When It Rains, It Pours... Funds?

So, if you're in NY or CT this week, you probably wondered if you should invest in a boat. What was projected as a "potential of rain" became an "once in a 1000 year" event dumping over a foot of rain on some areas within just a few short hours. Humorously (but not to my wife), we were in the process of refinishing our in-ground pool. A beautiful new underlayment of vermiculite ready for a new liner. After a summer of no pool, my kids were getting desperate.

Just in case you were wondering...the image above is not our pool, but I want to give ChatGPT some points for creativity!

All was on track until the rain came. Now, our non-liner pool is filled up with waist high water with nowhere to go. I joked with my wife, if only this happened after the liner went in, we wouldn't have to pay to get the pool filled! Then it hit me—this whole rain situation is a lot like fundraising.

Too Much, Too Fast: The Fundraising Flood

You know the dream, right? That moment when you hit the fundraising jackpot—donors are throwing money at you like it's going out of style. But here’s the thing: just like last night's rain, too much money all at once can be, well... a bit of a disaster...especially if you are not ready for it.

Think about it. You're so pumped that the funds are rolling in, and suddenly, you're like, "Let’s launch ALL the projects!" But without a plan, you end up with a bunch of half-finished ideas, a stressed-out team, and a budget that somehow disappeared faster than your umbrella in the wind. It’s like trying to manage a flash flood with a kiddie pool (or an in ground pool in my case).

Building the Right Infrastructure (AKA Not Getting Swamped)

Water is precious and so are donations. Just like cities need better drains for those torrential downpours, nonprofits need systems in place to handle those big cash surges. It's not just about getting the money—it's about making sure you can actually use it wisely. Otherwise, you start balancing flooding with wasting water by flushing it down the drain.

Maybe invest some boring stuff, like better software, staff training, and processes that can handle the load. It’s not as flashy as launching a new initiative, but trust me, it’ll keep you from drowning in chaos later. Like a house (or a pool) the "strength pieces" like forms and foundations, are not flashy.

Speed vs. Strategy: The Tug-of-War

Remember, just because the funds are coming in fast doesn’t mean you have to spend them at warp speed. Take a breather. Let it soak in. Plot your next move. Think of it like that slow, steady rain that’s way better for your garden than the overnight monsoon. Strategic growth is where it’s at—otherwise, you’ll end up overwhelmed and soggy, metaphorically speaking.

Wrapping It Up (Before It Rains Again)

As I continue to pump out my pool to turn around and refill it, let’s not forget the lesson here: too much of a good thing, at the wrong time, can sometimes be... too much. In fundraising, like in rain, balance is key. So next time you’re blessed with a windfall, remember—don’t let it swamp you and wash away your good intentions. Build that infrastructure, plan it out, and make sure every dollar counts.