What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Fundraiser?

Fundraising is a vital aspect of the nonprofit sector, as it enables organizations to secure the financial resources necessary to carry out their missions and serve their communities. Therefore, it is crucial that those working in fundraising are skilled and successful at their jobs. But what qualities do successful fundraisers possess? Here, we will explore the top 10 qualities of a successful fundraiser and discuss ways to cultivate and develop these qualities. 

Impeccable Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of trust, and trust is essential in the fundraising profession. Donors must trust that their gifts will be used for the purposes stated and that the organization is acting in their best interests. Therefore, a successful fundraiser must have impeccable integrity and be honest, transparent, and trustworthy.

One way to cultivate integrity is to adhere to professional codes of ethics, such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. These documents provide guidelines on ethical behavior in the field of fundraising. Another important step is to understand and support the Donor Bill of Rights, which outlines the rights of donors and ensures that the organization's interests do not take precedence over those of the donor.

Additionally, having a strong personal moral code, whether it is derived from a faith system or personal values, can help a fundraiser make sound ethical judgments. Enrolling in classes on ethics and seeking guidance from professional organizations, such as AFP's ethics board, can also be helpful in developing a sense of integrity.

Good Listener

Effective communication is crucial in fundraising, and being a good listener is an essential part of this. A successful fundraiser needs to be able to listen attentively to donors and potential donors, as well as to staff and colleagues. This means not just hearing what is being said, but truly understanding and taking in the meaning behind the words.

Good listening skills can be developed through practice and education. Taking a class in communication can help emphasize the importance of listening and provide strategies for improving this skill. Role-playing with colleagues or attending courses on making "the ask" can also be helpful in honing listening skills specifically related to fundraising.

Ability to Motivate

The ability to motivate is a crucial quality for a successful fundraiser, as it enables them to inspire and encourage donors, volunteers, and staff to support the organization. Motivating donors does not mean persuading them to do something that is not in their best interests, but rather understanding their motivations and passions and helping them find ways to support the organization that align with those interests.

Developing the ability to motivate others starts with having passion for the organization's mission. If you truly believe in what the organization is doing, it will be easier to motivate others to share that passion. Understanding the psychology of philanthropy can also be helpful in understanding what motivates donors.

To motivate staff and volunteers, it is important to empower them and give them the tools they need to succeed. Setting clear goals, providing support and resources, and recognizing their contributions can all help to motivate and engage team members.

Hard Worker

Successful fundraisers are often hard workers who are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve their goals. This may involve long hours and a willingness to work beyond traditional business hours, as fundraising events and meetings with donors often take place in the evenings and on weekends.

It may seem overwhelming to try to embody all of these qualities, especially if you do not feel like you naturally possess them. However, it is possible to learn and develop these characteristics. Let's examine each quality and consider ways to cultivate them, even if they may seem innate at first.

Impeccable Integrity

While integrity may seem like a trait that a person either possesses or does not, there are steps you can take to strengthen your own integrity as a professional. One important thing to do is to familiarize yourself with and follow the guidelines set forth in the AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. These documents outline ethical behavior in the field of fundraising. Additionally, it is important to adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights, which ensures that the organization places the needs of donors above its own and that you, as a professional, prioritize the interests of the donor before those of the organization and yourself. 

Belonging to a faith tradition that you believe in can aid in the development of your sense of ethics and morality. Most major religions have specific moral principles that can guide their followers in making ethical decisions.

In addition to relying on your personal beliefs and values, there are a few other ways you can work on developing your integrity. Enrolling in a class on ethics or attending AFP programs focused on ethical issues can be helpful. The AFP also has an ethics board that can provide guidance and advice on ethical dilemmas. While integrity may seem innate, it can be cultivated by gaining an understanding of ethics, morals, and donors' rights.

Good Listener

Good listening is a skill that can be developed through practice and education. Consider taking a class in communication to learn more about the importance of listening in effective communication. Remember that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason!

In donor relations, being an active listener is particularly important. A fundraiser who has honed their listening skills may be more successful in securing major gifts. It is crucial to listen carefully to the donor's interests, rather than simply focusing on persuading them to support the organization. To improve your listening skills, try role-playing "the ask" with colleagues or attend courses on making successful fundraising appeals.

Ability to Motivate

The ability to motivate is a crucial quality for a successful fundraiser, as it enables them to inspire and encourage donors, volunteers, and staff to support the organization. Motivating donors does not mean persuading them to do something that is not in their best interests, but rather understanding their motivations and passions and helping them find ways to support the organization that align with those interests.

Developing the ability to motivate others starts with having passion for the organization's mission. If you truly believe in what the organization is doing, it will be easier to motivate others to share that passion. Understanding the psychology of philanthropy can also be helpful in understanding what motivates donors.

To motivate staff and volunteers, it is important to empower them and give them the tools they need to succeed. Setting clear goals, providing support and resources, and recognizing their contributions can all help to motivate and engage team members.

Hard Worker

Successful fundraisers are often hard workers who are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve their goals. This may involve long hours and a willingness to 

work beyond traditional business hours, as fundraising events and meetings with donors often take place in the evenings and on weekends.

While it is important to work hard, it is also crucial to take care of oneself in order to sustain the energy and drive needed for this demanding profession. This includes making time for self-care, such as getting regular exercise, eating well, and taking breaks and vacations. It is also important to set boundaries and not feel the need to be "wired in" 24/7, as this can lead to burnout.

Concern for People

Successful fundraisers care about people, both those they serve through their organization and those with whom they work. This means not just caring about donors and clients, but also about staff and colleagues.

One way to cultivate concern for others is to work for an organization whose mission you care deeply about. Seeing firsthand the impact the organization has on the lives of its clients can inspire a sense of concern and empathy. It is also important to get out and interact with clients and staff, learning their stories and understanding their needs and desires.

Showing concern for others also means being a good listener and taking the time to address their concerns and needs. This includes being supportive and available to staff and colleagues, and creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

High Expectations

Successful fundraisers have high expectations, not just for themselves but for their organization and the people around them. This means setting ambitious goals and striving for excellence in all aspects of their work.

At the same time, it is important to have realistic expectations and to provide the support and resources needed for staff and colleagues to meet those expectations. This can include setting clear goals, providing training and development opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding hard work and achievement.

Love the Work

Successful fundraisers are passionate about their work and the organizations they represent. This passion can be contagious and can inspire others to support the organization as well.

To cultivate a love of fundraising, it can be helpful to start by volunteering in this area. If you enjoy volunteering and find fundraising rewarding, it is likely that you will also enjoy it as a career. It is also important to work for an organization whose mission you believe in and to find fulfillment in the impact your work has on the lives of others.

High Energy

Fundraising can be a high-energy profession, as it often involves meeting and interacting with people, attending events, and traveling. Successful fundraisers possess the energy and enthusiasm needed to keep up with the demands of the job.

To maintain high energy levels, it is important to take care of oneself physically and mentally. This includes getting regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and making time for rest and relaxation. It can also be helpful to find activities outside of work that bring joy and replenish energy, such as hobbies or time with friends and family.

Perseverance

Fundraising can be a challenging profession, and successful fundraisers are those who are able to persevere through setbacks and challenges. This means not giving up in the face of rejection or obstacles, but rather finding creative ways to overcome them and keep moving forward.

To cultivate perseverance, it can be helpful to set small, achievable goals and celebrate each success along the way. It is also important to have a positive attitude and to focus on the progress that has been made, rather than dwelling on failures or setbacks. Seeking support and guidance from colleagues and mentors can also help to build perseverance.

Presence

Presence, or the ability to command attention and be respected as a professional, is an important quality for successful fundraisers 

to possess. This can involve a number of different elements, including physical appearance, communication skills, and confidence.

One way to cultivate a sense of presence is to pay attention to one's appearance and dress in a way that is professional and appropriate for the setting. This can include wearing a suit or dress clothes for meetings with donors, and maintaining good grooming habits.

Having strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and speak clearly and persuasively, can also contribute to a sense of presence. This can be developed through practice and training, such as taking classes in public speaking or communication.

Finally, having confidence in oneself and one's abilities is essential for a successful fundraiser. This can be developed through education and training, as well as by setting and achieving personal and professional goals.

In conclusion, the top 10 qualities of a successful fundraiser include impeccable integrity, being a good listener, the ability to motivate others, being a hard worker, having concern for people, having high expectations, loving the work, having high energy, perseverance, and presence. While some of these qualities may come more naturally to some individuals, all of them can be developed and strengthened with effort and commitment. By cultivating these traits, fundraisers can set themselves up for success in this rewarding and challenging profession.