How to Become a Fundraiser

Fundraisers ask people to make donations to charitable causes and organizations. They might work for large companies, which have many thousands of potential donors on mailing lists, or for small firms where a more personal approach is required.

Things You'll Need

• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the fundraising field. Download the AAFRC Related Organizations List (see aafrc.org) for a list of Web sites.

2. Understand that basic requirements of this field include excellent organizational skills, the ability to persuade through communication and a willing acceptance of long hours on the job.

3. Receive a bachelor's degree in a major related to communications or finance. Be certain to include electives in oral and written communications, writing, business, psychology and math.

4. Ask your college guidance counselor about internships in a fundraising organization.

5. Consider getting a master's degree in public relations, marketing or finance, especially if you want to climb the executive ladder.

6. Work towards eventually receiving professional certification. Peruse the National Society of Fund Raising Executives site (see nsfre.org) for further information.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect your first years on the job to be a learning experience. You will most likely not be in a position to participate in actual fundraising work.

• Realize that fundraisers do a lot of their work after hours during social functions.

• Potential donors frequently reject requests for donations. You must not take it personally.