Leadership in Fundraising: Why Presence Matters More Than Position
Elvonte' Patton, M.S.
“Wealth commander. Strategy architect. Living proof that elegance is power.”
In the nonprofit sector, titles are everywhere; Director, VP, Chief Development Officer. But when it comes to fundraising and donor relationships, titles don’t raise money; presence does.
What I Mean by Presence
Presence is the ability to show up fully in conversations; with authenticity, preparation, and clarity. It’s what makes a donor feel like they’re not just part of a transaction, but part of a movement.
A title might get you in the door. Presence is what keeps you in the room.
The Trap of Relying on Position
Too often, I see nonprofit leaders lean on their role instead of their responsibility:
Over-delegating donor relationships to junior staff without context
Using authority instead of influence, shutting down good ideas
Assuming donors give to positions, not to people or the mission
This creates distance, not connection.
How Presence Strengthens Culture and Fundraising
Donors Feel Valued When leadership is engaged directly—with sincerity—donors trust the mission more deeply.
Teams Feel Empowered Staff mirror what they see. Leaders who are present create cultures of accountability and respect.
The Mission Speaks Louder Presence communicates passion. And passion is contagious.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, leadership in fundraising isn’t about the position you hold; it’s about the presence you bring.
Donors remember authenticity, not job titles. Teams remember how you made them feel, not how you signed your emails. And missions are strengthened when leaders show up; not just as executives, but as people.