Fundraiser
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Advocacy, Grantmaking, and Civic OrganizationsYou can find out what it’s like to work in the field of grantmaking and fundraising at this page, created by the U.S. Department of Labor. It includes information on employment, projected job growth, potential earnings, and important sources of additional information.
Princeton Review: Fundraiser/Institutional SolicitorDiscover what a day in the life of a fundraiser might be like at this in-depth description, as well as associated careers. Facts and figures about salary and major professional organizations can be viewed, as well as information on academic programs around the country and a career search tool. You will need to create a member profile to access all the information the site has to offer.
Occupational Titles
Fundraiser
Event Manager
Campaign Finance Manager
Charitable Fundraiser
Grantmaker
Director of Development
Director of Development and Giving
Accredited Academic Programs
Association of Fundraising Professionals: Education and Career DevelopmentThe career development portal of this professional organization lets students and those in their early career learn about the essentials of fundraising, find tools for growing a career, and hear experts in the field. A first course in fundraising is offered here, as well as details on professional advancement programs.
Princeton Review: College Major, Fundraiser, Institutional SolicitorSince students interested in fundraising or grantmaking can study in a variety of undergraduate programs, you may want to look at the list of potential majors here, such as finance or communications. After registering for this information, select what interests you, click on “Schools Offering the Major” at the left of the page, and be taken to a comprehensive list of colleges. Once you click on your major, you will be taken to basic information on this type of study and further links to high school preparation, a sample undergraduate curriculum, and actual schools offering the major.
Salary Levels
PayScale: FundraiserPayscale’s site for the fundraiser provides the median salary by years of experience, employer type, and in several cities across the U.S. You can also enter any new job title in the box at the left for more information.
Professional Organizations
Association of Fundraisers and Direct SellersVisit the Fundraising Edge for helpful articles on enhancing fundraising activities, or check out the Fundraising Handbook, as a guide to running a successful fundraising activity. The Fundraising Toolbox offers a slide presentation on focused fundraising, model letters to use in all your fundraising activities, and related online resources. If you want to become a fundraising professional and get ahead in this type of work, look into the benefits of membership, too, such as educational programs and other privileges.
Association of Fundraising ProfessionalsThis organization is the standard for professionalism in fundraising and hosts news, meetings, professional education, and publications in the fundraising arena. Find out about local chapters you can join, access the job center, and find out what members of this organization have access to in the way of networking and fundraising tools.
Giving InstituteFormerly the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, this organization provides standards in the field of fundraising and philanthropy, offers positions statements on these professions, and guides the evolution of the professional fundraising field. You can access information on the consultant’s school, find out about leading consultants to non-profit organizations, and learn about other philanthropic resources.
The Foundation CenterThe Foundation Center, with headquarters in New York City, helps you identify sources of funds from a multitude of online tools, educational programs, and libraries, You can gain knowledge in the world of fundraising, get answers about philanthropic giving and funding, find funders for specific purposes with an online search tool, and take classes online and in-person on grantmaking and grantwriting for your fundraising needs.
Licensing & Certification
Association of Fundraising Professionals: CertificationThe licensing and certification page of this professional organization helps you gain the tools you need to advance your fundraising career. Learn about the certification process and recent enhancements to it, or find out about continuing education in the field. A Certified Fundraising Executive program is offered by this organization, as well as details on the curriculum.
Job Opportunity Sources
Association of Fundraising Professionals: Job CenterThis premiere electronic recruitment tool allows you to perform a quick job search, find featured employers, browse current positions, and manage saved jobs in your personal job seeker account.
Publications
Association of Fundraising Professionals: PublicationsA handful of industry publications in the field of fundraising are found at this collection, including excerpts from recent issues, an eWire newsletter, a consultant’s directory, and Ready Reference Series designed to provide real-world documents essential to development and fundraising.
Fundraising SuccessFundraising Success magazine is a tool for fundraising development professionals that provides news, job connections, web exclusive looks at successful fundraising individuals and organizations, and video coverage of special events. Get a free subscription by filling out your information at this site, and access the current issue online.
Online Forums & Blogs
Association of Fundraising Professionals: DiscussionsSign up for this e-mail list to gain access to others interested in the field of fundraising and up-to-date information on education, philanthropy, training, and advocacy.
Career Videos
Fundraising Success VideosFrom the Fundraising Success publication, this series of videos lets you in on stories of exceptional success, including the importance of managing your activities and other words of wisdom from experts in the fundraising field. Learn about getting started, donor retention, and technology used in constructing fundraising campaigns.
