When fundraising and programing staff work together results can soar! In many charities however, a gap exists between the two departments. It is an ‘us vs. them mentality.’
Are the program staff the experts who do ‘real’ work in the field bringing lasting change to a community and the Fundraisers are the ones simplifying the message that ‘people are dying today’ and you must donate now? Or, are the Fundraisers the experts doing the ‘real’ work bringing in the much-needed funds to ensure change is accomplished, staff have salaries, the lights are on and insurance is paid. Is it just a matter of perspective?
I have had both perspectives during my career and both conversations with Programming staff and Fundraising staff.
Programming staff are passionate and dedicated to the people they know personally in the field. They uphold strong values and ethics to the community. They have sat in countless communities, held sick babies, looked into the faces of mothers and fathers pleading for help. They have worked endless hours. They have studied International Development and know poverty in and out. They have tried projects, failed, analyzed and tried again. They have written report after report and read report after report. They have a deep conviction to help and get things done. They get frustrated when ‘Fundraisers’ use the wrong words to describe their work or raise money that does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Fundraisers are passionate and dedicated people who may have foregone a corporate job to make a difference in the world. They uphold strong values and commitment to their donors. They have talked to countless donors. They have looked into the eyes of philanthropists and promised their money will make a difference in the world. They have worked endless hours. They have studied the theory of fundraising and know what works and what doesn’t. They have tried things, failed, analyzed and tried again. They have written copy, direct mail, reports and thank you letters. They have a deep conviction to help and get things done. They get frustrated when Programming staff say they can’t do something or fail to report back on the impact of the donor’s money.
Programmers and Fundraisers are not actually that different. It’s just hard to see when caught up in deadlines, budgets and the fast-paced environment of the charitable sector.
What if they worked together? What if everyone saw fundraising as important as the programming? What if we thought of the donor as important as the beneficiary?
Imagine the potential; bringing the programming staff to a major donor meeting and having them talk about the project with their deep conviction and passion. I’ve seen the results. It’s big. Imagine bringing the fundraising staff to the field, so they understand the complexities, frustrations, the joy and the heat! I’ve seen the results. It’s amazing. For International charities, it should be everyone’s job to fundraise.
How do we do this? It takes a mental shift for leaders and staff. It might take changes in structure, policy, and job descriptions. But it can also be as easy as talking and listening; building relationships, getting to know each other’s challenges, goals, budgets and visions. Perhaps, simply walking in each other’s shoes.
Julie LeJeune is a passionate International Development Programmer turned Major Gift Fundraiser, with over 15 years of leadership experience abroad and in Canada. A proud new member of AFP Julie is also a Registered Dietitian passionate about hunger issues, nutrition, health, and sports.
