Why Are Successful Fundraisers Leaving Their Jobs?
Many charitable organizations were hit hard by the pandemic, with canceled events, decreased donations, and other financial challenges. These financial challenges often led to staff reductions, furloughs, or salary reductions. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in May 2020, approximately 29% of charitable organizations had laid off or furloughed fundraising staff due to the pandemic.
Additionally, the pandemic has created new challenges for fundraisers, including a shift to virtual fundraising events, changes in donor behaviour, and increased competition for donor dollars. These challenges have put additional stress on fundraisers, who are already working in a high-stress profession.
According to a survey conducted by the Nonprofit Times in July 2020, approximately 28% of nonprofit organizations reported that staff morale had decreased since the start of the pandemic, and 18% reported that staff retention had become a more significant challenge.
These new realities compund the more fundamental reasons why succssful fundraisers may leave their jobs, including:
- Limited opportunities for growth and advancement: Fundraisers who feel that there are limited opportunities for career growth and advancement within an organization may seek out opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes if fundraisers are successful the employer is loathe to move them into other roles, for fear of the negative impact on raised revenue.
- Lack of resources: Fundraisers may become frustrated if they feel that they don’t have the resources they need to be successful in their roles. This can include not having the necessary staff, technology, or other resources needed to support fundraising efforts.
- Burnout: Fundraising can be a high-stress and emotionally taxing profession, which can lead to burnout if employees are not given the support they need to manage their workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Compensation: Fundraisers may leave their jobs if they feel that their compensation is not commensurate with their experience and contributions to the organization.
- Organizational culture: Fundraisers may leave their jobs if they feel that the organizational culture is negative or unsupportive. This can include feeling undervalued, unsupported, or unappreciated.
- Lack of alignment with the organization’s mission: Fundraisers may leave their jobs if they don’t feel aligned with the organization’s mission or if they don’t feel that their work is making a meaningful impact.
Many of these challenges can (and should) be addressed by employers.
Recognizing that the successful fundraisers on your team have options in the marketplace is an important first step in mitigating your risk they will leave; there is significant inherent bottom line value in ensuring your organization is able to retain capable fund development staff.
about author
Seeing around corners for charities and non profits for over 34 years.
