Navigating the Nonprofit Journey: The Value of Embracing Retainers as a Latina Fundraiser

Hola mi gente! Today, I'm diving into the wild world of contracts, delayed payments, and why I'm shouting from the rooftops about the magic of retainers.

Now, picture this: you pour your heart and soul into a fundraising project, only to find yourself tap dancing on a tightrope, waiting for the promised funds to materialize. Yep, been there, done that and it’s infuriating! Some clients treated payments like a suggestion box – "pay whenever you feel like it" – and let me tell you, this is a no-go for this mama of two.

But fear not, my fundraising amigos, because I've learned a thing or two about the unpaid invoice dance. Enter the superhero of financial stability – the retainer! 🚀

Why? Let's Break It Down:

1. Partnering for Real:

   A retainer isn't just a piece of paper; it's a handshake, a pinky promise, and a secret society initiation rolled into one. It says, "We're in this together," and who doesn't love a good old-fashioned partnership?

2. Allocating Ninja Resources:

   Ever tried juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle? That's what it feels like without a retainer. With one, it's like having a whole squad of fundraising ninjas at your disposal – ready to conquer any challenge.

3. Strategize Like a Boss:

  Don´t just strategize; strategize like a boss! A retainer frees up your brainpower to develop killer, long-term strategies that'll have your nonprofit doing backflips of success.

4. Stability, Baby! Predictability Rules:

 No more checking your bank balance like a neurotic person with a mortgage payment. A retainer brings stability and predictability to the financial game, ensuring you can plan and execute like a real jefa!

5. Say "I'm Valuable" Out Loud:

   Requesting a retainer is like standing on a rooftop and shouting, "I'm valuable, damn  it!" It screams that your expertise and services are worth every penny and acknowledges your role as a strategic partner. You didn´t go get that fancy degree to work for free now did you?

6. Shield Against the Unknown:

Fundraising is an adventure, and adventures come with surprises. A retainer acts as your financial shield when the road gets rocky. If you're a first-gen like I am, you know our parents didn't come all this way just to watch us struggle.

7. Invest in Success, Baby:

   When you ask for a retainer, you're not just asking for money; you're asking for an investment in success. It's like saying, "Let's make magic happen together, and let's start by investing in our success journey.”

8. Prioritize Like a Zen Master:

   With a retainer in your toolkit, you can prioritize your projects like a zen master. Each fundraising effort gets the attention it deserves, fostering focus and results that will make your clients hug you!

9. Time's on Your Side:

   Juggling multiple projects? That’s me! A retainer means you're not a time-traveling wizard trying to be in two places at once. It frees up time, so you can give each project the love and attention it deserves.

10. Build That Professional Love:

    Negotiating and agreeing on a retainer isn't just business; it's the foundation of a professional love story. Trust builds through clear communication, mutual commitment, and shared success – it's a beautiful thing.

So there you have it, folks – the rollercoaster of nonprofit fundraising just got a little smoother. Say yes to retainers, negotiate those contracts like a pro, and let the success stories roll in. Here's to fruitful partnerships, stability, and conquering the fundraising world, one retainer at a time!