Between Hope and Hustle: A Tribute to Fundraisers

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Nonprofit Fundraising,

Let’s take a breath together. Deep inhale… big exhale. Now listen closely:

You are the heartbeat of your organization!

You are the closers of campaign gaps, the translators of impact into action, the ones who’ve convinced people that love can look like a recurring monthly gift. You’ve walked into board meetings with a budget shortfall and walked out with a plan, a prayer, and maybe a pledge or two. You’ve held the tension between purpose and pressure with grace—and possibly a glass of wine. This is a love letter just for you.

To the fundraisers of color, especially my sisters (and brothers and siblings) navigating this profession while also navigating bias and burnout—your presence is resistance. 

In a sector where only 6% of fundraisers identify as Black and 9% as Latinx, and where we still have to code-switch just to be heard in donor meetings, you are breaking generational barriers and writing new scripts. You’re not just raising money—you’re raising awareness, raising voices, and raising the bar.

We see you. We celebrate you. We NEED you.

To the nonprofit CEOs out there—can we talk?

Fundraising is not a solo sport. It’s a team event. A leadership event. Your development team can’t raise millions if they’re chasing invoices, buried in CRM drama, or carrying the burden of broken systems and unreasonable expectations. If your fundraiser is expected to "just make it happen" without real support, strategic input, or a seat at the table—you’ve set them up to fail. Fundraisers don't just need goals—they need tools, respect, and a workplace culture that believes philanthropy is everyone’s job.

And please —stop hiring a Development Director when what you need is a miracle!

Now, to my fundraising fam—let’s get real:

🎯 If you don’t make your goal, it’s not always a personal failure. It could be unrealistic projections, inadequate support, or leadership that’s allergic to asking for money. Don’t carry what isn’t yours.

💸 Negotiate your worth. Ask for the salary you deserve (median salaries are slowly rising, but not fast enough for women and fundraisers of color). Ask for benefits that protect your peace—dependent health coverage, remote work, flex time, professional development, admin support, and direct access to the board.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. In these unsettling times, the pressure to produce can multiply overnight. Don’t let your well run dry. Build in breaks. Step away from the metrics. Eat lunch away from your desk. Protect your time like it's a major donor. Because you are.

💡 Remind yourself: Giving is optional. Your job isn’t to force generosity. It’s to align your organization’s mission with a donor’s values. If it clicks—great! If not? It’s okay. Move on. You’re not begging; you’re building. And if someone says no, it’s just information, not a reflection of your worth.

👊🏾 You are one person—not a machine. You don’t have to martyr yourself to make the mission happen. If the culture is toxic, if your CEO is disrespectful, dismissive, or rude—hold them accountable. Dust off your resume. It’s time. You deserve to work where you are respected and resourced.

🌱 Have agency over your career. If fundraising stops feeling good, find a place that aligns with your values and sees you as a leader—not a magical ATM. You’re allowed to outgrow your role. You’re allowed to want more.

Some fresh facts to fuel your fire:

• According to Giving USA 2024, individual giving is down, but fundraisers who personalize outreach and lead with values see stronger donor retention and increased lifetime value.

• The 2023 Fundraising Effectiveness Project reports donor retention dropped below 40%—yet organizations with clear messaging and diverse fundraising strategies are bucking the trend.

• BIPOC fundraisers leave the sector faster than their white counterparts. Why? Toxic culture, poor mentorship, and lack of advancement. We can—and must—do better.

  
  

Here’s what I want you to remember:

Your job is not just about raising money. It’s about raising hope. You make people believe again—in justice, in joy, in possibility. So when you feel undervalued, underpaid, and overwhelmed—pause. Reclaim your voice. Remind them (and yourself) that fundraisers are strategic leaders, not service staff.

You are a bridge. You are a builder. You are a BOSS.

From one recovering fundraiser to another—thank you for showing up, even when it’s hard. Thank you for your creativity, your courage, your asks and your answers. And thank you for being the light in this sometimes-stormy space.

With admiration, solidarity, and a whole lotta love,

Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro

Recovering Fundraiser

Lover of Donors and Do-Gooders Everywhere (especially board members) 💛