How to Navigate Privilege and Power Dynamics in Virtual Fundraising

Have you ever been speechless when a donor says something offensive? Have you been in virtual meetings where you look and feel like an outsider? Have you compromised yourself to meet a stakeholder’s request? Have you advocated for ‘mission drift’ to secure a donation? Have you felt powerless in meetings with senior leadership? We all have, and the struggle is most definitely real. However, our ability to navigate those situations and address the marginalization we experience is not equal. It’s deeply rooted in our power and privilege.

Privilege is a loaded word, especially when it comes to securing and stewarding major gifts from companies and individuals. Donor relationships are rife with power dynamics that almost always put the fundraiser in a position of weakness. Working from this place of weakness will mean that you cannot show up fully; thus you won’t be as effective as you could be.

How can we authentically understand and use privilege in virtual relationship building with donors and your own organization? Instead of shying away from it, let’s reflect on and learn how to work with our own areas of privilege and disempowerment to be more authentic and effective.

If you come with an open mind and heart, this workshop will help you build more resilience and power in yourself. You’ll walk away with practical and tactical strategies to harness your power as a badass fundraiser in navigating and building relationships online with donors, volunteers, board members, and colleagues.