What is a Fundraiser?
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Fundraiser
- Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
- Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
- Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
- Monitor progress of fundraising drives.
- Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.
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Skills Needed to be a Fundraiser
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Director of Institutional Giving
- Donor Specialist
- Annual Giving Officer
- Direct Response Consultant
- Development Officer
Job Outlook for Fundraisers
There were about 90,400 jobs for Fundraiser in 2016 (in the United States). 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 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.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Fundraisers
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
- 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 to Become a Fundraiser
What education or degrees do I need to become a Fundraiser?

What work experience do I need to become a Fundraiser?

Where Fundraisers Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Fundraisers employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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