Tips for Charity Leaders Who Are Shy About Fundraising

Cultivating philanthropists and asking for donations can be tough for even the most seasoned fundraisers. For nonprofit leaders who are thrust into the role, raising money can be fraught with anxiety or distaste.

But there are ways to get beyond the discomfort and learn to enjoy working closely with donors, say nonprofit leaders:

• If you are uncomfortable asking for money, don’t do it. Instead, talk about your nonprofit’s mission and its successes. Then let the development officer do the asking.
• When requesting a donation, remember that you are not asking for yourself but for the people and programs your organization serves.
• Know and follow the highest standards of fundraising ethics.
• When cultivating a donor, sometimes it is better to talk less and listen carefully to what a donor is telling you about his or her interests.
• Know every aspect of your organization’s needs and as much detail as possible about donors’ interests and other causes they support.