Community Fundraiser

What is a community fundraiser?

A community fundraiser is someone who organizes and manages fundraising events and campaigns to raise money for charitable causes within a specific community.

What does a community fundraiser do?

Usually, a community fundraiser does the following tasks:

• Organizes fundraising events such as charity runs, bake sales, or auctions.
• Collaborates with local businesses, schools, and individuals to raise funds.
• Promotes fundraising campaigns through social media, emails, and community newsletters.
• Builds relationships with donors and sponsors to secure ongoing support.
• Keeps records of donations, expenses, and funds raised.
• Works closely with the charity or organization to ensure funds are used effectively.

What does the day-to-day life of a community fundraiser look like?

A community fundraiser may work flexible hours depending on the events and campaigns they are organizing. They may be required to work on weekends or during evenings when events are taking place. On a typical day, a community fundraiser might:

• Plan and coordinate upcoming events.
• Reach out to potential sponsors and donors to secure their support.
• Create promotional materials and update social media platforms.
• Meet with volunteers and community members to discuss fundraising ideas.
• Attend meetings with the charity or organization to provide updates on progress.

Where does a community fundraiser work?

A community fundraiser can work for various organizations such as charities, non-profit organizations, or community groups. They may also work independently and collaborate with multiple organizations for different events. The location of work can vary, but it is usually within the community they are fundraising for.

What tools/software/hardware does a community fundraiser use?

A community fundraiser may use the following tools and software:

• Online fundraising platforms like JustGiving or GoFundMe to collect donations.
• Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for promotion.
• Microsoft Office or Google Suite for organizing and keeping track of fundraising activities.
• Hardware such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet for communication and online tasks.

What do I need to become a community fundraiser?

There are a number of ways you can become a community fundraiser, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Some organizations may prefer candidates with a degree in a relevant field such as business, marketing, or communications. However, it is not always required, and experience and skills can be equally important.
• Volunteering and internship: Gaining experience by volunteering for local charities or completing an internship in fundraising or event management can provide valuable practical skills and knowledge.
• Professional qualifications: There are professional qualifications available in fundraising and nonprofit management, such as the Certificate in Fundraising Practice provided by the Institute of Fundraising (IOF).

What career paths are available?

There are a number of career paths available to you as a community fundraiser, including:

• Senior Fundraiser: With experience, you can progress to a senior fundraising role where you may oversee a team and have more responsibility for strategic planning and donor relations.
• Fundraising Manager: In this role, you would be responsible for managing and coordinating all fundraising activities within an organization.
• Charity Events Coordinator: If you enjoy organizing events, you may choose to specialize in coordinating charity events for a specific organization or within the community.

What jobs are similar to a community fundraiser?

• Nonprofit Manager: Overseeing the operations and activities of a nonprofit organization, including fundraising.
• Marketing Coordinator: Coordinating marketing campaigns, including fundraising initiatives, for a company or organization.
• Project Manager: Managing and coordinating various projects, including fundraising projects, within an organization.

What made you want to become a community fundraiser?

How did you get your first community fundraiser job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a community fundraiser?

Are you a community fundraiser? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to community fundraising. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.