Fundraising is a Passion, Not a Job

4. There is constant proof that our work is valuable. While I do not do work for the Special Olympics, it was exciting to hear reports of the World Games held in Los Angeles last week. One of my former students does work for that organization, and I thought of him often, knowing how much he gives to his work. But you don’t have to travel to L.A. to see the difference nonprofit organizations make in our daily lives. The signs are everywhere—people’s lives, the environment, medical advances and so much more are a result of the dedication of nonprofit organizations and the fundraisers who made sure there was money to fund the mission.

5. We are supported by a huge amount of talent, research and pundits. Even if you aren’t in a major metropolitan area, you have unfettered access to so many resources. Early in my career, I went to the library and waited expectantly for the next issue of a fundraising magazine. Now, we have white papers, webinars, giving analyses, free newsletters, in-depth studies and (frankly) more than we can ever truly consume. We are never alone in fundraising, fighting our battles with no one to support us. We can find someone to help us when we need it if we reach out.

6. Fundraising provides new experiences and opportunities to stretch. When we change jobs, we immediately immerse ourselves in a new situation, a problem that we will work to help solve. We can learn new skills and incorporate new techniques, constantly reinventing ourselves as we stay current in our field. The Bible says, “The poor will always be with us,” and so will medical conditions needing research for a cure, animals in need, environmental concerns, people needing to learn new job skills, and so forth. A fundraiser’s job is never done, nor should it ever be mechanical. When we invest our hearts into the work, the rewards are so much more meaningful—for the cause we serve, and for us.

So, forgive my journey into Pollyanna-land, but these dog days of summer seem to be a good time to ask “why?” Why are we fundraisers? This old dog thinks that it is because most often, we feel like we are some of the luckiest people on earth, because we are doing work that matters. Let’s keep doing it, and striving to do it better all the time.