The Solo Fundraiser's Survival Guide
A Practical toolkit for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders doing it all
Let’s get real for a second
You're a nonprofit leader wearing way too many hats.
You're leading fundraising strategy, talking to donors, writing thank you letters and grants, managing your database, planning events…and you're doing it alone.
No team. No support. Just you.
Maybe you're a nonprofit leader without a fundraising team. Or a Development Director who is the team. You feel less like a fundraiser and more like…a fire fighter.
You know this pace isn't sustainable…but you have no idea how to move forward.
I FELT THE SAME WAY.
That's why I created The Survival Guide for Solo Fundraisers. It's a practical workbook with 22 pages of tools and strategies to help you fundraise smarter, communicate boundaries without guilt, and mitigate the burnout that comes with doing it all.
This isn't another fundraising manual
What's Inside
Your “Good Enough” Fundraising Checklist
The Weekly Workflow
How to Talk about Fundraising Internally
How to Push Back without Burning Bridges
Managing Up without Losing Your Mind
Donor Pipeline 101
Working Smarter with Donors
Donor Retention
What to Do When You're Burning Out
You Don't Have to Do this Alone
This isn’t another resource to add to your to-do list. It’s a practical tool designed to help you feel less like you’re always playing catch-up and more focused on what matters.
Know exactly where to focus your time
Set boundaries with confidence
Build stronger relationships with the right donors
Simplify your systems
Communicate your work clearly
And most importantly, feel less overwhelmed and finally have some space to breathe again.
Hi, I'm Christina
Recovering Development director and former Development “Team” of 1
After more than a decade working with nonprofits - from tiny grassroots orgs to national institutions - I’ve seen one thing over and over again: fundraisers are carrying way too much.
You’re expected to raise money, plan events, write grants, manage data, run communications, and somehow still have a strategy.
And if you’re a team of one? You’re basically running an entire department by yourself.
I built The Survival Guide for Solo Fundraisers for every single fundraiser who feels like their entire organization's success depends on them.
It’s everything I wish I’d had when I was the only fundraiser on staff - the systems, tools, and language to push back, prioritize, and make this work sustainable.
what others are saying
[The Solo Fundraiser’s Guide] "hits the sweet spot between practical and empathetic. It acknowledges the emotional reality of being a “fundraising team of one” while providing concrete systems, scripts, and frameworks that solo fundraisers can immediately apply. It feels like a combination of coaching, toolkit, and therapy session — which is exactly what many of us need."
Kyle degood, Executive director
"Christina’s guide perfectly encapsulates the challenges of being a one person development team, and it gives you the tools to turn that into success. It not only provides realistic templates and guidelines, but it also sets you up for success in creating your own habits and working style.
Eric depalma, development director
This guide is for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders who care deeply about their work - and are stretched thin doing it alone.
You might be a Development Director who is the entire fundraising department.
Or an Executive Director who writes thank-you notes between Board Meetings and is your organization's only fundraiser.
Or a Founder keeping programs running and trying to keep the lights on.
This Guide is for every fundraiser who loves this work and wants to keep doing it well - without losing themselves in the process.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I love this job, but I can’t keep doing it like this.”
You’re exactly who I made this for.
ok. I need this.
You don't need another great fundraising idea or a list of things you'll never have time to do. You need tools that make fundraising feel more manageable — and a way to do this work without feeling like you’re drowning.
That’s why I created The Survival Guide for Solo Fundraisers.
It’s everything I wish I’d had when I was the only fundraiser on staff: simple systems, language to push back, and frameworks that make this work sustainable.
$67
Intro pricing! Grab it now before the price goes up in January!
Looking for extra support?
join the solo fundraiser's community
You don't have to figure this out alone
Kicking off in January 2026, this 3-month cohort is designed for fundraisers who want to stay accountable, supported, and connected while putting the guide into action.
Here's what's included
💬 Private Slack community — a space to share wins, troubleshoot challenges, and swap ideas.
🖥️ Live monthly group calls led by me to help you apply what’s in the guide and get personalized feedback.
🤝 A 1:1 strategy session with me to talk through your biggest fundraising challenges.
Think of it as the built-in support system every solo fundraiser wishes they had.
For a limited time, get the guide AND community access for just $97.
faq
I already have fundraising experience. Will this still be useful?
Yes! This isn’t a lesson in fundraising. It’s a practical guide to make your fundraising work feel more managebale.
My organization has a team - not just me. Will this help?
Definitely. While it’s designed for solo fundraisers, the tools are also helpful for small teams that feel stretched thin.
What if I’m already burned out?
Then start here. This will help you take a step back, refocus your energy, and find a manageable path forward.
How will I get the guide?
As soon as you complete your purchase, it’ll be delivered to your inbox within minutes. Didn’t get it? Send me an email at [email protected] (after checking Spam!)
I'm not sure I have time for the community.
This isn't meant to add to your plate. You can engage in the Slack group as much as you want. The live group calls will happen once a month, and I'll always send a replay.
Can I join a future cohort?
I hope so! My plan is to host additional cohorts if there’s enough interest, but right now, this January group is the only one confirmed — and future cohorts may be priced differently.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Fundraising doesn't have to burn you out.
You don't need a bigger team or a 60-hour work week to raise more money.
You need better systems, clearer priorities, and permission to let the rest go.
The Survival Guide for Solo Fundraisers helps you do exactly that.
Because you deserve to do work that feels impactful - not impossible.
And you deserve to do that without burning out.