Staying Steady Through Leadership Transitions
“You can’t change conditions. Just the way you deal with them.”
Leadership changes—whether it’s a board chair rotating out, a new executive director arriving, or both at once—can feel unsettling for nonprofit fundraisers. Questions come up quickly: Will fundraising priorities shift? Will donor relationships be disrupted? What does this mean for me and my role?
The good news: with the right mindset and strategies, you can not only weather a leadership transition but also use it as an opportunity to strengthen your fundraising program.
Here are five actionable tips:
1. Keep Donor Relationships Warm and Centered
Donors give to causes they care about, but they also give because of trust. During a leadership transition, your role is to be the constant. Make it a priority to:
Personally reach out to key donors with updates and reassurance.
Emphasize continuity of mission and programs.
Invite them into the story of the transition as partners, not just observers.
2. Help Craft a Clear Message
Mixed messages can cause confusion and hesitation for donors. Work with your board and communications team to:
Develop a simple narrative about the transition (why it’s happening, what’s next, and why the mission remains strong).
Keep the focus on the organization’s impact, not internal upheaval.
Share this consistently across email, social media, and donor conversations.
3. Prepare Briefing Materials for New Leaders
Set your new board chair or executive director up for success by providing:
A concise fundraising snapshot (goals, recent results, pipeline).
Profiles of top donors and funders, including notes on communication preferences.
A “what’s working/what’s next” overview of development activities.
This positions you as a strategic partner and ensures fundraising doesn’t lose momentum.
4. Stabilize Internal Processes
Transitions can stall progress if processes live only in someone’s head. Take this chance to:
Document key workflows (donor acknowledgment, grant reporting, event timelines).
Update your fundraising calendar and share it with leadership.
Clarify roles and responsibilities so there’s no gap in donor stewardship.
5. Use the Moment as a Donor Engagement Opportunity
A leadership change can spark curiosity. Channel that into connection by:
Hosting a welcome event or small gatherings to introduce new leaders.
Encouraging new leaders to personally thank donors early on.
Framing the transition as an exciting next chapter for the mission.
Final Thought
Leadership transitions can feel disruptive, but for fundraisers they’re also moments to demonstrate stability, vision, and partnership. By keeping donor trust front and center, shaping the narrative, and setting new leaders up for success, you’ll ensure that your fundraising program emerges stronger on the other side.
