Life As a Fundraiser
Job Description & Duties 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.
Daily Life Of a Fundraiser
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
- Prepare materials for charitable events, such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags.
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
- Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
- Develop and maintain media contact lists.
- Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.
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What a Fundraiser Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Fundraisers say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Fundraiser
- Donor Relations Officer
- Fundraising Officer
- Director of Fundraising
- Donor Specialist
- Direct Response Consultant
Are There Job Opportunities for Fundraisers?
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. 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.
Fundraiser Average Salary
The salary for Fundraisers ranges between about $33,810 and $97,380 a year.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Fundraisers
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?
Are there Fundraisers education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Fundraiser?

Who Employs Fundraisers?

Below are examples of industries where Fundraisers work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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