach targets, the issue really lay with the project and my passion for the vision.

So be assured, even articles like this - which may read as "ooh look at me and my successes" are written by people who have also fallen and got back up. Taking the step to a charity close to your heart may involve the odd stumble, but it will be well worth it in the long term.

My offer of a free virtual coffee for any struggling fundraiser remains on the table....