Who Loves Fundraisers?
Fundraisers and development professionals raise the resources that change the world.
Yet we are often treated like dial tone.
I’ve been raising funds for nonprofit organizations for over twenty years. My work has supported educators, community leaders, mental health professionals, domestic violence counselors, recovery coaches, high school entrepreneurs, job training programs, and more–serving over 700,000 students and clients.
The work is not easy, although it may appear that way from the outside. We can’t have a bad day, because our interactions with EVERYONE must be pleasant. We can’t stop working or slow down during a pandemic, because the essential workers that provide vital support to our community still need to be paid for, the buildings and technology they need to serve clients needs to be paid for.
When we hit our goals, no one cheers. Even when we raise more for our organization than anyone ever thought possible, no one cheers. We often have the shabbiest offices (because we are not client-facing), the oldest technology (because no grants will support technology for “administration”), and the longest workdays (because we take breakfast and dinner meetings and have to staff events).
No one ever asks us how we are holding up. No one claps for us as we go to and from our offices or meetings. No one gives us discounts. So we must care for ourselves.
Photo by Miguel Perales on Unsplash
We often work alone, so connecting with others who do this work is key. Not in the “professional association” kind of way, but in the “I hear what you’re saying and can relate” kind of way. We can, and should, create safe spaces for each other to vent, problem-solve, and celebrate.
Another key is self-care. Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The only person who can truly appreciate all the work you put in is you, and you should celebrate and care for yourself. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but it should be meaningful to you.
Here are some of my self-care strategies, just to spark your thinking:
1. Working in a space that feels great. Now that working in an office designed or set up by someone else isn’t a “must do”, take the time to create a space that supports how you work.
2. Knitting. I love to create with my hands, and knitting is portable and meditative.
3. Taking a long walk. This has double benefits for me: getting some alone time, and communing with nature.
4. Watching the ocean. I’m lucky enough to live on an island, so a stop by the sea–even for five minutes–is easy to fit into my schedule.
5. Having a playlist. You don’t have to create your own, but it is helpful to have music that soothes while you’re working. Some of my faves are “Spa Music” and “Chill Mix” on Apple Music and “Peaceful Retreat” on Spotify.
The work we do is some of the most important work on the planet. Let’s care for ourselves and each other so that we can continue to do it.
