5 Tips for Managing Staffing Shortages

It’s Friday afternoon after a long work week and you are looking forward to going home and putting your feet up. But wait!  Sarah asks to speak to you.  She closes the door. You already know what’s coming.  Just when you thought you had a great team, your director of development has taken another opportunity.

In this blog post, I will share five practical tips to help your nonprofit maintain and even boost its fundraising efforts during these times of transition. These strategies are designed to ensure that your organization continues to thrive, even in the face of staffing challenges.

Leverage the Power of Your Board

Your board members are your organization's most ardent advocates, and they can play a crucial role during staffing shortages. Encourage them to take a more active role in fundraising by leveraging their networks, hosting small events, or making introductions to potential donors. Their involvement can compensate for the temporary gap in your development team and can even lead to new opportunities for growth.

Focus on Donor Retention

While acquiring new donors is often seen as the hallmark of fundraising success, focusing on retaining existing donors can be even more beneficial, especially during staffing shortages. Engage with your current donors through personalized communication, update them on how their contributions are making a difference, and ensure they feel valued. Retaining donors is less resource-intensive than acquiring new ones and can provide a stable foundation for your fundraising efforts.

Utilize Technology and Automation

Technology can be a great ally in managing fundraising efforts, particularly when you're short-staffed. Invest in fundraising software that allows for automation of certain tasks, such as sending out thank you emails, updating donor records, and even managing some aspects of your social media campaigns. Canva is a very user-friendly application making it easy to design everything from social media to flyers to invitations. This can free up time for your remaining staff to focus on strategy and personal outreach.

Engage Volunteers in Fundraising Efforts

Volunteers are often an untapped resource when it comes to fundraising. Many are willing and able to take on more responsibility, especially if it means helping the organization they are committed to. Train volunteers to assist with grant writing, data management, event planning, or even donor outreach. This not only helps fill the gap left by staffing shortages but also strengthens your volunteer program. Utilize organizations like Volunteermatch, Linkedin, and the Ignatian Volunteers to find top talent.  Be sure to create and adhere to a position description when working with volunteers or and interim staff members.

Prioritize and Streamline Fundraising Activities

During periods of transition, it's important to prioritize your fundraising activities based on their return on investment and your organization's capacity. This might mean focusing on a smaller number of high-impact events or campaigns rather than trying to maintain a full calendar. Streamlining your efforts can lead to more effective fundraising and less strain on your existing staff and resources.

Doubtless, Sarah, Dudley, Ernesto, and MeiLing will move on (though hopefully not all at once!).  That’s part of life.  How we deal with the change is up to us.  While staffing shortages, particularly for development officers, present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to innovate and strengthen your fundraising strategy. By engaging your board, focusing on donor retention, leveraging technology, involving volunteers, and prioritizing your efforts, you can keep your fundraising activities robust and resilient during times of transition.

At Minerva Nonprofit Management Consulting, we are committed to helping organizations like yours navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. If you need support or guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that you