The fundraiser is the person who usually employed primarily to increase the contributions of individuals and groups to a charity by building relationships and exploring new fundraising opportunities from various sources. Mainly fundraisers are such as for the community, corporate, legacy, major gifts, trusts and events. In larger charities, they are likely to specialise in one particular source. And on the other hand, in smaller charities, a single fundraiser may cover several types of potential donors. Mostly all Fundraisers build successful relationships with supporters and they also work to raise awareness of the charity's work, aims and goals.
Fundraiser Eligibility
Educational Qualification
There is no special qualification required to become a fundraiser, though a qualification in social work and management (especially for senior-level positions) may come in handy.
Fundraiser Required Skills
- Candidates should be committed to the cause of the charity; the ability to build and maintain relationships - a crucial skill in all areas of fundraising.
- They also possess skills creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising; a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion.
- Applicants should also have the ability to influence others with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
- The fundraiser also possesses the ability to meet financial targets; good organisational and project management skills; ability to motivate others and work as part of a team; resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks.
- They should also have a sensitivity to the needs of volunteers and donors and willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks.
Institutes offering Courses for Fundraiser
- Department of Social Work, University of Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi
- Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
How to become a Fundraiser?
It is open to all graduates and those with an HND qualification and having a degree may give you an advantage when applying. For some posts, a degree is an essential entry requirement and a qualification or experience in marketing, media or business may also be helpful. They are accepted with relevant experience and employers consider relevant skills and experience to be more important than your subject of study.
Fundraiser Job Description
There are also some Fundraisers who remain in the background handle the role of service. It involves sending back thank you letters, receipts and tax exemption certificates, updating donors about the organisation’s forthcoming plans. Basically, they ensure that every donor is appreciated for what he/she does.
Fundraiser Career Prospects
As all charities look favourably on experience in marketing, public relations, events, advertising, sales and finance. Therefore, candidates need not have had long-term experience with one organisation, nor is full-time experience expected. If they have voluntary work experience which provides evidence of their interest and commitment to working in the not-for-profit sector and gives an opportunity to develop valuable networks within the sector. Some larger charities offer internships, which can provide valuable work experience and sometimes lead to permanent posts.
- Posts are normally advertised, but speculative applications are acceptable. Senior posts are often filled from the commercial sector.
- Taking a fundraising training course is another route into a fundraising career, although these often form part of training within employment.
- Employers sometimes favour short-term contracts with fundraisers, especially in event fundraising; so here they can also have opportunities.
Fundraiser Salary
Their salaries vary significantly depending on the size and location of the charity and the type of fundraising involved. Salaries may be good at some levels or for particular jobs, but pay in the charitable sector does not always reflect pay for equivalent private sector jobs. In addition, they can earn incentives depending on how much funds you are able to raise. The starting salary of a fundraiser with an international organisation is around Rs.15,000 per month. A city head can make about Rs.35,000 per month. Based on their performance and availability of positions in the organisation, they can move up and become a team leader in a year and a senior team leader in the next couple of years.
