You're Tired of Fundraising and It Shows
5 questions to consider when you’re struggling to keep your mission alive in your work
By Ashley Spradlin
You’ve written the same outreach email to dozens of program officers. You’ve run out of ways to reframe your proposal language. If you read one more LinkedIn profile about “exploring the intersection of x,y and z,” you’re going to smash your screen. It’s no wonder you’re rambling through your mission statement and program overview like an auctioneer on every funder call.
Let’s take a time out and regroup.
Fundraising fatigue is a common struggle for CEOs and development officers in nonprofits. You set up systems to make your process more efficient, but now your work has somehow become monotonous and stressful at the same time. You feel the weight of responsibility for your organization’s budget on your shoulders, yet performing the same song and dance to an audience of program officers who are all staring at their cell phones is exhausting.
When I find myself drifting into cross eyed stares at my screen, I stop to remember:
Development is not just about securing funds. It’s about keeping the passion for your mission alive and building real connections with other humans.
Try asking yourself these questions to breathe some life back into your work.
1. When was the last time I talked to the people we serve?
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and forget the core of your organization — the people you aim to help. Take the time to connect with your community, listen to their stories, and understand their needs. Write down the things they say that truly touch you, and keep that reminder close by for those moments when you forget why you’re here. Then, share these stories with your donors to create a personal connection to the work. Authenticity builds trust, and donors appreciate seeing the direct impact of their contributions, and get inspired by your passion for the work.
2. When was the last time I connected with my team?
I’m not talking about reviewing KPIs or checking in on workflows. Since their hiring interview, have you asked them about what they love (or don’t love) about their roles? Ask if the reasons they joined the team are still strong, or if they’ve discovered new motivation to contribute to the organization. Have they experienced anything since starting that has reinvigorated their belief in the work, or have they become disillusioned? Their answers may surprise you, and if they don’t reignite a spark in you, they might point to some room for improvement.
3. What assumptions am I making that could inhibit growth?
This one feels like a tall ask, so look at your pain points first. List the feedback you get from rejections and the questions you get from funders. Instead of letting them frustrate you, try on some blue-sky thinking. With unlimited resources, what would I do? In a world without constraints, what would I try to accomplish? You might find yourself adjusting your programmatic approach, rethinking your logic model, or identifying an opportunity to pivot. While major adjustments can be costly, an organization that remains agile to community needs, reflects on their progress, and adjusts accordingly communicates accountability and expertise to funders. Be ruthless about what isn’t working and curious about what you haven’t tried.
4. Have I really read my proposal materials lately?
If you’re tired of the same old fundraising pitch, chances are your donors are too. Practice and refine your messaging to keep it fresh and compelling. Highlight the impact of your programs, share success stories, and showcase the unique aspects of your organization. Creating a sense of urgency is good, but hope is more impactful. Invest time in crafting a pitch that not only communicates your mission, but also resonates emotionally with you — and in turn, your audience.
5. Am I talking too much?
When engaging with program officers or potential funders, shift the focus from simply presenting organizational facts to asking questions. Start with human connection. Ask about their priorities, challenges, and goals. Seek to learn before you share, and then tailor your pitch to align with their interests, demonstrating how your organization can be a strategic partner in achieving shared objectives. Building a two-way conversation fosters stronger connections and increases the likelihood of securing support.
Fundraising doesn’t have to be a monotonous chore. By reconnecting with your mission, engaging your team and community, and re-imagining your approach, you can revive your fundraising efforts and your energy around your work. Embrace change, stay authentic, and remember that passion is contagious — let it show in every interaction with donors and partners. Revamping your strategies can reignite the spark that initially fueled your organization’s mission and attract the support needed to make a lasting impact.
Ashley Spradlin is the Manager for Education at Bash Advisory, a consultancy that partners with nonprofits and philanthropies to drive meaningful change. She can be reached at ashley@bashadvisory.com.
