How Does a Fundraiser Spend a Workday?
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Types of Fundraisers
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There are different types of fundraisers whose goals are the same, but whose mission can vary widely. A fundraiser for a foundation is responsible for developing plans and programs to raise sufficient funds for philanthropic activities. For example, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation directs the funds it raises to increase medical research on diseases in developing countries.
An educational fundraiser may work for a charter school like North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, New Jersey in an inner city to raise money to buy school books, uniforms or revamp facilities to improve the learning environment for the children.
A political fundraiser is retained by a candidate for political office and is tasked with developing donor lists and putting together fundraising events to solicit donations to be used for a political campaign.
Even though the mission of these fundraisers is very different, a typical day may look something like this:
Typical Day
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Arrive at the office and begin to write or review a fundraising plan. The plan will consist of fundraising goals, potential donors, calendar of events and strategies for attracting and contacting high-dollar donors.
Meet with fundraising committee or board to discuss implementing fundraising plan. Make revisions and set schedule to enact plan.
Review potential donors list. The list will consist of like-mined individuals who would be willing to contribute to the mission of the organization or campaign.
Begin to write fundraising letter that will be sent to potential donors list. The letter will be short and will describe the mission of the organization or campaign and ask for a donation. Review letter with fundraising committee.
Work with other fundraising staff or volunteers to coordinate fundraising events. Finalize fundraising event with banquet site or appropriate venue.
After the letter is approved, work with staff and/or volunteers to mail the letter to potential donors.
Along with members of the fundraising committee, make phone calls to the potential donor list. Ask if they would be willing to attend upcoming events or donate to the organization's mission.
The fundraiser, along with the chairman of the fundraising committee holds a face-to-face meeting with high-dollar donor(s) and gives presentation about organization's successes and goals.
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The Saga Continues...
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After a long day of phone calls, writing letters and meetings, the fundraiser continues to coordinate the upcoming events, the writing and editing of a direct mail flyer to a wider community of smaller donors and works to find more potential donors to help their cause.
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