Comments on: Gaining Fundraising Support

By: What does it take to be a great leader? | Make It Count Communications

What does it take to be a great leader? | Make It Count Communications — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:12:00 +0000

[...] Jason Dick at A Small Change talks about what happens when you don’t have leadership and support for fundraising, and offers some tips on how to build it. [...]

By: Patrick Sallee

Patrick Sallee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:19:26 +0000

Great post! I started in my current position about 8 months ago and being the first person, outside of special events, focused on fundraising at this agency it has been interesting to try to incorporate the new perspective on the culture. Definitely took everyone to coffee or lunch and tried to explain where I am coming from with background and showed genuine interest in what a day in the life of the program staff is like.

I initially tried to find a few small things that would immediately impact their jobs. For example, we asked a company to provide GPS devices for our case managers that are out and about. It was an easy ask, but immediately helped….and saved paper from all the mapquest printing. The other important thing for me has been to involve them in approaches to people they are connected with and then, probably more importantly, recognize them publically for their part.

By: Janice Chan

Janice Chan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:42:27 +0000

At my organization (which admittedly has less than 20 employees) both “development” and “program” staff work at each others’ events. Well, non-management staff anyhow. This wouldn’t necessarily work as well with a large organization, but it definitely helps us a lot. We know that we can count on each other when we have a big event or project or camp to run, and we see exactly how hard everybody else is working, too. Yes, we do different work most of the time, but we work together often enough that it’s not seen as an exchange of favors as much as just getting things done. Which I love.

By: Suzy

Suzy — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:34:34 +0000

Jason,

I think the key is really in showing value. If I can demonstrate to the program team that I am helping them achieve their work rather than adding something to their to do list, it makes all the difference in the world. This isn’t even that complicated; help them tell their stories by providing tools or worksheets, keep them on task by asking for items in a timely fashion, etc. Showing them how you make their life easier, showing them respect seems to repay in kind.

Oh, the whole coffee thing, talking them up thing is also great. Nothing like a little good will when your under a tight deadline!