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What Does it Take to Be a Fundraiser?

Fundraiser Definition 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

  • Develop corporate fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching.
  • Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
  • Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events.
  • Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
  • Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
  • Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.

Fundraiser Needed Skills

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.

  • Special Events Fundraiser
  • Development Associate
  • Director of Institutional Giving
  • Donor Specialist
  • Major Gifts Officer

What Kind of Fundraiser Job Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there were 90,400 jobs for Fundraiser in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,700 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Do Fundraisers Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of a Fundraiser ranges 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.

How much do Fundraisers make 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?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fundraisers may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 to Become a Fundraiser

Learn what Fundraiser education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Fundraisers?

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Below are examples of industries where Fundraisers work:

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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