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.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- 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.

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.

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
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
- 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:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Fundraisers Sector

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

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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