As nonprofit leaders, especially working in fundraising, you face challenges every day.
Whether it’s achieving ambitious goals, connecting with donors, or navigating unpredictability, the work you do is tough. Staying positive and motivated isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for your success and the success of your organization.
11 Ways Nonprofit Fundraisers Can Stay Motivated in Challenging Times
Here are eleven out-of-the-box ideas to keep your spirits high and your focus sharp, even in challenging times.
1. Invest in a Mastermind Group
Invest time and energy in creating a regular mastermind group of people who will keep you on track, inspired and motivated. Meet regularly. This can be internal or external people at your organization (staff, board, and volunteers) or colleagues and friends from outside.
2. Create a Gratitude Wall
Create a physical and a digital wall of gratitude where team members, volunteers, clients, and others can share gratitude and remind one another of the positive things happening in your space.
3. Make a Vision Board
Twice a year, hold a week-long series of vision board lunch meetings, where you come together with colleagues to create visual goals for yourself and the organization and put them on posterboard. It’s an inspirational version of scrapbooking and a powerful, visual reminder of what you’re working toward.
4. Create Fun Challenges
Initiate fun, motivational fundraising challenges and compete internally with small rewards and spark friendly competition. Who doesn’t love receiving a gold star or a small gift card as a reward for a job well done?
5. Get Out of the Office
Schedule meetings outside the office. Take a walk, have a picnic, paint a pot, walk through a museum, etc. Get your creative juices flowing in a new environment.
6. Schedule Motivational Meet Ups
Schedule a monthly luncheon with leaders, volunteers, and clients to share stories. Have each attendee share something positive from the past month and something they are looking forward to. No victory is too big or small.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Fundraising is about progress, not perfection. Celebrate milestones — whether it’s securing a new gift or getting a donor on the phone. It’s the collection of small steps leading you toward a big goal that will really make a difference in the long run.
8. Be Curious
Invest in yourself by staying up-to-date on fundraising best practices and the latest AI tools and resources. Learning fuels confidence and equips you with knowledge to tackle challenges creatively and effectively.
9. Remember Your Why
Anchoring yourself in your mission gives you purpose and keeps you grounded. Think about why you chose to work at your organization. Think about the meaningful difference you make in the community and the lives you impact through your work.
10. Prioritize Self-Care
Nonprofit work can be demanding, but your well-being is crucial. Make time to recharge, whether that’s through exercise, meditation, or simply relaxing with family and friends. A rested, healthy you is far more effective in achieving goals.
11. Be Ready to Adapt
Challenges are opportunities in disguise. Whether it’s adapting to donors or unexpected circumstances, embrace flexibility. Staying resilient enables you to pivot, adapt, and thrive in a constantly changing world.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward Together
While the day-to-day can be stressful, take a step back and look at the larger impact of your work. Fundraising is more than dollars raised. It’s about building a better future. Keeping sight of this is important.
While the challenges may be significant, the rewards are even greater. By staying positive, focusing on your mission, and supporting yourself and your team, you can overcome obstacles and lead your organization to success.
You’ve got this — the work you do matters deeply, and the world is better because of it.
Let’s keep moving forward together. One donor, one phone call, one gift at a time.
Leave a Comment