Communication –
The relationship between prospect
researchers and fundraisers
Julie Baker
I will be covering:
• how you work within your team
• challenges
• overcoming the challenges
• feedback from fundraisers
Things to consider about what I am
going to say:
• everyone’s situation is different
• its all about you
• pick and choose
• have confidence in what we do!
How you work with your team:
• two-way communication
• clear priorities
• managing expectations
• being consistent
• knowing when to stand your ground or to be flexible
• chasing fundraisers for information
• systems used – meetings, 121s, bulletins, forms, email, talk!
Challenges
• ego/personality
• competing demands
• workload vs capacity
• changes within the team
• positioning within team
Overcoming the challenges
• have a plan
• personalities/working styles within your team
• be flexible (to a degree) – adjust to needs and wants
• be clear on:
- what you need from fundraisers
- time it takes to complete work
- information you need from them
Overcoming the challenges cont…
• stress that you are there to help
• get involved with the decision making process
• good rapport with colleagues
Feedback
• can be hard to take
• confidence in what you are presenting
• don’t be defensive
• asking for feedback
• all part of learning
Conclusion
• flexibility
• find allies – internally or externally
• what we do is important!
Questions?