How to Become a Fundraiser in the UK
Fundraisers raise the money charities need to run their services. Depending on your role, you might build relationships with major donors, write applications to trusts and foundations, set up corporate partnerships, organise challenge events and community fundraising, or run individual giving campaigns by post, phone and online. All of it involves telling the charity's story well, keeping supporter records in a CRM database and thanking people properly.
You don't need a specific degree, though many employers prefer one. Most fundraisers start by volunteering or in an assistant or officer role and build a track record over 1 to 3 years.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £25,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £80,000+
- Work environment
- Office, events, donor visits
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Public Sector and Emergency Services
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What a Fundraiser does
Raise income for a charity through major donors, trusts, events, corporate or community giving.
How to become a fundraiser in the UK
Common first jobs are fundraising assistant, fundraising administrator, community fundraising officer, events assistant or supporter care officer. Volunteering at events or helping a small charity with grant applications is a good way to get experience if you are changing career. The Chartered Institute of Fundraising offers recognised qualifications, including the Certificate in Fundraising and the Diploma in Fundraising, which are useful once you are working. You also need to know the Code of Fundraising Practice, overseen by the Fundraising Regulator in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with Gift Aid and data protection rules.
- Volunteer for a charity's events, community fundraising or supporter care team to learn how donations are raised, recorded and thanked.
- Write a sample trust application or donor proposal for a cause you care about, as it shows employers you can tell a charity's story clearly.
- Learn a fundraising CRM such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce or Beacon, and understand Gift Aid declarations and data protection consent.
- Apply for fundraising assistant, administrator, community or events officer roles on charity job boards, highlighting any sales, events or writing experience.
- Choose a specialism once you are working, such as major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, events or individual giving.
- Take the Chartered Institute of Fundraising's Certificate in Fundraising, and later the Diploma, to build your knowledge and support promotion.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer, then fundraising assistant role | 6-18 months | Free | People new to the charity sector |
| Move across from sales, marketing or events | 1-2 years | Learn on the job | Career changers with relationship or events skills |
| Graduate fundraising scheme or trainee post | 1-2 years | Salaried | Graduates aiming at larger charities |
How long it takes
You can start volunteering straight away and move into a paid assistant or officer role within a year. Most people take 1 to 3 years to become an established fundraiser in a specialism.
Fundraiser salary in the UK
Fundraisers usually start on around £25,000 to £32,000. Experienced fundraisers and fundraising managers earn £38,000 to £48,000, and heads of fundraising or directors at larger charities can earn £55,000 to £80,000 or more. Large national charities and London roles pay the most, and major donor and corporate partnership roles often pay more than community fundraising. Smaller local charities usually pay less but give you broad experience quickly, which helps if you later want to become a charity manager.
Key skills
- Storytelling
- Pitching
- CRM
- Event management
Fundraiser FAQs
How do I become a charity fundraiser?
Volunteer with a charity or take an entry role such as fundraising assistant, administrator or community fundraising officer. Learn the CRM, Gift Aid and the Code of Fundraising Practice, build results you can point to, then specialise in an area such as major donors, trusts or events.
Do you need a degree to be a fundraiser?
No, although many charities prefer one for graduate or specialist roles. Experience in sales, events, marketing or writing is often just as valuable. The Chartered Institute of Fundraising's qualifications are a recognised way to build your knowledge once you are working.
How much do fundraisers earn in the UK?
Starting pay is around £25,000 to £32,000. Experienced fundraisers and managers earn £38,000 to £48,000, and heads of fundraising or directors can earn £55,000 to £80,000 or more, especially at large national charities.
What skills does a fundraiser need?
You need to write persuasively, build relationships, stay organised with deadlines and data, and cope with rejection, as many applications and asks are turned down. Event planning, presenting and comfort with targets are also useful, depending on your specialism.
Is Fundraiser right for you?
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Still deciding whether fundraiser is the career for you? Here is which career test is actually worth taking, and what a free quiz will not tell you.