Wisdom of WOC: When to plan your year-end appeals and is a promotion without a pay increase okay?
The Wisdom of WOC is a weekly advice column where the WOC Community can submit its questions about fundraising and philanthropy, and have them answered by our founder, Yolanda F. Johnson, and special guest editors from the WOC community.
From Our Mailbag
Q: It’s September now and I’m new to my role. Is it too late to begin planning my year-end appeal?
—Trying to Prepare, California
A: Yes! In fact, I’ve already begun receiving some very early year-end appeals from some nonprofits. It is always a good idea to begin as early as possible - even in the summer months - to ensure that it’s not a mad-dash once things really get moving in the fall. By starting early with planning, you can be even more intentional and creative with thematic concepts, etc. Plus, you can connect the dots between whatever your mailer is and social media channels, etc.
Don’t fret, however, you still have time. But carve out a space for this as soon as possible and alert all those who will need to be involved of your timeline. Truth be told, I was surprised at the September year-end mailer and thought it was interesting, but far too early. So plan early, but you don’t need to execute too early. The prime period for year end appeal mailings ranges from late October to early December, depending on your donor base.
Q: We just returned to the office full-time, and I have received a promotion. I have more duties and while my position is now a Director level (from Manager), I did not receive a pay increase. I want upward trajectory but feel that this isn't right. What should I do?
—Tara, Illinois
A: No Taxation without Representation and No Promotions without Compensation. I know it must have been tempting to take on this new role and I’m sure it was well-deserved.
However, what your employer has gained is essentially free labor and you are correct, that is NOT right and needs to be rectified as soon as possible. It’s going to be difficult to walk this back and I’m not sure how long you’ve been in the role, but suffice to say, as soon as possible, schedule a meeting with your Executive Director to discuss a plan for compensation increase.
Think about what you need and what you want regarding a pay increase. Then, go in to negotiate with (in writing) what you’ve already accomplished to have received the promotion in the first place and a compensation number in mind. Do the research with a solid salary calculator, such as Indeed.com’s salary estimator. You can also align yourself with a reputable recruiter who can be helpful in this area as well (and also if you aren’t able to successfully negotiate and need to make an exit).
This Week’s Expert
Yolanda F. Johnson, Founder of WOC
Got a Question?
Got a question about fundraising or philanthropy? Are you a woman of color non-profit professional with a question on career growth? Don’t be shy! We’ve got the answers. Send them our way.
