Finding Balance: Capital Campaign, Year-End Fundraising, Post-Election Stress

We see you.

You’re trying to juggle the year-end fundraising activities and keep the campaign on track. That’s hard work.

On top of that, we’ve all just endured a long and contentious election season. Our country remains divided in ways most of us have not seen in our lifetimes. Simultaneously, there are heartbreaking situations around the world — hunger, suffering, violence, war.

And don’t forget the day-to-day activities of your personal life: family, friends, pets, errands, and bills. When you realize the holidays are right around the corner, it all feels like too much! You’re tired and overwhelmed — and rightfully so.

6 Strategies to Balance Your Campaign, Year-End Fundraising, and Post-Election Stress

Campaigns are long and require stamina. Successful campaigns are built upon clear responsibilities, intentional boundaries, and realistic expectations.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are six specific things that you can do to help you regain a sense of control.

1. Ruthlessly audit your workflows.

Are you using your time and skills to achieve your unique contribution — your “highest and best” work? Or are you distracted by issues that could be delegated or postponed? Use the Eisenhower Matrix (below) to determine what you should do, decide, delegate, or delete.

Perhaps you are spinning your wheels on tasks that should be deferred or completely deleted from your list. Be clear on what is truly important: what will move the organization forward and lead to campaign success?

2. Be honest with yourself and your team.

During a campaign, you cannot do everything you did in the past PLUS all of the new campaign activities — unless you hire support and delegate work.

An ED/CEO may need to allocate 50% (or more!) of their time to campaign activities, especially in specific phases of the fundraising initiative. Similarly, development staff members may need additional administrative support on annual fund appeals, events, and campaign workflows.

Can you hire additional administrative support? Are there campaign volunteers who can take on more of the work?

3. Let go of what is not serving you (or the organization) well.

Consider the following questions and suggestions:

• Does your annual event require staff capacity beyond what is available? Perhaps it’s time to scale the event back or take a year off.
• Do you send your annual appeal to long lapsed donors? Maybe it’s time to further segment your list and reduce the workload for your team.
• Audit your meeting habits. Could some of these be replaced by emails? Could meetings be reformatted to foster efficiency?
• If your organization doesn’t bring in many gifts on Giving Tuesday, let it go.

4. Take time off.

You heard me. Take a long weekend for yourself. Or take a whole week!

Campaigns are a marathon — not a sprint. Marathoners and endurance athletes know that they need to stay hydrated and consume special energy gels while participating in long competitions. Likewise, your body needs care so it can keep going throughout the busy year-end fundraising season, your entire campaign timeframe, and beyond.

5. Be honest with your Capital Campaign Pro Advisor.

We have been in your shoes. We can empathize, cheer you on, and suggest creative solutions you may not have considered yet. Use a strategy meeting to triage your “To Do” list with the external perspective of someone who has been in your shoes and can help you determine what is not essential.

6. Remember your “Why.”

Simon Sinek reminds us of the importance of “Starting with Why” in his book and TedTalk by the same name.

• Why do you care about your organization’s mission?
• Why is this important to the community you serve?

If the mission no longer inspires you, maybe it’s time to let someone else take the reins. Your “why” will help get you out of bed each morning and carry you through the day when the “what” and the “how” seem difficult or even impossible.

Staying Resilient: Finding Strength in Your Work’s Impact

The projects and programs your campaign will support are important — maybe essential for your community. Acknowledge your fatigue, work with your team to find solutions, and continue the good work. And if we can help, let us know — we’re here.