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7 Steps To Leading A Fundraising Team
nonprofit management tips

Fundraising can be a difficult, frustrating, exhausting part of nonprofit work, no matter how necessary it is.

In an article “Taking Flight” that appears in The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fall 2015 edition of its publication “Advancing Philanthropy,” fundraising turnover is a serious problem, but it can be addressed through the McKinsey 7-S Model, which suggests seven steps for effective leadership of fundraising teams.

The seven steps:

  1. Adopt shared values. Ask those who are being led what they value. Mission is what the organization does, vision is why the organization does, shared values are how the organization does it.
  2. Assume a value-driven leadership style. Seek to influence, not control. Fundraisers want to see the manifestation of shared values.
  3. . Assess and adjust organizational structure. Fundraisers desire better ways to do their work.
  4. Agree to realistic fundraising goals and strategies. It is not possible to attain the goals without viable strategies.
  5. Attain sufficient systems. Reward systems and resource allocation are important to fundraisers.
  6. Acquire and assign qualified people. Competent and emotionally mature team members can increase the satisfaction of those in the development office.
  7. Agree to professional development. Because fundraisers craft their strategies around proven techniques, they value exposure to verified best practices as well as innovative techniques and technology.