If you’ve ever watched a 5th-grade group project in action, you know there’s always a Kevin—the kid who mysteriously disappears every time there’s actual work to do but magically reappears when it’s time to present.
And if you’ve ever worked in fundraising, you know there are Kevins everywhere.
Fundraising is a team sport.
No one—not even the best development director in the world—can do it alone.
And if you’re reading this, and thinking, “Patrick – I’m LITERALLY ALONE as the only person who works at this nonprofit, so this has nothing to do with me and you’re a jerk for reminding me that I’m just a Blue Dot in a sea of eternal darkness and never-ending tasks, and your supposition here is just the worst” – hold up.
You have friends, and neighbors, and board members, and a community you serve, and quiet followers on social media. You know, the ones who see all your stuff, but don’t do the simple thing of just clicking the “like” button so you can prove that your “boosting” worked prior to the event to increase ticket sales? Those people.
They’re out there.
And, no, you’re not alone.
But it might take a little more than just shouting into your computer.
It might…and hold on to your butts for this…require you to go out and talk to people. gasp!
Here's a quick fundraising thought: Build a Squad, Not a Solo Act
Winning campaigns don’t happen because one person grinds it out in isolation.
They happen because the whole team—staff, board, volunteers, and donors—works together.
Give people clear roles so they know how to help.
Countless humans in your corner are waiting for you to tell them what to do.
And I know, that most of us in the fundraising world, don’t want to sound “demanding” or “bothersome.” But guess what? Your leadership team doesn’t know what do to, and they sure as hell can’t remember the 37 things you listed as needs at your last board report that they didn’t read until 2 minutes before the meeting started.
So many people want to help you and your organization - but they have no idea what you need unless you tell them exactly what you need.
Do you need ticket sales? Then ask them to sell tickets.
Do you need shares on social media? Then ask them to share on social media.
Be clear, concise and short.
I get that this bit of advice comes from someone who doesn’t understand the definition of brevity.
But a small list of goals, and the actions you need them to accomplish will help you rock out your goals as a squad.
Leverage strengths (not everyone is built for cold calls).
You know who you surround yourself with, and you know exactly what those humans are good at.
The cranky board member who is disappointed by every server at every restaurant that you have been at with him?
Yeah, not a people person.
But he sure as hell might be great with numbers for the finance committee!
The extrovert who can talk to anyone, might not make the best policy and procedure review member.
But get that person to be your greeter or host of your next fundraising event, and you'll have guests raving over the personalize attention and good vibes that lead to raising more money!
This is a great place to practice you general curiosity on who surrounds you and your team. Get to know the leaders, next-up community members, and current supporters.
Get your partners in the right place, and watch that money and connections pour in.
Hold your Kevins accountable (yes, even the board Kevins).
I had a goal to fit 7 Kevin’s in this blog. How am I doing?
Anywho – you’re gonna need a system and another person to help make sure everyone is doing their part.
Sometimes that’s the board chair – who may have to bust out his parenting voice when discussing the follow-through on tasks assigned.
Sometimes it might be a third-party consultant to whip your leadership into shape and give them a space to strategically approach how they can knock out their goals.
Whichever way you roll? Make sure that everyone has the same goal. Especially Kevin. (Success!!)
Now, benchmarking might be boring, and seemingly hand-hold-y. But it makes such a difference when you have a singular place where everyone can understand what is expected of them...and who - besides yourself - is holding them accountable.
Find that board member everyone respects and have them help you follow up with the rest of the team.
Hey, you already did your due diligence in making sure that you know your team's strength right!? Find your cheerleader - and task them out (very specifically, remember!?) to be the accountabili-buddy for your crew!
If 5th graders can figure out teamwork to win at recess dodgeball, your organization can do the same to win at fundraising.
Go Team!
-Patrick
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