Qualities of a Good Fundraiser

Recently someone asked about the characteristics of people and attributes I would look for in a strong fundraising organization.  I put together seven characteristics that are universal for any great fundraiser for them to review. Feel free to rate yourself or your organization's fundraising culture on a scale of 1 (you do not possess nor practice this trait) to 5 (you have and practice this trait effortlessly) on each of these traits with a total greater than 30 being your potential as superstar fundraisers!

• Passionate – share the excitement and joy you feel for your mission. Be sure to stop and celebrate the gifts with all and the impact they will make. Bring compassion and high energy to every conversation whether it is in person, on the phone, in an e-mail, letters, or on site at events.
• Integrity – do what you say and insure that there is follow through on all requests and offerings to a supporter. Share facts of effective work and be transparent about finances and goals.
• Authenticity – say thank you and mean it. Follow through with actions that support your work - be an advocate for your mission and an example for other funders.  
• Vigilant – ongoing, concerted effort to have relationship building be a priority for the organization and leadership.  Share meeting notes and thoughts on next steps for stewardship and follow up. 
• Extroverted – every week reach out with at least one phone call to a donor or write a personal note card.  Know that every ‘ask’ and meeting is ‘high theatre’ - dress the role and act accordingly to the audience and setting. 
• Systematic – set up goals for number of meetings, phone conversations, asks per month and have ongoing meetings to review accelerators and inhibitors to success.
• Optimistic – people invest in success and hope.  Share stories of individuals and the impact of the organization on their lives.

If you would like us to meet with your Board or staff team and discuss trainings that can support this transformational work, please contact Imagine Philanthropy.