Lindsay Jordan, CFRE
Write On Fundraising
Founder & CEO
Member since 2010
Why did you join AFP?
I'm actually a global member of AFP! I attend AFP meetings and education sessions in OKC, Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas, Fort Worth, and Austin! In addition to consuming the most professional development of anyone on the planet, I joined AFP specifically to search for nonprofits and fundraisers to join the Write On movement (as clients, employees, and/or a franchisee); folks who believe, like us, in the concept of philanthropic equity and that authentic partnerships (not power trips) with donors and community leaders fuel our missions forward.
What is the most exciting thing about the work you do at your current organization?
I'm a fundraiser at heart and truly never wanted to be a CEO (my staff actually made me put it on a business card). So two things get me going. The first is talking to nonprofits about their challenges in fundraising. So many folks feel isolated, like they are going it alone. Being someone who can validate the anxiety and stress and sweat equity of a talented, passionate nonprofit pro fills my cup. It's therapeutic for both of us. And then we get to figure out how to make it better! Second, again, I'm a fundraiser at heart, so I love fundraisers! Developing people, investing in their personal and professional growth, and offering a path for growth that includes their own business ownership and closing the wage gap is something I'm extremely proud of.
How did you find your way into fundraising?
It's actually all I've ever done. I went to school to be the next Barbara Walters and found that, unfortunately, there can only be one Barbara... and I'm not her. So, in college, I worked about 20 internships. No joke. I worked as a grip for ESPN, videotaped marching band competitions, wrote for a medical journal, served as editor for a legal review, produced a music video, wrote on a sports show, ran Friday night high school football scores for a local paper, produced a tradeshow for wedding vendors... you name it - I did it. And then, I was selected for a highly competitive internship with a public relations firm that - little did I know - was the lead fundraising arm of a political party in the state where I was attending school, and it was a big election year. It was baptism by fire and I loved every minute of it. I had found my calling. I applied for my first nonprofit position and started at Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2010. Since then (and thanks in large part to Write On), I've now raised more than $250M, and nonprofits will have my heart forever.
Share a favorite donor impact story:
I once had a donor vehemently disagree with the mission of the organization I represented (and that he financially supported). One evening over dinner, we had what some might define as a "hard conversation" about the efficacy of the mission statement. He thought it was impossible, improbable, and a waste of my time and energy. I listened. There was a lot of personal stuff that informed his thinking. His lived experience was not to be swayed by facts of figures, experts nor exclamations. He told me that the mission of my organization was the equivalent of "pissing up a rope," and he meant it. Eventually, after a lengthy dinner but not unenjoyable dinner, I asked what he hoped for. He told me. And I asked him why his hope wasn't worth investing in. The next day, he dropped off a check for $10K.
What is special about the people with whom you work?
I have the distinct and unique pleasure of working with about 15 professional fundraisers. To have so much talent in one space is sometime overwhelming. There is always someone there to bounce an idea off of; someone who has an inside track on that donor; someone who has lived through that exact thing and has advice on how to navigate it; someone to listen; someone who has walked in your shoes. That level of support and comradery is rare in a field where many tackle fundraising as a solo participant.
What surprised you most when you joined the profession, or your current organization?
All of it. When I started Write On, I told my husband "Maybe at like the 3-year mark, we'll need some part-time help." I had no idea that so many organizational leaders felt exactly like I did about philanthropy - that there had to be a better way. In seven years, we have grown by leaps and bounds, and we continue to grow now through franchising. I started this company as a fundraiser... then I became a payroll specialist, billing clerk, customer service rep, website designer, communications manager, benefits expert, learning and development guru, professor, financial forecaster, public policy wonk, strategic planner, personal therapist, and so much more. To effectively support my team, I've had to learn MANY different jobs. Eventually, some of these jobs grew to full-time positions that would grow our team (thank heavens). But I still wear a lot of hats. I never would have guessed that stepping out on my own would expand my world so much, but has been an incredible and humbling surprise.
What advice do you have for new professionals joining the community?
Say yes. A time will come when you will have to learn how to say "no," but for new professionals, now is not the time. Try everything. This is the only way you will learn what you do NOT want to do. Try writing a grant. Try friend-raising. Try peer-to-peer fundraising. Try writing a fundraising blog. You will find a natural fit. Philanthropy is a broad field, and generalists will always be in high demand. If you find yourself in an ecosystem with few opportunities, make them for yourself. I worked for organizations that had no need for permanent facilities, therefore, I was never going to get access to a capital campaign and it was a point of frustration for me. I selected the Philanthropic Studies track at Bay Path University (online) because I believed the coursework would fill in the professional gaps that I didn't want to wait 20 years to close organically. And I wanted my CFRE. The program advertised that after completing my master's degree, I would also be ready to sit for my CFRE. Which I did. And passed. Say yes. Make opportunities. Follow where they take you.
Share a book, movie, or musical artist who inspires you:
I'm a big fan of Radical Candor. It's become a foundational management principle for Write On and all of our staff read the book and/or engage in some professional development around it. The concept is that we all fall into one of four quadrants in our interactions with peers - Obnoxious Aggression, Ruinous Empathy, Manipulative Insincerity, or Radical Candor. The goal, of course, is to be candid. However, Radical Candor teaches that all candor must be preceded with a demonstration that you care personally for the individual receiving your candor. Having always been a pretty direct person, the management book really helped operationalize empathy for me. The book was followed up with Radical Respect which my leadership team is jumping into in a few weeks over our upcoming retreat. Can't wait!
How do you spend your free time when you’re not working?
We are living through the tweenage years! I have two boys - ages 12 and 8 - and my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying watching both of our children find their groove. We're in the "try it out" season. And we're all-in as a family, so we've been trying out football, basketball, soccer, drama, robotics, reading clubs, new friends, etc. Personally, when I get a little downtime, I love to cook and listen to audiobooks. I always have two books going at a time - one to make me think and one that absolutely prohibits complex thought - and I love adding suggestions to my list. Send me yours!
What is something that few people know about you?
I'm from Poteau, Oklahoma (go Pirates!) originally and was a competing operettist through college. I only sing to my dogs now, but I do keep a karaoke machine in my bedroom for when the mood strikes!
What are your favorite foods?
I've typed and deleted four answers. I can't answer this. All of them.
Where do you most like (or want!) to travel?
Point me there. Let's go. Preferably on a cushy train.
Share a little about your pets, family, or friends.
One of the things I'm most proud of is my group of friends. I have this theory that men make a few friends early and then never really branch out again. But women, we grow and expand like the branches of a tree, expanding our circle and our influence through other women. I have a group of close friends who are also all CEOs, founders, and leaders in their own rite. I look at what they accomplish and I am amazed. I'm also amazed at what "normal" looks like for each of them. We're all very different. It's an incredible reminder that the world is wide and beautiful, and it's worth exploring with people whose eyes stay as wide as your own.