Let’s start a discussion about gender dynamics.
It’s a discussion that informs a cross-cutting issue, not only in fundraising, but in every profession. Specifically it addresses how gender and power relate to our encounters and those we interact with every day. Gender dynamics in relationship-based fundraising is a particularly interesting subset of these interactions, and is the subject of this article.
As a concept, gender refers to differences of a social nature (created and enforced by society) rather than a biological nature. It’s also important to note that our understanding of gender is amplified when we think in a way that’s intersectional, i.e. Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw’s concept to describe overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination.
When researching gender and fundraising, it becomes apparent that existing bodies of knowledge include sexual harassment in the workplace (focused on when this occurs in charities), commentary on how philanthropy and giving interests vary between the sexes, and particularly problematic articles that suggest conventionally attractive female fundraisers elicit larger gifts, as compared to male fundraisers. Many of these topics are certainly important and worthy of review, however, there remains a gap: accounts of fundraisers sharing their personal experiences of how gender impacts their relationships with their donors.
Within the context of relationship-based fundraising, we have the privilege of exploring social issues in an in-depth and comprehensive way with our donors, often over many years as we build the relationship. Fundraisers speak with donors about social issues that are important in our global and local societies, such as race, health, oppression, and inequality between and amongst people. We talk about shifts of power that happen when a donor supports an organization, and that organization then supports a client, a beneficiary, or a partner. We believe that increased funding can make a positive impact on our beneficiaries’ lived experience.
The social issues are equally at play between the fundraiser and the donor, especially when considering the high percentage of fundraisers that are female. We navigate relationships through difference in gender, wealth, race relations, sexuality, age, physical ability, and more. Interactions or discussions about asking or receiving support can create or shift the power balance between the fundraiser and the donor. Within the fundraising community, it’s important to acknowledge and examine the impact of this difference.
As fundraisers, we value a strong call to action, so here’s mine: start a discussion about this issue.
Here are a few ideas to consider: How does gender and power impact a fundraiser’s relationship with a donor? Over time, how does building a relationship change or become impacted by the structures of hierarchy in our society? Does a fundraiser or a donor’s identity come into play? Does the power dynamic shift when capital changes hands (from a donor to a fundraiser, or from a donor to a beneficiary), and in what way? Does power work differently when building a one-on-one relationship as opposed to a group relationship?
So please engage – speak with your team, speak with your leadership, start communicating, and if you feel that you’d like to share your experiences, please add your comments here.
Emily Harris completed her Master's in international development with a concentration in women's studies at the University of Ottawa. She is currently part of the fundraising team at Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders Canada. Find her on LinkedIn or Twitter at @zuwasbesserm
