How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Fundraiser
Feeling like you don’t belong in fundraising? We’ve all been there. Here’s a framework to move past it.
Updated
Feeling like you don’t belong in fundraising? We’ve all been there. Here’s a framework to move past it.
Join the fundraising movement! Join the fundraising movement!Picture this: you’re preparing to meet with a major donor for the first time, and you’re seized with panic. You don’t feel ready for this – you don’t really even know what you’re doing.
Sound familiar? We’ve all felt it. Imposter Syndrome is nearly unavoidable in fundraising, a field that relies on soft skills, authenticity, and something famously unpredictable – human connection.
So, how do you overcome this feeling? Here’s the framework that worked for me when I first started fundraising.
The Imposter Syndrome phenomenon is nothing new, and it’s not only for us lucky fundraisers. But there is something about fundraising in particular that brings it out of us.
For one, many of us take a not-so-direct pathway to fundraising. Without formal training, a lot of fundraising is driven by gut-feeling and instinct – and that’s scary for anyone.
Another reason fundraisers feel Imposter Syndrome? Having to talk about money and finances. Many of us learn early on that mentioning money is rude, and so we feel a real sense of anxiety asking for gifts. These are real cultural boundaries we have to work to get comfortable with.
Lastly, many fundraisers feel like an inadequate representation of their organization.
When I represented a beloved cultural institution in my city, there were definitely times where I worried I wasn’t doing the mission – one that I wholeheartedly believed in – justice.
In the end, it’s important to remember that these feelings are natural and, thankfully, temporary.
Here’s how to break through when you’re feeling stuck with Imposter Syndrome.
It’s time to take some of the pressure off.
As Britt Stockert shared in Episode 181 of The Nonprofit Podcast:
We’re trained to always focus on the ask, but the other ninety percent of the job is about being human and building real relationships.
You’re not going to leave every donor meeting with a check in hand, and that’s okay. When we reframe fundraising to be about connecting with people and understanding what they truly care about, then the task is much more manageable.
Now that you have a better understanding of what fundraising really is, it’s time to build up your “wins” folder.
Maybe you got a lapsed member to renew, or convinced a repeat donor to join your monthly giving program. Or it could be as simple as some good feedback from a donor or your supervisor. Whatever the moment may be, document it so you can reflect on your successes when you’re feeling like you don’t belong.
Our brains are hardwired to focus on the negatives. Keeping track of those little wins forces a mentality shift to more positive, confident thinking.
You’re not going to gain years of fundraising experience overnight. But thoughtful preparation for important moments like donor or board meetings will help you feel calmer and ultimately more confident.
If you’re meeting with a donor, dive into your CRM data to understand their giving patterns and preferences. Learn biographical information, too, so you’ll feel ready for small talk.
If you’re presenting to the board, take your time to create a comprehensive presentation. Anticipate questions and practice your answers.
Next time you feel uncertain about your abilities, don’t shy away from it. Face it head-on.
Britt Stockert advises making two lists before any big donor meeting: why someone might say yes, and why someone might say no.
Reasons someone might say yes:
Reasons someone might say no:
Ultimately, the reasons in the “no” list are mostly beyond your control – or they’re things you can expand on during follow-up communications with this donor, like educating them on how donations make a real impact.
The best way to beat imposter syndrome, or any anxiety for that matter, is to take action.
Identify five donors you’d like to meet with. Maybe they’re major donors you want to get to know better, lapsed donors you haven’t met yet, or donor prospects who are already in your network.
Reach out to them and start building those relationships over virtual or in-person coffee meetings. Remember, you aren’t necessarily making an ask here, but rather getting to know what these donors need from you so they’ll feel comfortable giving down the line.
Afterwards, I guarantee you’ll feel more confident in your skills and energized about the next steps.
Check out Episode 181 of The Nonprofit Podcast to learn Britt Stockert’s five-step framework for successful donor meetings:
If Imposter Syndrome is weighing you down as a fundraiser, you aren’t the first, and you absolutely won’t be the last.
Fundraising is a unique field where we often get thrown into the work before we feel we’re totally ready. We learn how to be fundraisers while we’re on the job.
My last piece of advice? Call yourself a fundraiser now. You’re actively doing the work by building foundations, even if you haven’t received that major gift yet.
If you’re looking for a platform to help you scale your fundraising, Donorbox has comprehensive tools and an all-in-one, stress-free solution.
For more helpful fundraising insights, check out the rest of our Nonprofit Blog.
Lindsey spent years wearing many hats in the nonprofit world. Whether she was helping arts nonprofits with their messaging and content, planning a fundraising gala, writing an NEA grant proposal, or running a membership program with over 400 members, she learned how to navigate – and appreciate! – the fast-paced world of fundraising. Now, she loves sharing those hard-earned lessons with the Donorbox community.
Join the fundraising movement! Join the fundraising movement!
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