Charity Fundraiser
Job Description:Charity fundraisers organise events and activities to encourage people to donate to organisations.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll raise funds using methods like organising events, corporate fundraising, direct marketing and asking individuals to donate or leave money in their will.
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- researching, developing and planning fundraising ideas
- managing door-to-door and street collections
- recruiting and training volunteers
- keeping records and reporting performance
- managing charity shops and online and mail order stores
- controlling budgets and meeting targets
- giving talks about your charity to the public
- writing reports and press releases
- writing proposals to donors
- creating fundraising applications
- regularly speaking with donors, trusts and foundations
- managing donor databases
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of English language
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent written and spoken communication skills
- presentation skills
- the ability to motivate and manage others (leadership skills)
- excellent organisation skills
- the ability to work under pressure
- budget management skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Charity Fundraiser, specific qualifications are not the primary focus. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in fundraising for nonprofit organisations. Charity Fundraisers are responsible for raising funds to support charitable causes. Here are some relevant subjects that can be helpful:
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for Charity Fundraisers, as they need to effectively communicate the mission and goals of the organisation to potential donors.
- Mathematics (Optional): Basic math skills are important for tasks related to budgeting, financial reporting, and analysing fundraising data.
- Business Studies (Optional): Courses in business studies can provide insights into marketing, financial management, and fundraising strategies, which are relevant to fundraising roles.
- Social Sciences (Optional): Courses in social sciences, such as psychology or sociology, can provide an understanding of human behavior and motivations, which can be valuable in fundraising.
Post School
There are no set requirements. Employers are usually more interested in your skills, experience, and commitment to working in the charity sector than in your formal qualifications.
You’ll usually be expected to have one of the following:
- voluntary or paid experience of working in a charity, especially in a fundraising role
- related experience such as advertising, events or sales and finance
You could move into fundraising from other sectors like advertising, events or sales and finance.
A degree in a relevant subject like business, marketing, media or public relations can give you an advantage.
You could also work towards the Institute of Fundraising’s Introductory Certificate in Fundraising.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll work 35 to 40 hours a week. Weekend and evening work is common.
You could be home or office-based.
You may be responsible for fundraising in a local area or larger region, and travel around the area to give presentations and attend meetings.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into charity management, or become a self-employed fundraising consultant.