Start Smart—The Conversations Every New Fundraiser Should Have

Starting a new fundraising role at a nonprofit can feel like stepping onto a moving train. The calendar is already full, the campaigns are underway, and everyone wants to know your plan. But before you launch into appeals and grant proposals, there’s one powerful thing you can do that will shape everything else: have intentional conversations.

Whether you’re a Chief Development Officer, a Major Gifts Officer, or stepping into your first nonprofit role, the first few weeks are a golden opportunity to listen, build trust, and lay the foundation for long-term success.

Here’s why these conversations matter—and a free tool to help you start smart.

🎯 Why Conversations Are Your Superpower

Your job isn’t just to raise money. It’s to rally people around a shared vision and help them see the role they can play in it.

But to do that well, you need context:

• What keeps your CEO up at night?

• What does your board actually think about fundraising?

• Where are program staff feeling stretched?

• What makes your top donors feel seen and valued?

These insights don’t live in your CRM or your case statement—they live in people. Conversations unlock them.

💬 Who You Should Be Talking To

In your first 30–60 days, carve out time for conversations with:

• The CEO or Executive Director
  Get clarity on vision, priorities, and what success looks like for you.

• Board Members
  Discover why they care about the mission—and how they can be partners in fundraising.

• Staff & Program Teams
  Learn what impact looks like from the inside out and how fundraising can be in service to their work.

• Top Donors & Longtime Supporters
  Build relationships and understand what fuels their giving and loyalty.

These conversations aren’t about asking for money—they’re about asking good questions and listening well.

🚀 Get the Conversation Guide

To help you hit the ground running, I’ve created a free onboarding conversation guide for fundraisers at any nonprofit. It includes smart, adaptable questions for each stakeholder group—and space to capture insights you can actually use.

📥 [Download the Onboarding Conversation Guide]

Whether you're in week one or just feeling the need to reset your approach, this guide will help you lead with curiosity, build strong relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success.

Let your first move be listening. The strategy will follow.