When I was in graduate school (more than 20 years ago) I wanted to be the CEO of a big, international nonprofit. I took my first fundraising job because I knew that fundraising was one of the keys to successful nonprofits. In other words, if I was going to be an impactful CEO, I would need to know how to raise money.
The same is true for you. No matter what your aspirations in the nonprofit sector, being a great fundraiser will make you a stronger, more in-demand leader.
Historically, the nonprofit sector has been led by passionate and dedicated women leaders. However, in our female-dominated sector, gender disparities persist, especially in leadership positions. One of the best ways for you to make your mark is to become a rock star fundraiser.
8 Conventional Characteristics of Women Nonprofit Leaders
Here are several reasons why women leaders are so critical for our sector in roles of leadership (not that you need any convincing). In general, women are:
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Resilient
- Intuitive
- Strategic
- Multitaskers
- Calm under pressure
- Nurturing
All these qualities and characteristics make for great leaders. Unfortunately, there are other important qualities and characteristics that are not typically found on that list.
Becoming an Even Stronger Nonprofit Leader
If you want to become an even stronger leader, identify a few areas you’d like to improve and decide to work on them this year. Some examples might include things like:
- Ability to raise major gifts
- Increased confidence
- Willingness to take risks
- Learning to take breaks and avoid burnout
Some items on this list may apply to you and others are likely missing. Identify areas you’d like to strengthen and start working on those areas.
4 Steps to Become a Stronger Nonprofit Leader and Fundraiser
In addition, here are four steps you can take this year to become a stronger nonprofit leader and fundraiser.
1. Secure targeted training and continuing education.
Identify specific training you’d like to take and find the time (and budget) to make it happen. Every professional should enroll in at least one continuing education class, program, or conference each year.
2. Hire a coach or work with a mentor.
Whether paid or unpaid, find someone to work with you one-on-one. There are mentoring programs through AFP and coaching programs in abundance. Get a recommendation from someone you know to try to find the right match. Many successful leaders have both coaches and mentors.
3. Look for networking opportunities
Actively look for networking opportunities and be proactive. Identify twelve leaders in your community (don’t restrict yourself by geography) and ask them to take a walk or go for coffee (or virtual coffee). Do one per month, but then follow up with each on a quarterly basis.
4. Seek out and/or facilitate peer support.
Join or host a regular peer support group as a safe space to ask questions, share frustrations, and celebrate success.
Though my online program, Mastering Major Gifts, participants have created a welcoming weekly peer support group, which they have kept going for more than four years!
If you are committed to improving your individual giving skills this year, I hope you’ll consider enrolling in Mastering Major Gifts. It checks off many of the steps I suggested above. It’s a wonderful way to grow your fundraising and leadership skills.
BONUS: If you join Mastering Major Gifts now, your first month is on me!
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