Professional Mentorship: A Game Changer
A Win-Win Mentorship
Benefits of Mentorship
Date published: June 2024
Published in Giving Tomorrow
Puvlished Link: Professional Mentorship: A Game Changer
In the dynamic and competitive realm of fundraising, having a mentor is not just beneficial; it is essential. As fundraising methodologies evolve and donor expectations shift, the guidance and support of a seasoned mentor can make all the difference for professionals navigating this complex terrain. Even if you are an established practitioner, having a mentor could elevate you personally and professionally.
A Win-Win Mentorship
I am the “eternal student”. I have four academic degrees from three different countries and two fundraising certifications, and I am always welcoming learning and growth opportunities. In my experience as a mentor and a mentee, I reflect back on every session and ask myself what did I learn and how will I apply it in real life?
Over a year ago, I joined the AFP-NY Mentorship Committee, headed by two inspiring Chairs: Susan Shapiro and Robin Merle. The committee’s goal is to articulate a mentorship program, and to review the profile of each potential mentee and mentor before matching a mentee with a mentor. After every term, we carefully evaluate feedback surveys, assess and adjust the educational process accordingly. We have observed that the most successful mentorship is ignited when the sessions benefit both parties, and both the mentor and the mentee feel satisfied.
While the mentee gains invaluable insights, guidance and support from the mentor, the mentor may find that the act of mentoring reflects on their own knowledge, while making them vital in contributing to the professional growth and success of others.
Benefits of Mentorship
Having a mentor can help with:
1. Navigating the landscape of fundraising, including managing complex situations, analyzing your strategic approach, helping you in relationship development, assisting in securing the fund or preparing you for important meetings.
2. Learning from experience: Experience is a priceless asset in the fundraising world, and mentors bring years of firsthand knowledge to the table. By sharing their successes and lessons learned, mentors provide mentees with access to wisdom, helping them avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their professional growth.
3. Personalized support and a confidence boost. In a demanding field like fundraising, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or burnt out. A mentor serves as a source of encouragement, accountability, and validation, helping mentees stay focused on their goals, navigate challenges, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. During intense times, a seasoned mentor will remind you of your strengths and will celebrate your small and big achievements.
4. Developing a network of philanthropic leaders who share the same interest, integrity and passion for the field. It is common for mentors and mentees to continue a collegial relationship after the mentorship program has officially ended. This is particularly important for our community, as fundraising work can be an isolating experience. Becoming a successful fundraising professional requires specific skills and expertise, and people who are not in the field may not understand what we do and how we do it.
Shaping the Next Generation
of Fundraising Leaders
When looking for the right mentor, the most important thing is that your values align. Start by identifying what is most important for you in a mentor and articulate these traits clearly. You may also consider seeking a mentor with experience in your same field at an organization of compatible size to yours and who has experience in specific skills you aspire to improve (e.g., major gifts, board engagement, team management).
The role of a mentor in the development of fundraising professionals cannot be overstated. From providing industry insights to offering personalized guidance, mentors play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of fundraising leaders. As the fundraising landscape continues to evolve, investing in mentorship is not just beneficial for the mentor and the mentee, but it improves the impact.
Dr. Pazit Levitan, EdD CFRE
Pazit Levitan, Ed.D. CFRE is a seasoned nonprofit executive who serves on the board of AFP-NYC, an AFP-NYC Mentorship Committee Member, and a Mentor in AFP-NYC and AFP’s Women’s Impact Initiative. Pazit is the Founder of a boutique advisory firm called The Path to Impact for nonprofit leaders, where she inspires success through strategic counsel with proven, practical tactics and a personal approach.
