How do Fundraisers Avoid Burn-out and Trauma?
Chapter Leadership Brief 5.2.25
by H. Aldervan Daly, CFRE
Executive Vice President Development and Communications, HousingPlus
If you work for a health or human services organization, the term “trauma-informed” is not foreign to you. The interesting thing is that we rarely think of our jobs as fundraisers in terms of trauma. Trauma-informed fundraising is an emerging strengths-based relational approach that promotes direct communication, connection, and resilience throughout the fundraising process. Raising contributed income can be a heavy load to bear. It can be a very lonely journey for some fundraisers, even if they are part of a team. Fundraisers ensure that nonprofit organizations have stable financial resources. Yet, who supports the fundraiser?
Fundraisers are often asked to do the impossible and then are not acknowledged when they carry it off. They may even be chastised for not meeting goals they didn't create. The scenarios can be trauma-inducing affect the lives of the fundraisers in the office and out.
A fundraiser's job has so many stressors that having a place to share and hear from others is incredibly important. These stressors should not bleed over into the personal lives of fundraisers. Fundraising can be a lonely profession, even in New York, where our chapter of AFP is one of AFP Global's biggest chapters. What is the answer? We need to avoid burnout by having a support system.
At a recent NYCAFP workshop, Jonah Nigh, AFP member, and panelist, made a remark that struck me as an excellent idea that all fundraisers should try to follow. He noted that he had a WhatsApp group of peer fundraisers he could contact with questions or to let off steam. He recommended that all fundraisers have this type of support.
I’d like to recommend two resources that I have found quite helpful. The first is Affinity Groups that have allowed me to access peers and helped me create a support system. These groups are managed through the AFP Global IDEAS Committee. Though not a complete answer to the trauma-triggering moments that are a part of our work, Affinity Groups can serve as a part of your support system.
The Affinity Groups are open to members; you can access them through the AFP GLOBAL website. They include fundraisers from across the country and the world. I appreciate and participate in groups with experts and colleagues who are connected to my work. The groups have included subject areas like health and hospitals, higher education, arts and culture, and human services. Additionally, there are groups based on personal affinities like African Americans, LGBTQIA+, Asian Pacific Islanders, LatinX, and even Working Moms, to name just a few. A complete list of the available Affinity Groups is available here.
Seeing and hearing from other fundraisers in a confidential setting is incredibly helpful and impactful. I have also made connections that go beyond the meetings. These colleagues are my go-to support system, just like Jonah's WhatsApp Group. Affinity Groups meet via video conference and some have an in-person meetings at AFPICON. You can access the Affinity tab and even more resources with your AFP membership.
Another resource I that use is AFP Connect where I can ask fellow fundraisers questions and offer answers. It is a great way to share your knowledge and find answers to your queries. AFP Connect is not just for affinities but also for asking general questions. Questions from Capital Campaigns and Direct Mail to questions about your CRM are often posted. You can even set it up to send you regular emails.
Affinity Groups and AFP Connect may not have all the answers to issues faced by fundraisers, but, they provide a level of solidarity and the chance to hear new ideas from colleagues facing many of the same challenges you are facing. They can help make you feel less alone and a part of a larger community. A community of dedicated people - helping professionals - using their skills to make the world a little bit better.
Please note: These services require you to log in to the global site with your AFP credentials.
H. Aldervan Daly, CFRE, is the Executive Vice President for Development and Communications at HousingPlus Inc, a 22-year-old “housing-first” organization providing housing and support services to women and women-led families. He currently serves on the board of AFP Global as a Member at Large and recently served as the first Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Rising Ground, Inc. He is the author of the blog "The Thoughtful Approach To...", which offers practical advice for modern fundraisers. In February of 2025, he “took over” Mike’s Monday Message, the AFP Global weekly email to discuss his journey as a fundraiser and how one keeps authentic. He lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his husband and son.