Fundraisers Need a Seat at the Leadership Table
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
It happens all the time.
A donor calls your fundraising director with questions about an exciting new initiative they heard about. The problem? The fundraising director’s hearing about it for the first time, too.
Or a program expands mid-year — without new funding in place — and a fundraising director is suddenly asked to “go find the money.”
Sound familiar?
Too often, fundraising leaders are left out of key conversations where strategic decisions are made. When that happens, everyone loses: programs, donors, and ultimately, the mission.
Here’s why fundraisers need — and deserve — a consistent seat at the leadership table.
Fundraising is Strategic, Not Transactional
Development isn’t just about writing appeals or planning galas. It’s about aligning resources with the organization’s long-term vision.
If you are brought in after decisions are made, you’re forced into reactive mode — trying to fund programs that weren’t part of the plan or messaging that doesn’t align with donor interests.
When fundraisers are part of the conversation from the beginning, they can help shape plans that are both visionary and fundable.
Donors Expect Consistency and Credibility
Donors want to know that the organization is unified in its message. When fundraising and program teams aren’t on the same page, mixed messages erode trust.
A donor who hears about a “new pilot program” from a program director should be able to get the same clear story from the fundraiser who follows up. That kind of consistency only happens when fundraisers have insight — and influence — in leadership discussions.
The Best Plans Start with the Full Picture
Program leaders know what the community needs. Fundraisers know what the donor community is ready to invest in.
When those perspectives meet early, organizations can craft strategies that are both responsive and realistic.
Including development directors at the table ensures that bold ideas are matched with strong funding pathways and donor enthusiasm.
Shared Accountability Builds Stronger Teams
When fundraising is siloed, it’s easy for tensions to build: “Why didn’t development raise the money?” or “Why did programs commit to that without telling us?”
Inviting your development leader into strategic planning creates shared ownership of goals. Everyone understands the “why” behind priorities — and everyone is accountable for the “how.”
It’s About Respect for the Mission
At its core, fundraising is about fueling impact. Leaving development out of leadership is like building a house without consulting the person in charge of utilities — you might get the walls up, but nothing will run smoothly.
When development directors are part of leadership, they’re empowered to advocate for the resources the mission truly deserves. And that benefits the entire organization — and every person it serves.
A Seat at the Table Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Necessity
If you want to raise more money, reduce frustration, and strengthen donor trust, fundraising directors need to be in the room where decisions are made.
Because fundraising isn’t just about asking for support — it’s about ensuring your organization’s vision has the resources to thrive.
Need an extra confidence boost? Click here to download my free Google Doc, “How I Raise More Money Year After Year (Without Adding Staff or Burning Myself Out)”
