ABSTRACT
An understanding of group dynamics is a critical component of successful fundraising management. Teams are commonplace in fundraising and a manager may be responsible for managing a work group that could include both employees and volunteers. These individuals may be based out of one offi ce, or there may be subgroups working from different locations around the country. He/she may even have responsibility for virtual groups as many charities now switch to home working to cut down on overhead costs, particularly when a ‘local’ presence is required in many disparate areas of the country. To add to this complexity there will also be occasions when supporters are actively involved in the fundraising process and may even become part of a team working to encourage others to give to the organisation. Many larger charities, for example, have major gift committees that might include donors, board members and community leaders, and a fundraiser may therefore have responsibility for maximizing the performance and the satisfaction of this highly diverse group.
