Why Digital Labor Belongs in Your Fundraising Budget This Year

This Spring, budget planning season offers an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate digital labor as a transformative tool in our fundraising toolkit.

While it may be tempting to postpone this investment when resources are constrained, the forward-thinking leaders my team and I are speaking with are already witnessing the tremendous potential of digital labor to enhance their mission, and the ability to provide consistency to donors in a market where open positions are a challenge to fill.

With the landscape rapidly evolving, those donor relationships that are not receiving 1:1 personal attention are waiting to be nurtured, and uncovering generosity is needed now more than ever. Thousands of mid-level and major gift-rated donors represent untapped potential, but are receiving only broad-based communications.

Across the nonprofit sector, leaders I’m speaking with are facing undeniable pressure:

• 74% have experienced persistent job vacancies, stretching internal capacity and slowing growth.

• The average tenure of a fundraiser is approximately 18 months, making it difficult to build and retain experienced teams.

• 53% of nonprofits report ongoing turnover and retention issues, especially in donor-facing roles.

  
  

What if digital labor could become the catalyst that helps your team achieve more meaningful connections with donors this fiscal year? How do you convince your internal stakeholders to consider innovation now?

As we see enormous interest in Autonomous Fundraising, leaders are getting stakeholder buy-in by starting with their own giving pyramids. These leaders are highlighting the segment of rated, unassigned donors and potential future major gift prospects who are unmanaged and only engaged through 1:many communications.

By strategically incorporating digital labor in your budget planning now, you position your organization at the forefront of innovation and donor opportunity. This isn't just about keeping pace—it's about creating a more sustainable, scalable approach to fundraising that maximizes the impact of your talented team.

The future of fundraising belongs to those who recognize that digital labor isn't replacing human connection—it's enhancing it. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in digital labor, but whether you can afford not to embrace this opportunity to transform your donor relationships and fundraising potential this year.

---

If you're curious about how a Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) could support your team, we'd be happy to connect.