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25 Years in Fundraising: What Change Has Taught Me

Posted by [email protected] on Oct. 4, 2026  /  Subscribe 0

Author: Kristen Brooks | AFP-GPC Volunteer Coordinator and Board Member | Director of Volunteer Leadership Strategy at Haverford College

I began my fundraising career in 2001 and over the twenty-five years I have worked in a multitude of organizations, held very different roles, and learned that there is no single one path to building a career. More importantly, I have learned that some of the hardest career decisions can actually lead to some of the best opportunities.

Every Job Gave Me Something

My very first fundraising jobs were part-time positions with the American Cancer Society. They introduced me to fundraising and nonprofit work and, although I certainly didn't know it at the time, they ultimately  launched a career that would last decades.

Then life intervened. In 2003 and again in 2005, our family experienced two moves in three years to three different cities which meant significant career uncertainty. These changes in my life  were not easy! There were new communities, childcare complications, family responsibilities, and lots of questions about what my own next professional step would be. 

Once we ultimately landed permanently in the Philadelphia area, my fundraising career took off and included a multitude of roles - some good and some not so much. All in the same profession but different types or organizations, roles, and responsibilities including higher education, independent schools, and small and large non-profits.

Staying Is Sometimes Easier

Once I settled a bit in my personal life, my career decisions have rarely been about the job alone. And there were certainly times when staying would have been a whole lot easier. But for me, easier isn't always better!! 

Instead I have learned there is a difference between working through the normal challenges of a job and knowing that something no longer feels right. Maybe you have stopped growing, maybe the culture isn't right, maybe your strengths aren't being used, or maybe an unexpected opportunity just comes along that you can't quite get out of your head.

Most importantly, what I learned through all of this is - pay attention to that “no longer feels right” vibe. 

It’s Not Always About Starting Over

As you move through your career journey, it is important to know, changing jobs doesn't mean starting over.

Each and every one of the positions I have held has given me something (and a lot more than just one thing) I have used in the next role. I have learned how to fundraise in large organizations and small ones, I’ve worked with boards and volunteers, I’ve built professional (and social) relationships and lead teams, I’ve attended amazing professional development opportunities, and I’ve adapted to very different cultures and missions. Furthermore, I have learned what kind of leader I want to be, what kind of environment allows me to do my best work and, just as importantly, what doesn't. 

In your next role, you take all of that knowledge with you.

Not every opportunity should be pursued and not every difficult period means it is time to leave but just don't settle simply because staying feels safer. A conversation isn't a commitment, an interview isn't a resignation letter, and sometimes exploring an opportunity confirms that you are exactly where you belong. And sometimes it tells you something very different.

Twenty-Five Years Later - Simple Advice

Lastly, join a professional organization and get involved. For me, that has been AFP-GPC. Over the past eight years, my involvement has introduced me to colleagues I would not have met through my jobs alone, created opportunities to learn and volunteer, and given me a network I can turn to for ideas, advice, connections, and perspective. I wish I had understood sooner how valuable the professional community can be in my career journey. 

Change can be hard but sometimes change is exactly where the opportunity is!

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