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Life As a Fundraiser

Position Description Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization’s work, goals, and financial needs.

Life As a Fundraiser

  • Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.
  • Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
  • Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
  • Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events.
  • Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
  • Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.

What Every Fundraiser Should Know

Fundraisers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Planned Giving Officer
  • Telemarketing Fundraiser
  • Direct Response Consultant
  • Campaign Fundraiser
  • Director of Capital Giving

Is There Job Demand for Fundraisers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 90,400 jobs in the United States for Fundraiser. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13,400 new jobs for Fundraiser by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Fundraiser are Utah, Nevada, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Fundraisers Salary

The typical yearly salary for Fundraisers is somewhere between $33,810 and $97,380.

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Fundraisers who work in District of Columbia, Rhode Island, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Fundraisers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $52,650
Alaska $50,730
Arizona $49,920
Arkansas $43,610
California $69,940
Colorado $58,390
Connecticut $68,770
Delaware $59,240
District of Columbia $80,960
Florida $58,650
Georgia $48,910
Hawaii $58,310
Idaho $50,340
Illinois $59,570
Indiana $51,720
Iowa $51,080
Kansas $59,140
Kentucky $47,370
Louisiana $49,170
Maine $53,960
Maryland $66,610
Massachusetts $67,470
Michigan $62,090
Minnesota $61,210
Mississippi $52,820
Missouri $51,040
Montana $54,890
Nebraska $53,740
Nevada $60,510
New Hampshire $55,620
New Jersey $65,910
New Mexico $52,590
New York $68,460
North Carolina $58,630
North Dakota $59,490
Ohio $56,150
Oklahoma $57,370
Oregon $53,160
Pennsylvania $62,170
Rhode Island $68,860
South Carolina $50,690
South Dakota $54,020
Tennessee $57,150
Texas $58,050
Utah $51,920
Vermont $54,730
Virginia $63,610
Washington $61,310
West Virginia $52,540
Wisconsin $55,230
Wyoming $60,950

What Tools & Technology do Fundraisers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fundraisers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Data entry software
  • Email software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
  • Twitter
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
  • Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
  • Constant Contact
  • Blackbaud eTapestry

How do I Become a Fundraiser?

Individuals working as a Fundraiser have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Fundraisers Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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