What does a charity fundraiser do?

The role of a charity fundraiser is to increase awareness of the charity and its cause and to generate donations. Charities rely on funding; this is where the charity fundraiser comes in. There are differences within the role that are mostly due to the type of donors addressed and the level of seniority. Community fundraisers address members of the public, whereas major donor fundraisers work with large donors and maintain the relationship. Fundraisers can also work as corporate fundraisers, trust and statutory fundraisers or legal fundraisers. All require different knowledge, approaches and skillsets.

Charity fundraiser skills and qualifications

A charity fundraiser should have great interpersonal skills and thrive at building relationships. Successful charity fundraiser candidates have the following skills to be able to fulfil their duties and responsibilities in the position:

• Passion for the cause and commitment
• Ability to work in a stressful environment with financial targets
• Excellent communication skills and ability to create and maintain relationships
• Emotional intelligence and ability to influence
• Being creative and entrepreneurial to constantly find new ways to raise funds
• Being driven and willing

Charity fundraiser experience requirements

Charity fundraising is a competitive field with a lot of candidates. Having the relevant experience will be a determining factor for successful candidates. Applicants can gain experience through volunteering. Having a sales or a marketing background is also a trait valued by employers in this area. So is demonstrating customer service skills and negotiations skills. Advertising, public relations, events management and finance are other areas that non-profit organisations value when recruiting for this role.

Charity fundraiser education and training requirements

University, college, apprenticeships and volunteering are all possible ways to get into the role of charity fundraiser. Candidates who come from university usually have a background in marketing, communication and media, public relations or business. Those who have chosen college as an entry point will have developed customer service skills through the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in the Principles of Customer Service. Applicants with an apprenticeship will combine academic knowledge and on-the-job experience. When it comes to fundraising for charities, enthusiasm and drive can make the difference. This opens the door to direct applicants who demonstrate the desired determination. Candidates from all routes are welcome in this role and should display their skills and experiences working in the charity sector.

Charity fundraiser salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a charity fundraiser is £25,190 per year. This salary will vary depending on the charity itself, the specifics of the role and the experience of the charity fundraiser.

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Charity fundraiser job description FAQs

Who typically employs a charity fundraiser?

Employers of charity fundraisers are either charities or not-for-profit organisations. This is a vast industry with a multitude of charities all seeking support. Charity fundraisers are typically hired by larger organisations as this position requires funding. Local or smaller charities usually rely on volunteering.

Where should I advertise my charity fundraiser open positions?

This will depend on your type of charity or not-for-profit organisation. Typically, small organisations advertise locally, follow social media pages and post on their local council page. Larger organisations tend to advertise on specialist websites or recruit through a specialised agency who handles the search for the right candidate.

What career progression can be offered to a charity fundraiser?

The career path for a charity fundraiser is often dependent on the size of the organisation they work for. A large charity with a structured hierarchy will present career progression prospects towards other roles such as fundraising manager or head of fundraising. Specialising in a specific area is also a way to move up the ladder.