Why I Chose Fundraising — And What Makes It Worth It

From Disney Magic to Donor Relationships

Earlier this week, someone asked me a simple question:“Why did you choose to get into fundraising?”

They were a candidate interviewing for a major gifts role. And I’ve probably answered that question a dozen times in my career — but this time, it hit differently.

So I told them the real story.

Back when I was 18, I landed a college internship with Disney. Dream job, right? I worked in the parks, the resorts, eventually in guest relations — helping families who arrived overwhelmed, unprepared, or disappointed… and turning their trip around. I built trust in minutes. I solved problems under pressure. I created small moments that felt like magic.

And I loved it.

But here’s the thing: those magical moments weren’t about me. They were about the relationship guests had with the brand. My job was to make them feel seen, understood, and delighted — and connect those feelings to a place they’d come to trust.

Sound familiar?

That’s what we do as fundraisers.

We build trust.We nurture relationships.We make hard things feel human again.

And while I left Disney, I never left that mission.

The Question That Sparked a Deeper Reflection

That job candidate’s question stayed with me.

Why do I love this work? And why, after so many roles and seasons, does it feel like I’ve finally found a version of this career that fits?

I boiled it down to three things.

In my experience, every truly satisfying nonprofit job has these elements:

1. Joy

2. Purpose

3. Fair compensation

And when even one is missing, something feels off.

Let’s walk through each.

The First Element: Fun That Feels Like Flow

You know the look people give you when you say you work in fundraising?

The eyebrows. The “I could never.” The assumption that your job is asking for money all day.

What they don’t understand is — this job can be fun.When it’s the right fit, fundraising feels like creativity, connection, and community-building. Not just metrics.

Not every job I’ve had felt that way.

Some roles were so heavy, so rigid, that the “fun” disappeared. It became all caps W-O-R-K. And that’s not why I chose this path.

During the pandemic, I had a few job offers. I picked the one where the hiring manager felt like someone I’d laugh with. Someone I could be real with.Fun isn’t fluff. It’s part of the fuel that keeps us going.

The Second Element: Purpose That Stays Alive

When I was younger, purpose was everything. I wanted my work to matter. I still do.

That’s what drew me to the nonprofit sector — the sense that my skills could help people, not just pad a shareholder’s margin.

But I’ve learned that purpose needs constant tending.Even at mission-driven orgs, it can fade if the culture burns you out.

That’s what happened to me at Disney. I loved the guest experience side. But once I saw the corporate engine behind it — once it started to feel like it was only about shareholder returns — the magic got thin.

In fundraising, I get to stay close to the purpose. I get to meet the donors. I get to hear the stories. And even if the mission changes (arts, education, healthcare), that thread of connection stays steady.

The Third Element: Fair Compensation (Still a Struggle)

Let’s talk about the part too many of us were told to overlook: money.

We get into this work to do good.But that doesn’t mean we should be underpaid — or told that passion is its own reward.

The most recent data I could find from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows nonprofit employees are paid, on average, $14,400 less per year than for-profit employees with similar skills.And when you include benefits, the gap widens to $26,200 per year.

That’s not sustainable. And it’s not just numbers.

It shows up in:

• Skipped medical appointments

• Debt that compounds

• Stress that sinks into our bones

• Potluck lunches when the org can’t afford to cater a thank-you

I know people who’ve left nonprofit jobs, taken a for-profit role, and given more in donations than they could ever afford while working in the sector.

We shouldn’t have to choose between impact and financial stability.

Why All Three Elements Must Be Present

When I looked back on the jobs that left me drained — and the ones that left me lit up — this is what I noticed:

• Joy without purpose? You’ll eventually feel unmoored.

• Purpose without pay? You’ll burn out trying to serve while struggling.

• Pay without joy? You’ll dread Mondays no matter how big your salary.

But when all three are there?Work becomes sustainable.Problems become solvable.And your mission becomes more than just survival — it becomes a place you can thrive.

FAQ: Can You Really Ask for All Three in a Nonprofit Role?

You can. And you should.

Not every job will be perfect. But you can ask real questions:

• Will I have the freedom to enjoy my work?

• Does this team laugh together?

• Do I feel aligned with the mission — and is that enough?

• Can I pay my bills without anxiety?

Choose roles that see your humanity.Where compensation matches your value.Where joy isn’t just a byproduct — it’s part of the plan.