Finding fundraising Jobs?

Question

How can someone get an entry level job as a fundraiser for a charity or political organization? Something other than canvassing.

Answer 1

Have you tried job postings and looking up non-profit/Charity organizations to find some in your area. Contact your local political parties, they may have something. That's where you should start.

Answer 2

Nonprofits in your area advertise entry-level positions in your local newspaper, and maybe on www.craigslist.com as well. Call your local United Way office and see if they have a jobs board for local nonprofit organizations.

Fund-raising jobs for nonprofit organizations involve:

-- gathering statistics

-- researching corporate funding programs and foundations

-- drafting proposals and solicitation letters

-- gathering testimonials to show program impact

-- analyzing data (demographics info for clients, for a region served, etc.)

-- planning special events

-- coordinating individual giving campaigns, usually by mail

-- training the board to fundraise

You will need experience in at least some of the above activities to get hired by a nonprofit organization. If you don't have such, considering volunteering for an organization that is engaged in the kind of activities you feel most passionate about, to gain the experience you need and to make the connections that could lead to a job. Find volunteering opportunities with:

http://www.volunteermatch.org

http://www.idealist.org

http://change.org

Political organizations might be able to use your help with a large special event, but their bread-and-butter fundraising is from individual givers and, therefore, comes from canvassing.