In the nonprofit world, knowledge and experience are some of the most valuable assets we can share. The concept of “paying it forward”—freely passing on what we know to others—strengthens the sector, especially as many organizations grapple with limited resources and increasing demands.

When I first entered the NPO sector in my twenties, there was no internet, email or fundraising training in South Africa. Nor were there ‘how to’ books, save one on raising money from individuals, by the legendary David Cuthbert. However, I had inadvertently found myself replacing a corporate, trust and foreign foundation fundraiser for an organisation where I had been doing some design of products to be made by trainees – nothing to do with fundraising. The fundraiser had left six months earlier and they had not been able to find a replacement. I was asked to move into the role, based on being a writer, and my obvious passion and commitment to the organisation. I had zero fundraising knowledge or experience. 

I ‘inherited’ a well-run office with meticulous records on each donor. I ‘learnt’ proposal writing, populating application forms and nurturing donor relationships from reading previous years’ documents. I also saw in the letters that had accompanied cheques in the post and faxes (remember those!) received from donors in response to reading reports, how highly the corporate and trust/foundation donors thought of the NPO. I cheekily asked them to teach me my job. And they did. I asked family and friends in the UK to buy and send me books on fundraising. I met and networked with experienced fundraisers in South Africa and abroad. They generously shared their knowledge. 

Today, we have a plethora of (mostly free) information online. There are books, online courses and groups where one can ask and share. 

These days, I rarely undertake more than one actual fundraising contract at a time, preferring to teach/advise/consult/mentor – sharing my experience. 

I implore everyone involved in the non-profit sector to ‘pay it forward’ by sharing their knowledge. Yes, fundraisers are all competing for the ever-reducing donor rands, pounds, dollars and euros, particularly those in similar fields of work. Yet, sharing information and advising, especially those new to fundraising, is the best, kindest and most valuable way to contribute to strengthening the sector and support the greater good. 

I regularly run online fundraising courses and request that delegates raise their hands to ask questions. I tell them that the Chat facility is theirs and that I don’t undertake to monitor it. It’s their ‘lunch queue’ networking space. When I occasionally glance at the Chat, or read it with the recording, I am always heartened to see level and extent of the assistance, tips and advice freely given within the group. 

I commend those in the South African NPO sector who share their experience. I also implore everyone who has done what Malcolm Gladwell calls their ’10,000 hours’ and learnt invaluable lessons along the way, to share, to invest in a new generation of fundraisers as well as anyone, of any age, entering the sector, whether paid or as volunteers. 

Please! Pay it forward.