We are on the cusp of the busiest time of year for fundraisers. This year could be especially difficult, as many of us are facing increasing pressure to raise more money as giving struggles to keep pace with inflation. Many organizations are being asked to do more with less, and the focus shifts to development teams as we ramp up our year-end efforts.
While this is a very busy time (professionally) for fundraisers, we also likely have our own personal holiday-season obligations. ‘Tis the season’ for more gatherings to fill our schedules, gift-giving obligations to stretch our budgets, and general “holiday expectations” to test our patience.
Taking care of yourself as a fundraiser during giving season is crucial because it can be intense and stressful, with many responsibilities like managing campaigns, donor outreach, and deadlines. To maintain your well-being and avoid burnout, here are some key strategies:
Set Boundaries It's easy to get caught up in the urgency of giving season by burning the midnight oil, but be mindful of your work-life balance. Set specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate clearly with your team about availability and timelines. Delegate where necessary and don't be afraid to say "no" when something is beyond your bandwidth.
Prioritize Tasks Giving season can create a sense of pressure to do all of the things, but you just need to focus on the activities that will have the biggest impact on your campaign goals. Use tools like priority matrices or to-do lists to stay organized. Take large tasks and break them into smaller, achievable milestones. This reduces overwhelm and keeps you on track.
Practice Self-Care (I know, I know…it’s an over-used term) But it’s important and it works! Move your body - Plan regular, short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Even a 5–10-minute break to walk or stretch or do jumping jacks at your desk can improve focus and reduce stress. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, get adequate sleep, and try to avoid consuming ALL the holiday treats. Physical health fuels mental stamina, which is especially important during demanding periods.
Celebrate the Little Wins Giving season is filled with goals and metrics, but don’t wait until the end to celebrate. Take moments to appreciate small successes along the way, whether it's a donor response, a team achievement, or a personal breakthrough. Celebrate with your team so everyone feels part of the little wins.
Seek Support Don’t feel like you need to handle everything yourself. Lean on your team, delegate tasks, and collaborate with colleagues to spread the workload. Find support in your fellow fundraisers. Sharing challenges and strategies with colleagues or participating in peer support groups can help alleviate stress and build camaraderie.
Manage Expectations Set clear, achievable goals for yourself and your team. This may not be the year for setting ambitious targets that may create unnecessary stress. And remember that donors are busy too. They may be hearing from multiple organizations while also managing busy holiday schedules. Personalize outreach but don’t overcommit to constant updates and outreach that will drain your energy.
Know When to Unplug Carve out time after the giving season to rest and recharge – Plan a January vacation (please!). If possible, scheduleJanuary is a wonderful time off or lighten your workload once the campaign is over.for a vacation a warm place (especially if you live in Minnesota!). After the giving season, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Use this as a learning experience for future campaigns and as a way to put closure on the busy period.
Stay Positive Remember why you're doing the work. Intentionally get up from your desk and actively engage in the front-line work of your organization. Remind yourself why all of the extra hours are worth it! Keeping the organization’s mission and the people you’re helping in mind can boost your motivation and morale during tough moments.
Giving season is a marathon, not a sprint. By setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and actively practicing self-care, you’ll be better positioned to maintain your well-being and continue being effective as a fundraiser.
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