A nonprofit client recently shared with me about their inspiring and audacious vision for the future. To bring this dream to life, the organization is embarking on a major capital campaign to unlock significant resources.
This Development Director admitted that the work ahead is daunting. A campaign requires a lot of energy: staff still must maintain their regular roles and responsibilities WHILE trying to raise millions of additional dollars. Do they have ample staff and volunteer capacity? Plus, while preparing, they uncovered weaknesses in their fundraising program. Now, they need to strengthen relationships and build deeper trust with their stakeholders. The campaign will raise funds to build a facility, but they’ve only rented in the past. They don’t yet fully know what systems and finances they will need to have in place to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment. There is still so much to figure out.
But, the biggest challenge? Facing their fears. They’re scared. They will be asking community members for big gifts—more than they’ve ever requested before. Additionally, there’s always the chance that they won’t reach their goal… and will disappoint their community. What if they fail?
Fear can derail a capital campaign—or other nonprofit priority—faster than any other issue.
I reminded this client that her fears are legitimate and asked how she’s addressing them. She responded,
“The mission is bigger than my fear. I deeply
believe in our organization’s work, so I need to
continue despite my personal fears.”
Where is Fear Holding You Back?
Maybe you’re in a capital campaign and this resonates with you. Or maybe your nonprofit is facing other challenges—leadership, fundraising, programs, or staffing—and your fear is keeping you from acting. I encourage you to keep putting one foot in front of the other despite the fear.
Make this mantra your own:
The Mission > My Fear
Remember: your community depends upon your organization. The mission is critical. Acknowledge your fear and still…
Make an ask of a major donor prospect even if the answer might be “no” or “not now."
Set aside time to wrestle with difficult strategic questions at a board retreat.
Take a risk to grow the organization’s impact even when the future is uncertain.
Challenge the board to engage in deeper conversations about equity and inclusion, even if it feels uncomfortable.
If you need a little extra encouragement, listen to the words of two of my personal heroes:
“The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel
afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.”
-Nelson Mandela
"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every
experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…
You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Choose to Be Brave
What bold step could we take in 2025 if fear wasn’t holding us back? Together, let’s challenge ourselves to move from a mindset of caution to one of courageous hope. Imagine the possibilities if we allowed our aspirations to guide us instead of our doubts. The impact we could make on our communities might just exceed even our own expectations.
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