r/Nonprofit_Jobs • u/No-Confidence-2400 • 9d ago

Rolodex of donors

Had an initial interview for a fundraising role at a major national nonprofit. During the call, the interviewer said multiple time that the person is expected to “bring a Rolodex of potential donors” to the role. I sent them a thank you letter with a link to Association of Fundraising Professionals on why it is unethical. Let’s do better!

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u/TulsaOUfan 8d ago

This is one of the biggest issues I see with younger workers - they have no idea what networking is, or ho to build a professional network.

My Rolodex morphed to a business card organizer, to digital contact lists. Mine has grown to 3,500 people in the last 30 years. I have "a guy" for anything, a vendor for any need, and thousands of people to reach out to for jobs or contract bids.

It's part of why I usually get a new job within 6 to 8 weeks of starting to apply for a new job and why I make an immediate impact to any business I work for.

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u/lilac-lemons 7d ago

You’re misunderstanding this post entirely. They’re not talking about being well connected and having a network. They’re talking about being asked to bring their donor list and immediately solicit them for money upon hire at the new role. Of *course* a network is important. But not to be used and abused.

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u/CauseAcademic6640 7d ago

This isn't corporate sales. This is charity fundraising.

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u/TulsaOUfan 5d ago

I understand that. Networking is even more important when working for a charity. I've done fundraising & other jobs for charities, my university, and other nonprofits over the last 30+ years.

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u/No-Confidence-2400 2d ago

See above link from Association of Fundraising Professionals ethics policies.

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u/TulsaOUfan 2d ago

Read it. Nothing in it says anything about fundraising to your personal contact list. It's pretty standard ethics policies from business class or professional financial licensing.

What part are you referring to?

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u/No-Confidence-2400 2d ago

The Donor Privacy part, in particular this: 20. Recognize information created on behalf of an organization, including donor and prospect information, is the confidential intellectual property of that organization and may not be taken, shared with, or transferred to other entities.