Fundraiser burnout isn’t just a staffing issue—it’s a strategic crisis with long-term consequences. As seasoned gift officers exit, organizations face lost relationships, stalled momentum, and weakened donor confidence. The emotional labor that drives great fundraising must be acknowledged and supported, not silently exploited. If nonprofits are built on trust, then protecting the people who nurture that trust is not optional—it’s essential.
Read MoreIn fundraising, relationships drive results, and the most powerful tool for building trust is a personal phone call. While digital methods like email and text can help, they can't replace the connection that comes with voice-to-voice conversations. Gift officers must embrace persistence, resilience, and the right timing to create meaningful donor relationships. Every call may not result in a gift, but it's always a step forward in cultivating the connections that fuel a nonprofit's mission.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a major force in philanthropy, yet many nonprofits struggle to tap into this growing source of charitable giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has perfected a strategy for engaging DAF donors, focusing on ease of giving, building relationships with financial advisors, and framing gifts as investments in medical research. By adopting similar strategies, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of DAF giving, ensuring sustainable support and maximizing their impact. Those who don’t engage effectively with DAFs risk leaving significant funding untapped.
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