Nonprofit Fundraising 101

Chapter 2 Hiring and Training Development Staff

“Good plans shape good decisions. That’s why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true.”

—Lester R. Bittel

Introduction

I’ve gone to great lengths to document and articulate all the tips, tools, and tactics you need to succeed at fundraising in this book. But without the right team in place, none of them matter. The staff, board members, and volunteers charged with spearheading your development efforts are the single most important factor in your success. From interns to senior management, event volunteers to engaged board members, each and every person driving your fundraising machine is a critical part of building a successful, high-functioning development infrastructure. Surrounding yourself with the right people, properly training them, and fostering their professional growth will result directly in you raising more money. It will also keep employee morale high and provide stability for your organization and its donors. Fundraising is about building relationships, and each person on your team plays an important role in your interaction with supporters. From entering gifts into your database, to sending acknowledgment letters, to answering the phone, and making an ask, each team member represents a link in the chain and influences how contributors feel about your organization.

Building your fundraising dream team is only possible if you learn and follow best practices around hiring and training. Investing resources ...