Relationship Fundraising Is a Leadership Issue

Karen S. Cochran • November 9, 2026

I’m grateful to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for selecting me to contribute to the October 2026 issue of Advancing Philanthropy magazine.


My article, “Relationship Fundraising Is a Leadership Issue,” explores an important reality of nonprofit fundraising: strong donor relationships depend on more than the skills and dedication of one individual fundraiser. They are shaped by the priorities leaders establish and the organizational conditions that allow trust to develop over time.


In the article, I explore:


  • Why competing priorities can undermine donor relationships, even when teams are deeply committed to stewardship.
  • How nonprofit leaders can create the conditions for ethical, relationship-based fundraising through stronger internal communication and intentional team support.


Ultimately, the donor experience is a reflection of the organization behind it. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure our teams have what they need to build relationships that last.


I invite you to read the full article and consider your donors' experience when they engage with your organization.


Download the PDF: Relationship Fundraising Is a Leadership Issue


Share this Story:

The 5 Conversations Nonprofit Leaders Should Have Every Quarter

5 Vital Conversations for Nonprofit Leaders

August 3, 2026
What does regular communication with your team actually look like? Many nonprofit leaders check in consistently, but those conversations often focus on numbers, campaigns, and events. That information matters, but it rarely helps teams work better together or move results forward. The harder, more valuable conversations get bumped to another day that never quite arrives. That is a missed opportunity that nonprofits cannot afford. Research from the Council of Nonprofits has documented widespread staffing shortages, and Mission Edge reports that workforce sustainability has shifted from a looming concern to an active crisis for many organizations. The strongest teams don’t leave these conversations to chance. Their leaders are intentional about creating regular space to address the topics that build stronger teams, reduce burnout, and move philanthropy forward. This can happen in a structured team meeting, a one-on-one check-in, or an informal conversation over coffee. This article outlines five conversations that leaders should have each quarter, at a minimum. They are not a rigid framework, but topics that should show up regularly in how you lead your team, in whatever format fits your organization.

Beyond the Hire: Integrating a Fractional Chief Development Officer for Lasting Impact

February 27, 2026
Best practices for onboarding and integrating a Fractional Chief Development Officer to your organization.