The “Fundraising Therapist”: A Title We Didn’t Know We Needed By Keith Kibirango (I know its cheesy but bear with)
It was during a vibrant and heady moment at the Skoll World Forum that a friend and colleague turned to me, half-laughing and half-serious, and said:
“Keith, what you really are… is a Fundraising Therapist.”
We both chuckled — but then paused.
Because it landed. And it stuck.
We realised in that moment that this is exactly what I do — and what my colleagues at New Global Markets (NGM) do every day. It’s not just about fundraising strategy, pitching, or donor mapping. It’s about holding space for fundraisers — many of whom are overstretched, under-heard, and navigating deep uncertainty.
The role of a Fundraising Therapist?
It’s the hand on the back before a big donor meeting.
It’s the reassuring whisper across a crowded room, “You’ve got this.”
It’s the strategy session that begins with, “Let’s just take a breath.”
It’s the ability to see both the numbers — and the humans behind them.
It’s walking alongside leaders when donations dip, plans stall, and nerves fray.
It’s mentorship, creative thinking, gentle provocation, and deep listening.
And truthfully? We love it.
At NGM, we thrive in this role. Because we know how lonely it can feel when the numbers don’t add up, when the board gets nervous, or when all the coffee chats and pitch decks don’t yield results.
Too often, fundraisers are expected to be cheerleaders, negotiators, storytellers, data analysts, and closers — all at once. They’re the bridge between ambition and resources. Yet who holds them?
And from now on, we’re embracing the title: Fundraising Therapist.
It’s equal parts strategic advisor and emotional anchor. Naturally we get our hands dirty and fundraise with you (we can't let you have all the fun).
It’s what we do best. And frankly, we believe more organisations need one.
So, to all the fundraisers out there feeling tired, unheard, or like you’re holding up too much on your own — we see you.
With solidarity and strategy,
Keith