How to Inspire Your Inner Fundraiser
Written by Marcy Breffle,
Purpose Possible Fundraising Consultant
“Everyone is a fundraiser.” This phrase can strike fear into the hearts of non-development staff, conjuring up images of standing on a gala stage before a room full of major donors. Dear program people, let me assuage your fears - you will almost never be asked to make the “big ask.” However, every staff member does have a role to play in their organization’s fundraising efforts.
This blog post will explore tips and techniques for program staff to more effectively support development and fundraising efforts–no black tie or ball gown required. From contributing to grant proposals to converting contacts into donors, you can become your development team's secret weapon (or, at least, their favorite staff member)!
1. Stop, collaborate, and listen.
Development and program teams don’t operate in silos–regular communication is essential. Get to know each other’s working styles and find a communication cadence (monthly meetings, casual weekly coffees) that works for all. Development staff should share funding opportunities, progress on annual fundraising goals, and upcoming reporting deadlines. They should also clearly communicate which donors are being targeted for specific projects/programs. Donor fatigue and donor cannibalization are real, y’all! Program staff should share progress on grant-funded or sponsored programs, new projects in development, and any potential roadblocks.
2. If sharing is caring, a program description is a declaration of love.
Development teams rely on accurate, compelling information to craft grant narratives, donor appeals, and reports - but they can’t do it alone. A robust program description (with key activities, timelines, objectives, and metrics) is one of the greatest gifts you can give your development staff. Add in some data, a few testimonials from target demographics, and clear connections to mission—your development staff will be downright euphoric. Have a budget that includes personnel and clearly justifies each line item? Congratulations, you just became your development team’s best friend!
When program staff take the time to write or update descriptions of what they’re doing and how it advances the mission, they create a strong foundation for powerful storytelling and persuasive fundraising. These documents don’t need to be donor-ready. They do need to be current, realistic, and jargon-free. Not sure where to start? Search “program description template” and let the words flow. Descriptions for existing programs should be updated regularly—especially with impact data and audience demographics. Include a timestamp and set a regular reminder (annually, quarterly, monthly) to update documents.
3. It’s not gossip - it’s donor intelligence.
Donors don’t give simply because your organization has needs; they give because you meet needs. And who understands your audience better than program staff? You’re on the front lines of service, advancing the mission and building meaningful relationships. You know the individuals who benefit from your programs, and you can spot those with the potential to give back—whether through time, connections, or financial support. They’re the repeat visitor, the person asking about volunteer opportunities, the well-connected individual curious about board service.
Talk with your development team and establish a clear process for sharing information about individuals who show a strong affinity for your cause. Whether it’s a quick email or logging notes in the CRM, it’s important to know the protocol for capturing key details—such as their history with the organization, interests, and personal connections. This helps create a well-rounded picture of the individual as a person, not just a potential donor.
A few other learned-by-living nuggets of wisdom:
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Do not twist yourself to fit a funding opportunity. If you’re doing mental gymnastics to align with a donor - or worse, being asked to invent a program that does not meet your mission - it’s time to talk to your development team. Be intentional; this will save you time, resources, and relationships in the long run.
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Don’t go rogue! If you come across a funding opportunity that aligns with your program’s needs and capacity, alert your development team right away and be clear on how it fits with your goals. All grant applications, sponsorship requests, and donor appeals should go through them - but that doesn’t mean you can’t play a key role in the process.
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You know your peer organizations - let’s put that intel to good use. Share their annual reports, donor recognition posts, social media shoutouts, and press releases with your development team. It’s not stalking - it’s strategy.
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Sign the thank you cards, introduce yourself to donors, shine during site visits, and shout out your organization’s accomplishments and impact on your social media. You’re not just supporting fundraising - you’re helping to keep the lights on and your mission moving forward.
For more information about fundraising or other services for your organization, click here to contact our team!
