Are we caught in a “fundraising apocalypse”?

You might think we’re in big trouble by the headlines. Fundraising seems to be crashing from that point of view.

But is it, really?

Alan Clayton, in a post on LinkedIn, says a big no.

But the more people believe it’s happening, the more it becomes true:

… if all you see is the constant stream of fear filled headlines, you would believe the apocalypse is approaching. For some, fear and then the paralysis will creep in. [And] worse – if the only communications your CEO and board see are apocalyptic headlines about fundraising then you will lose internal support, investment and decision-making capacity.

A self-fulfilling prophecy.

The antidote: believe in fundraising:

… many organisations are still growing their fundraising. In all markets. They are not ‘bucking the trend.’ Their leadership still believes in fundraising growth and … they are still action-focused and unafraid. Their growth rates are the same as they were pre-COVID and remote working. Growth starts with unequivocal belief in fundraising. Belief comes from knowing exactly what to do: where to start and how to keep going. It starts with the leadership, not just of fundraising but of the whole organisation.

Apocalypse?

It’s largely our own choice.