The F-Word Fundraisers Can't Ignore: Feedback

Let's talk about the F-word that makes everyone squirm harder than a donor asked to give unrestricted funds: FEEDBACK.

I know, I know. You'd rather wrestle a bear than tell Kevin from communications that his donor newsletters read like a particularly uninspired AI wrote them. But here's the thing: avoiding feedback is like ignoring the smell of broccoli left in the refrigerator after a week-long vacation. . .  It's not going away, and it's only getting worse!! 

Why Feedback Is Your Secret Fundraising Weapon

Here's some math that will make you read until the end: Studies show that proper feedback increases employee engagement by 63% and job satisfaction by 79%! What does that mean in dollars and cents?? Higher profit margins!  

Now, before you say "That's an HR problem, not my problem," pump the brakes. When your star development officer leaves because nobody told them their cultivation strategy was ineffective, but they heard it “through the grapevine”(shout out to Marvin Gaye), that's absolutely your problem. When donors ghost you because you never addressed their concerns, that's your problem too.

In fundraising, relationships aren't just important; they're literally everything. And feedback? It's a relationship currency.

Why We're All Terrible at This

Let's be honest about why we dodge feedback:

Fear of conflict: We worry we'll turn colleagues into enemies or make donors storm off like toddlers denied candy. Spoiler alert: Good feedback prevents bigger explosions later.

Cultural awkwardness: Different people communicate in different ways. Shocking, right? Some want it straight, no chaser. Others need it wrapped in seventeen layers of diplomatic bubble wrap. 
** Research high-context versus low-context cultures. ** 

We’ve never been formally taught: Most of us learned feedback skills from our family or bosses who thought "constructive criticism" was either that blasted ‘sandwich method’ or just pointing out what's wrong and walking away. Can I get neither for 500 Alex! 

The GIFT That Keeps on Giving: Major Keys Alert!

Instead of staying silent and letting it fester, try the GIFT framework. 

G – Gain Permission: "Hey, can I share something I noticed in the meeting?" It's not complicated. You're simply asking to have a conversation.
I – Identify the Facts: Focus only on the actual events. Give behavioral or statistical data. 
F – Frame the Impact: Connect the dots. Help them understand why it matters.
T – Trigger Collaboration: End with a question that invites partnership. You're not the feedback dictator; you're the feedback facilitator.

If you feel that’s too complicated, remember: AF = E2LF + A2Ao

Actionable Feedback = Examples to learn from + Advice to Act on  

Feedback in the Wild (Fundraising Edition)

With your team: When that colleague consistently shows up late to donor meetings or when that team member takes credit for the entire team's grant success, those conversations can't wait until performance review season. Clear feedback prevents the slow burn of resentment and builds actual teamwork instead of passive-aggressive email chains. (Hashtag No “As per my last email, energy”) 

With donors: Plot twist … donors need feedback too. When they want to micromanage your programs or insist their pet project gets all the attention, a gentle reality check protects your mission and your sanity.

With yourself: Model what you preach. Ask for feedback and ACTUALLY LISTEN! Nothing builds credibility like a leader who can take what they dish out! 

Building a Feedback-Driven Culture

Make feedback normal, not nuclear. Balance the tough conversations with genuine appreciation. And for the love of dollars and cents, don't save everything for annual reviews. That's like only watering your plants once a year and wondering why they're dead. (Said by someone who couldn’t keep a palm tree alive.) 

The Bottom Line

Feedback is about building genuine trust. Because in fundraising, we're in the relationship business. And relationships without honest communication are just expensive small talk.

So, embrace the F-word! Your team, your donors, and your future self will thank you.

Now stop reading and go have that conversation you've been avoiding!! 

Learn More

If you'd like to learn more about what was shared in this article, join Ama for her session, The "F Word" … Feedback, taking place during AFP LEAD in Atlanta, October 16-18.