Fundraisers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Business & Financial
• O*NET-SOC code: 13-1131
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
• Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
• Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
• Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
• Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
• Create or update donor databases.
• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
• Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
• Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
• Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.

Tools and technology

Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Salesforce software, Structured query language SQL, Adobe PageMaker, AudienceView Ticketing, Blackbaud Luminate CRM

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
• Fundraising Managers
• Public Relations Specialists
• Advertising and Promotions Managers
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Public Relations Managers
• Personal Financial Advisors
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Fundraisers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.