Business and finance
Fundraiser
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Median pay
$72,550
Growth to 2035
+6%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
10,000
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Fundraiser
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Fundraiser: 81% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
- Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
- Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
- Create or update donor databases.
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
- Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
Also called: Contract Grant Writer · Development Associate · Development Officer · Direct Response Consultant · Fundraising Consultant · Grant Coordinator · Philanthropy Officer · Principal Gifts Officer
Outlook and AI
Fundraisers held 140,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 148,700 by 2035 (+6%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Fundraiser vs. Fundraising manager
- Fundraiser vs. Public relations specialist
- Fundraiser vs. Advertising and promotions managers
- Fundraiser vs. Social and community service managers
- Fundraiser vs. Meeting, convention, and event planners
- Fundraiser vs. Public relations manager
- Fundraiser vs. Personal financial advisor
- Fundraiser vs. Marketing specialist
- Fundraiser vs. Marketing manager
- Fundraiser vs. Sales manager