Fundraising Mentoring: Helping you learn, develop and succeed

Fundraising is a crucial aspect of running any charity or non-profit organisation. Without a steady stream of funding, it can be difficult to achieve your goals and make an impact. But navigating the fundraising landscape can be a daunting task, especially for new organisations and leaders. That’s where fundraising mentoring comes in.

A fundraising mentor is someone who has experience and knowledge in the fundraising field and is willing to share their expertise with others. They can provide guidance and support on how to develop a fundraising strategy, identify potential funding sources, and communicate effectively with supporters and donors.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when seeking out a fundraising mentor is to look for someone who has experience in your specific industry or field. Fundraising for a national arts organisation, for example, is different than for a local hospice. Look for someone who has experience working with organisations or companies similar to yours.

Once you have identified a potential mentor, it’s important to have clear goals and expectations for your mentorship relationship. Be upfront with your mentor about what you hope to achieve through the mentorship and how they can best support you. It’s also a good idea to set regular check-in points to track progress and make sure that both you and your mentor are on the same page.

If you are relatively new to fundraising, a mentor will be able to help you build your skills. For example, they will be able to help you

• develop a clear and compelling pitch that highlights the value and impact of your work
• build your storytelling and presentation skills so you can communicate the impact of your organisation to potential funders
• learn how to identify and approach potential funding sources. They can help you think through where to find funding opportunities and how to make your organisation stand out to potential funders
• navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of fundraising. They can provide guidance on compliance and disclosure requirements, as well as advise on the best structure for your fundraising efforts, such as developing an individual giving programme, or grant applications.

For those in more senior roles, a good mentor will provide valuable external perspective to support you to:

• refine and enhance your organisation’s case for support
• formulate ideas and strategic development by acting as a sounding board
• troubleshoot problems or internal barriers
• achieve internal buy in from decision makers and organisational change
• be more effective in your work, whether with donors, Trustees or other staff.

It’s important to remember that fundraising is an ongoing process and a mentor can help provide ongoing support and guidance as you continue to raise funds for your organisation or business. They can help you set fundraising targets, evaluate the success of your fundraising efforts, and make adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, fundraising mentoring can be a valuable resource for organisations looking to navigate the fundraising landscape and achieve success. An experienced mentor can provide guidance, support and valuable insights to help you identify funding sources, communicate effectively, and navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of fundraising. With the right mentor and a clear plan in place, you can increase your chances of raising the funds you need to achieve your goals.

If you are looking for a fundraising mentor, and want to explore if a Craigmyle consultant can help you, please get in touch. We have senior fundraising practioners with hands on experience across a wide range of sectors.