Reasonable Hope: The Courage to Continue Fundraising

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., reconnects with his longtime mentor and fundraising sage, Tim Seiler, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of The Fund Raising School. Together, they dive into a topic that’s more relevant than ever: how to navigate the stormy seas of fundraising during uncertain times. Dr. Seiler shares war stories from his early fundraising days, reflecting on crises from the 1987 stock market crash to today’s mix of economic and social uncertainties. His message? While fundraisers can’t control the turbulence, they can control their approach, and it starts with what he calls “rational hope.” Dr. Seiler unpacks this idea of rational hope, steering us away from the siren song of blind optimism. Instead, he champions a clear-headed, proactive mindset: keep reaching out to donors, but with empathy and creativity. Forget about relentless asks, instead, update them on your mission’s progress, share ideas, and show them you’re still standing tall. He shares his own experiences as a donor receiving thoughtful “just checking in” messages from nonprofits, illustrating how these gestures reinforce connection and purpose. As Seiler says, it’s about reminding donors not just of the need, but of the joy and satisfaction that comes from making a difference. The conversation also explores a delicate, often unspoken challenge in the nonprofit world: fundraisers’ hesitancy to admit when times are tough. Dr. Seiler and Stanczykiewicz shine a light on this vulnerability, encouraging transparency and authenticity. They argue that sharing struggles, whether it’s a budget cut or a missed goal—doesn’t signal failure; it signals humanity. This honesty not only builds trust but also invites donors to become part of the solution. As Seiler puts it, “If it were easy, we wouldn’t need fundraisers.” Or in the words of A League of Their Own: “The hard is what makes it great.” Wrapping up, the episode channels a rousing spirit of resilience, celebrating the enduring generosity of donors who bounce back time after time, through recessions, crises, and even pandemics. With references to the classic wisdom of Henry Rosso and a dash of literary flair from William Faulkner and Walt Whitman, this episode offers fundraisers a playbook for tough times: stay hopeful but realistic, be persistent, and never forget the shared humanity that fuels philanthropy. Bottom line? Keep swinging for the fences. Fundraising’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every pitch.