Why it’s so hard to find a professional fundraiser, and what to do about it.
Ten years ago, most large charities in Australia had a Development Manager and a Marketing Manager. The very largest had teams of both. But, philanthropic fundraising was in its infancy; university fundraising was just making its way to Australia and bequest programs were only beginning to spring up (outside the hundred-year-old charities who were long ahead of the game).
Fast forward to today and there are hundreds of job ads from charities, schools and universities urgently seeking specialised fundraisers. There is a great need for those who have experience working on major gifts, stewarding donors, and those who understand that fundraising is more than just ‘sales’ for the charity sector.
As charities have grown more sophisticated – understanding that there isn’t a one size fits all approach to donor solicitation – there has not been a corresponding growth in fundraisers coming into the sector to pick up the demand.
The reason is two-fold:
1. There is no recognised educational pathway to fundraising, and
2. There are not enough experienced fundraisers to coach those seeking to enter the sector.
So, what is the solution?
As a sector we need to find ways to formalise fundraising training in the education sector. Fundraising needs dedicated TAFE courses and to become a major in university business degrees.
Until then, you have two options. Hire someone to train your fundraisers or outsource your fundraising needs until the right candidate presents themselves.
Vowe Philanthropy can work as your fundraising partner, from strategy to hands-on help. We can work on a project basis or longer term as retainer based, flexible, fundraising support. We can also train your new fundraisers in major donor management, bequests and trusts & foundations.
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