If you’ve ever participated in leadership training with the Kansas Leadership Center you have heard it said . . . leadership is an activity not a title. Anyone can lead, any time and any place. Nothing could be more true when describing the role of a fundraising professional within a not-for-profit organization. Though not the person at the top of the org chart, fundraisers have the unique ability (and responsibility!) to lead from within the organization. They learn about the “why” of the organization and help to create the “how” that will create change so that the mission is achieved, all while engaging board members, donors and community leaders to be advocates and ambassadors for the cause.

In the 2016, Winter issue of Advancing Philanthropy, Karla A. Williams, M.A., ACFRE, and principal of the Williams Group states, “Fundraisers who are leaders facilitate the philanthropic process. They connect values with visions, ideals with ideas, aspirations with resources and problems with solutions.” Who knew our jobs were so important to the success of our organizations? No money, no mission, right?

So ask yourself, does your organization see you as the “fundraiser” OR “a member of the leadership team”? Do you engage in activities in which you are the facilitator of values within your organization or do you spend your time planning special events, creating direct mail appeals, and sending acknowledgement letters? A former executive director of Catholic Charities used to say “It’s not just the development director’s job to raise money, it’s everyone in the agency’s job to raise money”. Unfortunately she didn’t stay with the organization long enough to help create the culture of philanthropy she knew needed to exist so that the mission goals were achieved.

Fundraisers as leaders is a topic near and dear to my heart. I heard a lot of discussion related to leadership development at the recent AFP International Conference and I think it is an important conversation to continue. In 11 short months we will be hosting the Mid America Conference on Fundraising (MAC 2019) here in Wichita and the organizing committee is beginning to talk about the types of breakout sessions we will be offering. Would sessions on leadership development be of interest to you? Let us know! Please email me (wglick@CatholicCharitiesWichita.org) or MAC 2019 chair Mike Wescott (wescottm@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org) with your thoughts.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities - Mark Your Calendar!

Wednesday, June 27
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Getting Your Cause in the Media: A Panel of Community Experts - Click here to RSVP!

 

Our Chapter would like to extend our sincere gratitude to an anonymous donor. Your generous gift from both last fall and recently will have a major impact on helping our Be the Cause Campaign.

On behalf of the Greater Wichita Chapter, I want to thank you for helping us make a positive difference. Your support encourages our continued commitment to reaching our goal.