4 Ways to Stay Motivated (and Avoid Frustration) When Raising Major Gifts

Fundraising for any nonprofit organization can be challenging work, especially when it comes to raising major gifts. That’s because raising major gifts requires a healthy mix of effort, patience, and dedication to connect with donors and their passions.

Unfortunately, when progress isn’t quick or obvious, raising those big gifts can be extremely frustrating. However, when you do make a connection and successfully solicit a gift, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience that makes a real difference in the lives of those you serve. And I imagine that’s a major reason why you chose to get into this field.

So with that as your mantra, let’s look at some ways to keep you motivated.

4 Tips to Avoid Frustration and Stay Motivated When Raising Major Gifts

These four tips will help to keep you motivated, inspired, and sidestep the inevitable frustration that accompanies raising major gifts.

Tip #1: Focus on the positive.

As humans, we often to focus on the negative. We tend to replay what we did wrong over and over, and we dwell on what we could have done better.

So instead, I’d like you to push yourself to focus on smaller wins (in addition to the big wins). For example, getting a meeting with a donor. Keep track of your successes and use them as motivation to continue your efforts. Additionally, at the end of each day on your way home from work, recall something you did well that day and give yourself a pat on the back.

It’s easy to become discouraged when faced with rejection, but it’s important to continually recognize the positive aspects of your work. Celebrate every donation — regardless of the amount — and remember that every contribution helps you reach your goals.

Tip #2: Take care of yourself.

Fundraising is often a stressful job, and it’s essential to take care of yourself to avoid burnout. Make sure to take breaks, get enough rest, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. This can be as simple as taking a walk or playing your favorite song before picking up the phone to call a donor.

Plan breaks during the day, every week, and each month. You may want to schedule one Friday off each month, or even leave early once a week. Each quarter, take a week off to recharge. By prioritizing self-care and scheduled breaks, you’re more likely to stay motivated and energized for the important work ahead.

Tip #3: Learn from your mistakes.

Rejection is a natural part of fundraising, but it’s important to learn from your mistakes and adjust your approach accordingly. When you speak with a donor or ask for a major gift, take note of what worked and what didn’t and use that information to refine your strategy. By learning from your mistakes, you can improve your chances of success and stay motivated to reach your fundraising goals.

However, it’s easy to focus solely on your mistakes and allow them to bog you down. Instead of getting frustrated, use mistakes as a learning opportunity. Remind yourself that for every mistake you make or rejection you get brings you one step closer to getting a “yes.”

Tip #4: Share success stories.

Talk to clients and those impacted by your work on a regular basis. Look for opportunities to feel good about the work you do.

Sharing success stories about the impact of your organization’s work can be a powerful motivator for both you and potential donors. By highlighting the positive impact of your organization, you can inspire others to get involved and donate to support your mission.

Final Thoughts

As you well know, raising major gifts is often challenging and stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By staying focused on your mission and building stronger donor relationships, you’ll find the motivation you need to be successful. So try to keep the following in mind:

• Celebrate the positive (especially the smaller day-to-day wins)
• Take better care of yourself (because you’re worth it!)
• Allow your mistakes to hone your skills
• Share your organization’s successes with others

If you can regularly do those four things, it will be easy for you to keep your motivation up throughout the fundraising process. Remember — every contribution helps you make a difference in the lives of those you serve, and you’re a key part of that success.