Strategic Fund Development: Building Profitable Relationships That Last, Third Edition

The Accomplished Fundraiser

Yes, the accomplished fundraiser is different from the fundraising technician. Whether by choice, limited skills, or organizational constraints, fundraising technicians spend their time targeting prospects and managing volunteers. These professionals develop the organization’s stories into a case for fundraising support.

The best technicians believe deeply in their causes, understand philanthropy, and know how to create infrastructure, document activities, and delineate roles. These excellent technicians use sophisticated solicitation strategies, negotiate major gifts, engage donors, and provide competent support to volunteers.

On the other hand, the truly accomplished fundraiser is an organizational development specialist. She expects access to all parts of the organization and convinces the chief executive officer of this need.

The organizational development specialist is familiar with contemporary management theory and uses it to expand the organization’s view of fund development and organizational development. She probes deeply into areas of the organization that fundraising technicians would consider out of bounds: areas such as board recruitment and designing programs that are relevant to the community. She actively participates in governance, organization-wide strategic planning and evaluation, community needs assessment, and marketing and communications.

What is a great development officer? Certainly not just a fundraising technician. Great ...