How do I know if I need a fundraising coach?

Fundraising coaches are becoming more popular and I love it. Fundraising can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to major gift fundraising, and a fundraising coach is a great idea if you’re looking to not just raise more but be the best.

So, let’s get into it:

Do you have a manager, supervisor or mentor who teaches you how to fundraise?

No? 

A coach is a great idea.

Do you find that fear, assumptions about donors, and general icky-ness about fundraising holds you back?

Yes? 

Definitely time for a coach. 

Is your role mostly fundraising and you struggle with imposter syndrome and question whether you have what it takes?

Yes? 

You’re past due for a coach. 😂 I don’t mean to laugh, it’s just that life doesn’t have to be this way. And you do have what it takes.

Do you need a thought partner and someone who’s been there to bounce ideas off of?

The right fundraising coach can be that person for you.

Do you have the money to invest in a coach or are you willing to do what it takes to get the money for a coach?

Yes? Then do it.

Are you done with knowing that you know what to do and yet, your results don’t change much? Are you determined to grow, change and become a better version of you?

Time for a coach, baby. 

Many know WHAT to do when it comes to fundraising and yet they don’t raise more, their attitude still sucks or they don’t enjoy it. All of these scenarios stink to high heaven. Yes, I just said high heaven. Proof I’m from the south I guess, that just came out.

How do I know if a fundraising coach is the right one for me? 

Here are some great questions to ask yourself:

• Do I aspire to be more like them? Are the a respectable, trustworthy, and a kind human being?

• Do I enjoy being in their world? Reading their content, watching their webinars, following them on social media?

• Do I aspire to accomplish fundraising results they have accomplished? Are they steps ahead of where I wanna be? Have they walked the walk?

• Do I learn from them already—even before I’ve hired them? Are they insightful? If the answer is no, don’t even consider them.

• Do they inspire me? When I’m around them or listen to their stuff or read their content, does it make me want to become a better version of myself? Risk more? Step up? Am I more excited about my work?

• Do they give me the kick in the butt I need? Or do they tell me what they think I wanna hear (maybe in hopes of closing a sale)? Fundraising coaches are there to help you grow as a leader, fundraiser and human being. Not necessarily be your friend. Although, many of my clients are friends or become my friends! That means though, sometimes they will need to say things that risk the relationship or what you think of them in order to help you get to where you wanna go. Leveling up requires truth telling in love.

• Do we have the same values? Or do you just want the results they have. Let me tell you from personal experience, results are not enough of a reason to hire someone. They can have results and lack integrity. It is possible. It’s best to pick a coach that has similar or the same values as you. If it’s not clear, then you probably aren’t aligned. If you have to ask or dig around to find out if someone believes Black Lives Matter, then you probably already have your answer. By the way, black lives matter. Period. Here’s more about where I stand.

• Do other people I respect also learn from them and have good things to say? Sometimes social proof is everything.

• Do I feel pressured—like I should work with them? Do they have icky sales tactics that make me feel uncomfortable or obligated into working with them? If so, run for the hills. Who cares if they have great social proof. If you feel gross now, how do you think you’ll feel as their client? Trust yourself.

• Do I want to work with them? Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a moment to evaluate what you really want. Again, trusting yourself is huge. And if you don’t know what you want or struggle to figure that out—you probably could use a coach. 😂 No, but seriously. There are so many reasons why marginalized groups—especially women—struggle to even pinpoint desire or know what we want, yet we are keenly aware of what others around us want or need. It’s called the patriarchy.

• Do they invest in coaching themselves? If they don’t, why would they ask you to invest in one? The o'l “practice what you preach” adage comes to mind here.

Yes, all of this is a high bar for a coach. Because you shouldn’t work with just anyone.

You are trusting them to guide and lead you, not just professionally but personally too.

Your fundraising coach needs to someone you hope to become more like as human being, not just in professional accomplishments. 

I don’t just say all of this just because I’m a fundraising coach, but I’m also an entrepreneur who hires business coaches and strategists to help me become a better business owner, leader and human being. And I’ve had incredible mentors who I respect dearly who have raised millions. And I’ve had a front-row seat many times to see them in action. I’ve been very fortunate to work with the incredible leaders that I have.

If you’re interested in working with me as your coach, you can check out my flagship group coaching program, CourageLab.

It’s 6 weeks and will help you get the mindset, internal courage and strategy to raise major gifts that make major change. Plus, you’ll get to connect with and learn from other ambitious nonprofit leaders like you. And when I say major gifts I mean $10k+ from individuals.

If I’m not the coach for you, all good. But, take doing nothing completely off the table. If you know it’s time to get a fundraising coach and level up personally and professionally—then take action. Right now.

Reach out to whomever came to mind as you were reading that list up there.

I can think of a few recommendations.

Kishshana Palmer is an incredible leader and I couldn’t recommend working with her enough.

Jess Campbell is a dear friend and brilliant fundraiser. Hire her.

Sabrina Walker Hernandez is another fundraising pro and coach.

Do a search of your own. Ask around. Ask colleagues. Use Google. Or Duck Duck Go if that’s your thing. Make it your mission to invest in yourself so that you can invest in others on an even greater level, and not burn out in the process.

I can’t wait to hear about your fundraising coach journey and who you decide to work with!

Let me know in the comments if there is criteria you didn’t see here that you would include in evaluating a coach relationship or an expert you decide to learn from.