Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.

by Russell Dunlavy, Senior Associate Vice President for University Development at the University of Houston, and Faculty of the Institute for Charitable Giving

So much of what we do can be reactive; reactive to sudden changes in staff structure, reactive to new donor relationships, or old ones that need additional care and attention. But the best work is when we are proactive and intentional about our daily activities. Whether it is looking at organizational team structure and planning, goal setting, discovery, cultivation, or stewardship, being proactive is a game-changer.

Fundraising is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. Proactively identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships, and planning proposal development ensures a steady flow of resources.

The fundraising landscape shifts—economic conditions fluctuate, donor interests evolve, and new competitors emerge. Proactively monitoring these trends and adjusting strategies is incredibly important.