Leading Lightly: Supporting Chapter Leaders in a Time of Uncertainty

Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of visiting several AFP chapters and spending time with fundraising professionals, volunteers, and chapter leaders. Whether the conversation takes place over coffee before a conference, during a chapter visit, or after a presentation, I always come away with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the people who make our association so strong.

I have also noticed a common thread running through many of those conversations.

Leaders are carrying a great deal.

They are navigating change, supporting their teams, responding to evolving donor expectations, and making difficult decisions in an environment that feels increasingly complex. While every organization's circumstances are different, the underlying question is often the same:

How do we continue to lead well when the future feels uncertain?

Leadership Looks Different Today

The reality is that uncertainty has become part of the environment in which we lead.

Economic pressures continue to affect both donors and nonprofit organizations. Small donor participation has declined in many communities. Government funding is shifting. Technology is advancing rapidly. Expectations of leaders continue to grow, while many teams are doing more with fewer resources.
These challenges are connected, and together they are reshaping philanthropy.

One quote I have shared often over the past year comes from futurist Bob Johansen:

"The future will reward clarity, but punish certainty."

I believe that's exactly what our profession needs to hear.

Leadership today isn't about pretending we have every answer. It's about helping others find direction when the path isn't entirely clear.

Our members don't expect certainty.

They value clarity, honesty, and confidence grounded in purpose.

Supporting Those Who Lead

As AFP Global chair, one of my priorities I established early on is to support the people who are leading our profession every day.

Our chapter leaders, volunteers, mentors, board members, and fundraising professionals contribute countless hours to strengthening AFP and advancing ethical fundraising. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, often after hours and alongside demanding professional and personal responsibilities.
Their leadership creates welcoming chapter communities, meaningful professional development, mentorship opportunities, advocacy for our profession, and connections that last throughout a career.

That work matters.

My vision is simple: I want every person serving in a leadership role within AFP to feel supported, connected, valued, and that they belong.

I want leaders to know they are part of a global community that is willing to share ideas, learn from one another, and navigate change together.

When we invest in leaders, they strengthen their chapters.

Strong chapters support engaged members.

Engaged members strengthen philanthropy.

And stronger philanthropy creates stronger communities.

Why Leading Lightly Matters

Over the past year, I have been speaking about a concept that has influenced my own leadership: leading lightly.

The phrase comes from leadership thinker Catherine Ducharme. When I first heard it, I thought it meant lowering expectations or doing less.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Leading lightly isn't about caring less.

It's about carrying less unnecessary weight.

Somewhere along the way, many of us began believing that leadership meant always being available, saying yes to every request, solving every problem ourselves, and carrying every challenge on our shoulders.

We began confusing exhaustion with commitment.

But sustainable leadership looks different.

Leading lightly reminds us that we can lead with purpose, accountability, and compassion — without carrying everything ourselves.

Five practices have become anchors for me:

• Pause before you plunge. Not every challenge requires an immediate response. Taking time to reflect often leads to better decisions.
• Replace fixing with curiosity. Asking thoughtful questions builds trust, encourages collaboration, and often reveals solutions we couldn't see initially.
• Recognize that boundaries are acts of service. Healthy boundaries allow us to contribute consistently and sustainably — not just today, but for years to come.
• Choose progress over perfection. Progress keeps us learning, adapting, and moving forward, even when conditions are changing.
• Connect to lead. Leadership begins and ends with relationships. Trust, empathy, and genuine connection remain at the heart of philanthropy.

These aren't simply leadership practices.

They are reminders that we don't have to carry every burden alone.

The Opportunity Before Us

Whenever I leave a chapter visit, I feel optimistic.

Not because every organization has solved today's challenges.

But because I continue to meet extraordinary people who care deeply about their communities, their missions, and one another.

I see chapter presidents creating welcoming cultures.

Mentors investing in emerging fundraisers.

Volunteers giving generously of their time and expertise.

Fundraising professionals who continue to lead with optimism, resilience, and generosity despite significant challenges.

Those experiences remind me that AFP's greatest strength has never been its programs alone.

Our greatest strength is our people.

It is the relationships we build.

The knowledge we share.

The encouragement we offer.

And the willingness to learn together.

As AFP Global chair, my commitment is to continue supporting the leaders who make this community so exceptional. Whether you serve on a chapter board, mentor a colleague, volunteer on a committee, or lead fundraising within your own organization, your leadership matters.

Thank you for the time, talent, and care you invest in our profession.

Together, we can continue building an AFP where leaders feel supported, members feel connected, and philanthropy continues to thrive.

We may not always have certainty about what lies ahead.

But together, we can provide clarity, foster connection, and lead with confidence.

To me, that's what it truly means to lead lightly.

Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] with your questions, comments, and concerns.

I’d love to hear from you.