Fundraising is an amazing profession for women and men, alike. However, fundraising is not immune to the challenges that women workers face across all sectors.
While women tend to dominate the field of fundraising in numbers, we still lag behind men when it comes to high-paying leadership positions in fundraising and in the nonprofit sector.
But there are ways to even the odds.
9 Tips for Women Fundraisers to Excel in Nonprofit Leadership
From one woman fundraiser to another, here are nine tips to help you overcome challenges in our sector and excel in your fundraising career.
1. Find a Mentor or Coach.
Having someone to show you the ropes is one of the best ways to grow professionally. There’s nothing like having someone who has been there show you the path forward.
There are formal and informal mentorship opportunities. Early in my career, I specifically worked at a big shop (university) so I would be surrounded by people with more experience than I had. AFP also has a formal mentor program. If you can’t find a mentor, consider hiring a coach (or join Mastering Major Gifts, where I can serve as your regular coach).
2. Build Networks.
As a professional, it’s important to have colleagues and networks, especially in fundraising, which can be an isolating profession.
If you work at a small organization, it’s likely you’re the only one in your “department.” Make a special effort to meet others in the field. You can do this at local professional associations, like AFP, Women in Development, and others. To build networks quickly, volunteer to serve on a committee or board at one of your local professional networking organizations.
3. Overcome the Confidence Gap.
The confidence gap is well documented and impacts women in various ways. Repeat these three steps to help you bridge the gap:
- Acknowledge your achievements.
- Seek feedback.
- Invest in professional development.
In addition, set a goal for yourself to read one fundraising book, attend one webinar, and listen to one podcast each month. These strategies will help you build a stronger foundation of fundraising expertise, and therefore boost your self-confidence.
4. Advocate for Yourself.
Do not hesitate to speak up when you’re feeling wronged, disrespected, or disappointed. Letting it slide will only make your feelings fester and grow. Plus, you never know what you will get when you advocate for yourself. If you don’t ever ask, you won’t ever get what you deserve.
5. Fight for Work-Life Integration.
Work-life balance maybe a concept of the past, but we can still advocate for ourselves and the people who report to us for work-life integration.
- Give yourself and others the time and space they need to live productive and fulfilling lives (in addition to working hard).
- Provide yourself and your employees time and permission to leave in the middle of the day to run errands or attend to family needs.
- Strive for harmony rather than perfection; set realistic boundaries and do not neglect self-care.
Remember — you’re in a marathon, not a sprint.
6. Leverage Emotional Intelligence.
Women have a special superpower — emotional intelligence. Leverage your innate power to work with donors and coworkers. Lean into your natural instincts. Active listening and showing compassion and empathy will serve you well. Connecting on a deeper emotional level can strengthen donor relationships and fundraising success.
7. Champion DEI&B.
Women are natural allies of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are leaders in creating a more equitable society, which is a key tenant of many of the organizations we work for. Being a champion for others will naturally lift you up as you widen the circle of people who are grateful for your leadership and inclusivity.
8. Practice Resilience.
Sometimes things simply don’t go our way. Fundraising is challenging and there are often rejections and setbacks to deal with. You will succeed when you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back out there.
9. Be Yourself.
As a woman in fundraising, it’s essential to embrace your unique voice and perspective. Get confident in expressing your ideas and opinions. Your authenticity will inspire others and set you apart with donors and colleagues.
Final Thoughts from a Woman Fundraiser
If I had to pick one of the nine, I would say that #3 — a lack of confidence — holds women back more than anything else. (That, along with having to manage more household and personal responsibilities than men.) While many people are naturally confident, confidence is also built and strengthened over time. So be kind to yourself and give yourself that time.
Acknowledge your strengths with respect to being a woman, but also note your area(s) of weakness. In the nine tips above, are there any areas where you really need some work? If so, make an intentional plan to strengthen those areas.
What do you struggle with the most as a woman in the nonprofit sector? Let me know in the comments.
This is a great article that framed some concepts for me. I am sure I lack more confidence than my male counterparts, but I had never thought of it that way. Your advice is super helpful, as always.