Sometimes being a Development Director feels like you’re the “other duties as assigned” person for the entire organization. You know the drill—volunteers? That’s you. Marketing? Sure, why not. A last-minute press release? You can whip that up. Events? You’re so good at them, just one more, please!

Then, campaign season begins, and it’s time to rally others to help close the gap. Suddenly, the hands that went up so quickly for everything else turn into, “Oh, I just don’t feel comfortable doing that. Please don’t ask me to fundraise.”

And that’s where it happens—the slow slide into silence. You stop sharing updates, stop educating others about upcoming plans, and hesitate to tell the full story—the good, the bad, and especially the ugly.

But if you ever feel yourself holding back, stop right there.

Because when we stop communicating, we are the ones building the silo around fund development.

Breaking Out of the Silo

We must keep talking—about what’s working, what’s not, and what help we need—to truly change the culture around fundraising. If you’ve started to put yourself in that silo, here are a few ways to climb out:

1. Step back and take stock.
Set aside the never-ending to-do list and look at your full development picture. What’s working? What’s not? What barriers are you hitting that you can’t get over alone? Be honest with yourself—then start mapping a plan for the next quarter.

2. Find a safe space for honesty.
Who can you be vulnerable with? Your leadership team? Your development committee? Identify where you can share your real list of strengths, challenges, opportunities, and fears. Honest conversations about both the wins and the worries help lighten your load—and build shared accountability.

3. Use your dashboard wisely.
Do you have a development dashboard that tracks progress toward goals? Are those goals realistic? And here’s the real question—does your dashboard track shared responsibility? Can your board see where their actions (or inaction) influence the numbers? If not, that’s a missed opportunity to turn data into shared ownership. Don’t have a dashboard? Check out this simple template.

What We’re Seeing Right Now

Lately, people have been asking if we’re getting frantic calls from nonprofits worried about their finances. The answer is yes—some organizations have lost funding or seen their regular supporters drop off. But we are also hearing from groups who are exceeding last year’s numbers and breaking records in major campaigns.

So, what’s the difference?

Two big things:

1. ‍Strong stewardship programs. Organizations that consistently communicate with, thank, and engage their supporters weather uncertainty better.

2. Communication and accountability. Teams that talk openly about progress, challenges, and shared responsibility don’t panic alone—they adjust together.

When development isn’t isolated, everyone feels part of the work. That makes it easier to tell the truth when things aren’t going well—and to celebrate when they are.

Development Accountability: Please Hold Me Accountable

We can’t ask others to join us if we’re not transparent ourselves. Here’s my own reminder:

• When we function in silos, we get frustrated.

• When we don’t share or track progress, we keep ourselves stuck there.

• Dashboards and open communication aren’t just data tools—they’re culture tools.

• The annual fund matters. It’s the path that leads to major gifts.

• In times of upheaval, those who struggle most often had high dependency on a few donors or funders and little stewardship with others.

So, say it. Share it. Track it. Invite others in.

Because when you “just say it,” you make development everyone’s responsibility—and that’s when the magic happens.

The Armstrong McGuire team recently partnered with Bloomerang to present a national webinar that outlines an intentional process of removing silos across your organization, as it relates to development. If your leadership team or board could benefit from this presentation, we would love to share it virtually or in person with your group. Get in touch!

Mendi Nieters is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in strategic planning, fund development, and leadership development. Learn more about Mendi and check out her other musings in her bio.