What I’ve learned from EDs who fundraise alone

If you’re an Executive Director juggling programs, fundraising, and operations mostly on your own, I see you.

Over the past two decades, I’ve partnered with nonprofit leaders across 20+ countries. And one pattern is clear:

👉 In early-stage organizations, fundraising often lands squarely on the ED’s plate. Here’s what I’ve learned:

🔹 You’re not bad at fundraising, you are doing too much. Most EDs are brilliant strategists and passionate advocates. These qualities are essential for effective fundraising. But when you’re also managing HR, finance, and program delivery, donor engagement inevitably slips to the bottom of the to-do list.

🔹 The pressure to raise more never lets up. Without systems, support, or staff, fundraising feels more like a game of chase than a strategy.

🔹 Hiring staff seems like a solution, but it’s rarely simple. Senior-level fundraisers are expensive and often specialized in one funding stream. Most EDs correctly wait to take that step.

🔹 Success brings its own stress. Your mission is compelling, your leadership is driving results, and your fundraising is gaining traction. But who is managing the money? Reporting, compliance, donor stewardship becomes details that keep you up at night.

That’s why I started Critical Transitions. I walk alongside EDs to help navigate growth. I help emerging non-profits balance the demands of fundraising with the reality of limited resources.

💬 If you’re thinking about how to scale fundraising without hiring full-time I’d love to connect.