Did you know that a 2022 report by the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that 76% of fundraisers have experienced sexual harassment on the job? Is your non-profit prepared to handle that? Do you already have policies in place to protect your front-line fundraisers? No? Read on…
Nonprofit fundraising can be emotionally demanding, with fundraisers often working under high pressure while interacting with both donors and beneficiaries who may have experienced significant trauma. For fundraising staff, these interactions can sometimes be emotionally taxing—or even harmful. A staggering 76% of fundraisers report experiencing sexual harassment on the job, often from donors. This makes it essential for organizations to implement trauma-informed fundraising practices that protect staff and beneficiaries alike.
In this final blog post of our series on the importance of trauma-informed practices and policies, we’ll explore how nonprofits can apply trauma-informed strategies to their fundraising operations, creating safe environments for staff and adopting policies that protect both employees and the vulnerable communities they serve.
Why Trauma-Informed Practices Are Essential in Fundraising
Fundraising is often seen as the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, but the pressure to secure donations can lead to situations where fundraisers are put at risk—especially when interacting with high-net-worth donors. Power dynamics are at work. Sadly, I’ve heard too many stories of donors and even program officers, who take advantage. Or high-net worth donors who are openly bigoted towards LGBTQIA staff. Or donors who comment on the racial or background of the organization’s staff. It happens all the time. ALL. THE. TIME.
Fundraisers need to feel safe and supported, particularly in cases where they encounter inappropriate behavior. This requires organizations to adopt trauma-informed policies and create safe environments for their fundraising teams. We must be pro-active. We must be prepared.
Key Trauma-Informed Fundraising Strategies
- Creating Safe Spaces for Fundraisers:
Fundraisers are often on the frontlines, interacting directly with donors who may have unchecked power. Organizations need to establish clear boundaries and protocols for handling inappropriate behavior from donors, including sexual harassment. Even if they’re your biggest donor or a long-time donor. Policies should empower fundraisers to report issues without fear of losing their jobs, being seen as “trouble makers” or facing retaliation. - Addressing Sexual Harassment:
The statistic that over 76% of fundraisers have been sexually harassed on the job is troubling in the worst way possible. Nonprofits must establish comprehensive policies that not only address harassment but also provide clear support systems for fundraisers to report issues. You need to have a clear, concise plan for how to handle these situations. And you need to TALK ABOUT IT. Otherwise, you’ll find your best fundraiser quietly slipping out the door, and you’ll never even know why. This should include training on how to handle inappropriate situations and robust mental health resources. - Support for Frontline Fundraisers:
Fundraisers often work under immense pressure to meet financial goals. Trauma-informed strategies can include offering mental health resources, peer support groups, and time off to prevent burnout. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fundraisers’ long-term well-being. - Trauma-Informed Engagement with Beneficiaries:
When showcasing beneficiaries’ stories for fundraising purposes, it’s essential to ensure that beneficiaries feel safe and respected. Fundraisers need to be trained in trauma-informed communication and storytelling, ensuring that they don’t exploit or re-traumatize the people they serve. Yes, we want to center the voice of the most impacted – but not at the cost of their mental health and well-being. Collecting stories, telling or re-telling the stories of others must be handled with care and a deep sense of honor and respect.
Real-Life Example: Supporting a Colleague During a Crisis
A colleague of mine once had to drop everything and leave the office in the middle of the day after hearing about a school shooting at her child’s school. Would your organization be prepared to support an employee in that moment?
Our team prioritized her well-being above all else. After all, people are our greatest asset. Trauma-informed leadership meant offering her immediate support, reassuring her that work was secondary, and ensuring that she had the time and flexibility needed to deal with the crisis – without fear or losing her job or her paycheck. This approach not only showed empathy but also reinforced our workplace as a safe and supportive environment during difficult times.
Trauma-informed fundraising is essential for creating a safer, more supportive environment for both staff and beneficiaries. By adopting trauma-informed policies, nonprofits can protect their fundraisers from harm, offer mental health resources, and ensure that beneficiaries’ stories are shared respectfully and sensitively. These strategies not only safeguard the mental well-being of your team but also create a more compassionate community and workplace.
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