Urgency can steal our future.

I’ve watched it happen in nonprofit teams everywhere.

We race from grant deadlines to events to year-end goals, doing everything possible to meet today’s needs.

But somewhere along the way, the relationship-building work that creates tomorrow’s major gifts gets pushed aside.

In my conversation with Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation, I was reminded that fundraising is not just a development department responsibility.

It is a team sport. 🤝

When we make room for curiosity, courageous conversations, and long-term planning, we give donors something more meaningful than a transaction.

We give them agency to help shape a better future.

So here’s my question:

What important fundraising work are you protecting this quarter, even when urgency is loud?

🎧 Listen to this episode for practical inspiration on building for what’s next, then share it with a fundraiser, executive leader, or board member who needs this reminder.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

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Guest: Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation

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