A widely shared post on LinkedIn recently declared that when an organization tries to raise ambitious amounts of money, from a cold audience, on a tight timeline, it’s not a fundraising problem—it’s a leadership problem. While that might earn applause from frustrated fundraisers, here’s the truth: it’s not that simple.

If you’ve been in nonprofit fundraising circles long enough, you’ve likely heard this argument: “Expecting 20% year-over-year growth is unrealistic.” At PhoenixFire Strategic Consulting, we respectfully—and confidently—disagree. Not only is 20% annual growth possible, we’ve helped clients achieve it consistently, and in many cases, far exceed it. That’s not bravado. It’s strategic reality.

At PhoenixFire Strategic Consulting, we know that words have power—especially when it comes to fundraising.