Fundraising is more than just asking for money—it’s about building meaningful relationships that inspire long-term support. But behind every successful fundraising effort is a team of dedicated individuals who believe in the mission and work tirelessly to achieve it. This is where HR plays a crucial role.
Why HR Matters in Fundraising
Fundraising is tough. It’s not just about making calls and hoping for donations—it’s about people. And if there’s one thing that truly drives fundraising success, it’s a motivated, engaged team. Without the right HR strategies, even the best fundraising ideas can fall flat.
Total giving hit a mind-blowing $557.2 billion in 2023. That’s a massive amount of generosity, but tapping into it takes more than just passion. Organizations need people—staff, volunteers, leaders—who are committed, trained, and supported. That’s where HR comes in. When done right, HR strategies can take fundraising efforts from struggling to thriving.
Aligning HR with Fundraising Goals
A great fundraiser isn’t just good at asking for money; they’re good at building relationships. And that starts from within. HR makes sure fundraising teams are set up for success by:
- Hiring the right people who genuinely care about the mission.
- Providing training that goes beyond the basics—how to connect, inspire, and retain donors.
- Keeping employees motivated so they don’t burn out and leave.
When HR strategies align with fundraising goals, it creates a ripple effect—happy, engaged employees lead to better donor relationships, which leads to more funds raised.
Employee and Volunteer Engagement: The Secret Sauce
No one wants to work in an environment that feels draining. People need purpose, recognition, and a workplace that actually supports them. HR teams play a huge role in this by:
- Offering career development so employees don’t feel stuck.
- Creating a culture of appreciation where wins—big or small—are celebrated.
- Prioritizing work-life balance because exhausted fundraisers aren’t effective fundraisers.
The result? A workforce that sticks around and gives their best, which directly impacts fundraising success.
HR Strategies That Actually Work
1. Recruiting People Who Get It
Fundraising is a skill, but it’s also an art. It takes empathy, perseverance, and a knack for storytelling. HR needs to:
- Look for people who aren’t just experienced but passionate.
- Hire for cultural fit—someone who truly believes in the mission will naturally be more effective.
- Train new hires beyond the usual “here’s what we do” and instead teach them how to build genuine donor relationships.
2. Making Sure Employees Stay and Thrive
Turnover kills momentum. Imagine spending months training a fundraiser only for them to leave. HR can prevent this by:
- Setting clear career paths so employees see a future within the organization.
- Encouraging open communication—employees should feel heard, not just managed.
- Providing mental health support and realistic workloads to avoid burnout.
3. Building a Workplace That People Actually Enjoy
Let’s be real: workplace culture matters. If people love where they work, they’ll put in more effort. HR can create this kind of environment by:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion so every team member feels valued.
- Organizing team-building activities that aren’t just forced fun but actually meaningful.
- Recognizing and rewarding efforts—because even small wins deserve a shoutout.
4. Keeping Volunteers Engaged and Committed
Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of fundraising. Keeping them engaged is just as important as keeping paid staff happy. HR can do this by:
- Offering flexible schedules—volunteers have lives outside of fundraising.
- Providing clear roles and expectations so they don’t feel lost.
- Making them feel like part of the team through regular check-ins and appreciation events.
Using Tech to Make HR (and Fundraising) Easier
HR doesn’t have to be all manual work. The right tools can make a world of difference. Nonprofits can leverage:
- HR software to manage hiring, training, and performance tracking.
- E-learning platforms for ongoing training without the hefty costs.
- Performance analytics to measure what’s working and what’s not.
By using tech wisely, HR teams can spend less time on paperwork and more time on what really matters—supporting people.
Tracking Success: How to Know HR Strategies Are Working
Data doesn’t lie. If HR strategies are effective, organizations should see:
- Lower turnover rates (because happy employees stick around).
- Higher volunteer engagement (because they feel valued).
- Increased fundraising revenue (because motivated teams perform better).
- Better donor retention (because relationships are stronger).
If these metrics aren’t improving, it’s time to tweak the strategy.
At the end of the day, fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about people. The right HR strategies create a work environment where employees and volunteers feel supported, engaged, and motivated to give their best. And when that happens, fundraising success follows naturally.
The nonprofit sector is more competitive than ever, and donors have endless choices on where to give. Organizations that prioritize their people—through smart HR strategies—will be the ones that stand out, thrive, and make the biggest impact.
