What happens when your fundraiser moves on?There’s been a trend among social impact organizations for some time that sees development staff stay for about 18 months, then move to another organization or leave the profession altogether. For many organizations, this becomes a set-back which may take months or years to make right. Know that this may happen in your organization, what can you, as leaders, do before and after it does? Before: Take steps now to understand what’s going on with major donors, where they are in the donor cycle and what the quality of the relationship is with them. Make sure all contacts with donors are being recorded in your database. Great notes make for a great institutional memory. Support your staff through professional development, career advancement and great working conditions. (who knows – they may not leave after all…) Encourage a culture of philanthropy and engagement throughout the organization, so that donors may have relationships outside the development office. After: Do not rush to hire an experienced fundraiser, especially one who doesn’t understand your mission, as you may be in the same position in 18 months. Do consider recruiting someone who has a passion for what you do and the skills to be come a development professional, and invest in a consultant to coach them into a new career. Examine the reasons they may have left (as they may not be forthcoming about underlying conflicts that caused them not to want to continue working there). For example, did you pile every conceivable type of fund development activity into one job? It’s hard to expect one person to do events, major gift fundraising, direct mail, third-party fundraising, ticket sales, etc. and do any of it well. If the departure was sudden and you didn’t have time to debrief on donors, call them and explain what the situation is. Don’t just leave them hanging. Take steps to stop the revolving door. You and your donors will be much better off. Julie Mikuska · |
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