Navigating Difficult Donor Situations-Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar "Navigating Difficult Donor Situations" by Laurel McCombs and Bob Osborne from the Osborne Group focuses on addressing challenging interactions between fundraisers and donors. The session emphasizes the evolving nature of fundraising, moving away from tolerating inappropriate donor behavior to promoting equitable and respectful donor relationships. It highlights the importance of preparedness, understanding power dynamics, and fostering clear policies and procedures to handle difficult donor interactions.<br /><br />Key points include:<br />1. **Power Dynamics and Identity**: The presenters discuss how power dynamics influenced by gender, race, and other identities impact fundraisers. They highlight historically unaddressed situations that fundraisers face and the necessity for such training.<br />   <br />2. **Response Strategies**: Practical tips for dealing with inappropriate donor behavior in the moment include pausing to reflect, using strategic questions, addressing the issue directly, or deflecting if addressing it isn't worth the emotional toll.<br /><br />3. **Preparedness and Policies**: They emphasize having exit strategies for uncomfortable situations, utilizing organizational values, dialogues, and leveraging support from colleagues. Institutions should have formal strategies and policies such as not attending donor meetings alone, flagging problematic donors, and using Uber funds to avoid sensitive situations.<br /><br />4. **Advocacy vs. Activation**: Fundraisers are encouraged to view themselves as advocates rather than decision-makers in whether an institution should continue engaging with a problematic donor.<br /><br />5. **Collaboration and Continuous Conversations**: Building a supportive team environment where fundraisers can discuss potential scenarios and strategies is crucial. This continuous feedback loop helps prepare individual fundraisers and promote institutional learning.<br /><br />The webinar concludes by encouraging the adoption and sharing of policies and experiences, and reminding participants that their safety and well-being should always come first.

Keywords

donor interactions

fundraising

power dynamics

inappropriate behavior

preparedness

policies

advocacy

collaboration

supportive environment

safety

well-being