Learn how to motivate your fundraising team to exceed their goals with clear and realistic goals, feedback and recognition, training and development, collaboration, empowerment, and incentives.

In order to create a successful fundraising team you want to encourage your colleagues to take calculated risks and step outside their comfort zones. This means that sometimes the will get it wrong and fall flat on their face. When this happens make sure you don't criticise them. Rather ask what can we learn from this. As Aeschylus said, "Where I stumble there's my treasure." So it's vital that you create a no blame culture.

How can you motivate your fundraising team to exceed their goals?

Motivating your fundraising team to exceed their goals is not only essential for your nonprofit's mission, but also for creating a positive and rewarding work culture. However, it can be challenging to keep your team engaged, inspired, and productive, especially in times of uncertainty, stress, or change. In this article, you will learn some practical and effective strategies to motivate your fundraising team and help them achieve their full potential.

1 Set clear and realistic goals

One of the first steps to motivate your fundraising team is to set clear and realistic goals that align with your nonprofit's vision, values, and priorities. Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be communicated clearly and consistently to your team, and reviewed and adjusted regularly based on feedback and performance. By setting clear and realistic goals, you can help your team focus on what matters, track their progress, and celebrate their achievements.

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Jonathan Andrews

Founder and Managing Director at Remarkable Partnerships
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When setting fundraising goals it's important to understand that the fundraising target isn't the end goal. The goal is changing lives or saving our planet. As Simon Sinek says, "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." So when you set a fundraising target you need to include the impact you will make by achieving it.

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Leanne McNulty MCIOF(Cert)

Major Gifts Fundraiser | Coach | Writer | Neurodivergent | Advocating for intersectional climate solutions #StopRosebank
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Targets need to be based on data and accurate forecasting. Too many base them on what they want to spend, as opposed to what they can realistically bring in. If the goal is unachievable in the first place, its demoralising and can lead to staff becoming apathetic and unmotivated.

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2 Provide feedback and recognition

Another key strategy to motivate your fundraising team is to provide feedback and recognition on a regular basis. Feedback should be constructive, timely, and specific, and should highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. Recognition should be sincere, meaningful, and personalized, and should acknowledge both individual and team efforts and outcomes. By providing feedback and recognition, you can help your team learn from their experiences, improve their skills, and feel valued and appreciated.

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3 Offer training and development opportunities

A third strategy to motivate your fundraising team is to offer training and development opportunities that enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence. Training and development opportunities can include formal courses, workshops, webinars, coaching, mentoring, peer learning, or self-directed learning. They should be relevant to your team's goals, needs, and interests, and should provide opportunities for feedback and application. By offering training and development opportunities, you can help your team grow professionally, stay updated on best practices, and innovate in their work.

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Leanne McNulty MCIOF(Cert)

Major Gifts Fundraiser | Coach | Writer | Neurodivergent | Advocating for intersectional climate solutions #StopRosebank
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If you want your team to raise more money, you have to invest in things that support them to do that like training, quality CRM and opportunities to grow.

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Rose M.

Senior Consultant - Executive Search, Talent Acquisition @ Millar Cameron
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As part of the learning experiences, the importance of storytelling and peer learning is truly remarkable. When individuals who have achieved success share their narratives in person, delving into the intricacies of their journey, including the triumphs and challenges, it brings authenticity and relatability to the process. This personal connection allows people to envision possibilities for themselves and fosters a sense of inspiration.

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4 Foster a supportive and collaborative culture

A fourth strategy to motivate your fundraising team is to foster a supportive and collaborative culture that encourages trust, respect, and communication. A supportive and collaborative culture can be cultivated by creating a shared vision and values, establishing clear roles and expectations, promoting teamwork and cooperation, resolving conflicts constructively, and providing emotional and practical support. By fostering a supportive and collaborative culture, you can help your team feel connected, engaged, and empowered.

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Jonathan Andrews

Founder and Managing Director at Remarkable Partnerships
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In order to create a successful fundraising team you want to encourage your colleagues to take calculated risks and step outside their comfort zones. This means that sometimes the will get it wrong and fall flat on their face. When this happens make sure you don't criticise them. Rather ask what can we learn from this. As Aeschylus said, "Where I stumble there's my treasure." So it's vital that you create a no blame culture.

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5 Empower your team to make decisions

A fifth strategy to motivate your fundraising team is to empower them to make decisions that affect their work. Empowering your team to make decisions can involve delegating tasks and responsibilities, soliciting input and feedback, involving them in planning and problem-solving, and giving them autonomy and flexibility. By empowering your team to make decisions, you can help them take ownership of their work, increase their motivation and satisfaction, and boost their creativity and initiative.

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6 Reward your team with incentives

A sixth strategy to motivate your fundraising team is to reward them with incentives that match their preferences and needs. Incentives can be monetary or non-monetary, individual or team-based, performance-based or behavior-based, or a combination of these. Some examples of incentives are bonuses, commissions, gift cards, certificates, plaques, trophies, public recognition, extra time off, flexible hours, or work-from-home options. By rewarding your team with incentives, you can show your appreciation, reinforce positive behaviors, and stimulate their performance.

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Leanne McNulty MCIOF(Cert)

Major Gifts Fundraiser | Coach | Writer | Neurodivergent | Advocating for intersectional climate solutions #StopRosebank
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I'm not so sure a certificate is going to cut it! Incentise your fundraisers by creating opportunities for learning and development and progression.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you motivate your fundraising team to exceed their goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set clear and realistic goals

2 Provide feedback and recognition

3 Offer training and development opportunities

4 Foster a supportive and collaborative culture

5 Empower your team to make decisions

6 Reward your team with incentives

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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How can you motivate your fundraising team to exceed their goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set clear and realistic goals

2 Provide feedback and recognition

3 Offer training and development opportunities

4 Foster a supportive and collaborative culture

5 Empower your team to make decisions

6 Reward your team with incentives

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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