Dear Friends and Colleagues,
At Event Strategies For Success, we’re always exploring forward-thinking approaches to nonprofit development and leadership.
Today, we’re pleased to share a new contribution from Lynette Battle, one of our esteemed consulting blog contributors, who offers timely insights in her latest article, “Mentorship & Fundraising.”
As the nonprofit sector continues to evolve, voices like Lynette’s help illuminate the importance of meaningful relationships and long-term vision in development strategy. We hope her perspective inspires new ways to move you and your organization #beyondfundraising.
Fondly,
Monique Brizz-Walker
Mentoring & Fundraising
By Lynette Battle
Fundraising and development are always evolving—new trends, new technologies, and, of course, new challenges. But guess what? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
This is the perfect time to embrace mentorship as a game-changing strategy for nonprofit success, particularly for organizations serving historically under-served communities.
Why Mentorship Matters for Nonprofit Fundraisers
For decades, grassroots and community-based organizations led by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and other marginalized groups have faced systemic barriers in philanthropy—from limited access to donor networks to underfunding despite demonstrated impact. Many nonprofits must work twice as hard to secure the same resources as larger institutions.
This is where mentorship becomes a powerful tool.
Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s collaboration. When experience meets fresh ideas, innovative solutions emerge.
- Seasoned professionals bring wisdom, strategic insight, and an “I’ve-seen-it-all” perspective.
- Emerging leaders introduce new tools, digital trends, and creative engagement strategies for donors.
- Together, they form a dynamic team, making fundraising stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.
🔹 Looking for a Mentor? Start Here.
If you’re seeking mentorship in major gifts, grant writing, donor retention, or nonprofit leadership, here’s how to get started:
✔ Define what you need – Are you looking for strategic advice, donor engagement strategies, or event fundraising guidance?
✔ Be specific with your ask – Instead of “Can you mentor me?” try “I admire your donor engagement work—can we chat about stewardship strategies?”
✔ Offer value in return – Even seasoned pros appreciate fresh perspectives on tech tools, AI in fundraising, and social media strategies.
✔ Leverage your network – Reach out to colleagues, professional groups, or LinkedIn connections.
Consider these mentorship programs:
- AFP Mentorship Program
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP)
- Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP)
🔹 Want to Mentor Someone? Here’s How.
If you have expertise in leadership, donor stewardship, or navigating major fundraising campaigns, consider mentoring an emerging nonprofit leader.
✔ Identify what you can offer – Your knowledge could transform how someone else approaches fundraising.
✔ Create structure – Set expectations on meeting frequency and communication style.
✔ Stay open to learning – Reverse mentorship is real! Younger professionals bring fresh insights on AI, social media, and digital fundraising trends.
✔ Join a mentorship program
Consider participating in:
- AFP’s Mentor Match Program
- Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA)
- Chronicle of Philanthropy Career Resources
Mentorship as a Social Justice Strategy
For nonprofits serving historically underserved communities, mentorship is more than career development—it’s a strategy for equity.
By helping underrepresented leaders gain access to networks, funding strategies, and the wisdom of experienced fundraisers, we can level the playing field and build sustainable organizations that continue making an impact.
At the end of the day, fundraising thrives on relationships. And what’s a better relationship than one where both people grow, learn, and make each other better?
🌟 Join the #March-APRILMentorshipChallenge!
This month, I challenge you to take one bold step toward mentorship—as a mentor, mentee, or both!
Here’s how to participate:
✅ Week 1: Identify Your Role
- Are you looking for a mentor? Or are you ready to share your expertise with an emerging nonprofit leader?
✅ Week 2: Make the Ask
- If you need a mentor: Send a message to someone you admire (via LinkedIn, email, or a professional group).
- If you’re offering mentorship: Post online or in a nonprofit group saying you’re available for a 15-30 min chat with an emerging leader.
✅ Week 3: Schedule & Show Up
- If you connected with someone last week, set up your first coffee chat, Zoom call, or meeting.
✅ Week 4: Reflect & Share
- Post about your experience using #MarchAprilMentorshipChallenge and tag someone who inspired you this month!
🎯 Bonus Challenge:
✔ Attend a nonprofit networking event and make a new connection.
✔ Introduce someone in your network to a potential mentor or mentee.
✔ Share a key fundraising insight with a newer professional.
By the end of April, you’ll have expanded your network, deepened your knowledge, and helped strengthen the nonprofit fundraising community!
🌱 So, let’s move forward—together. If you’ve had an amazing mentor (or mentee), drop a comment and share what made the experience so impactful.
Who’s in? Drop a 🙌🏾 in the comments and let’s strengthen nonprofit fundraising—one relationship at a time! 🚀
#MentorshipMatters #MarchAprilMentorshipChallenge
