Fundraiser Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you looking for a way to stand out from the crowd when applying for your next fundraiser position? This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to creating an effective resume that will help you to showcase your qualifications and experience to employers. You'll learn how to craft a compelling summary statement, tailor your work experience to the job at hand, and highlight your skills and abilities. In addition, you'll find an example of a well-crafted resume that you can use as a reference as you create your own.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Fundraiser do?

A fundraiser is someone who works to generate money for an organization, group, or cause. Fundraisers typically do a variety of tasks such as developing fundraising strategies, researching potential donors, contacting donors, organizing events, managing campaigns, and creating promotional materials. They also track donations and manage budgets.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Fundraiser related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Fundraiser?

Secure donations from individuals, organizations, and corporations
Develop and implement fundraising plans
Write grant proposals and applications
Organize special events such as galas, tournaments, and other activities to raise funds
Network and build relationships with potential donors
Manage budgets, track expenses, and monitor income
Research fund development opportunities
Develop and maintain donor database
Create and distribute marketing materials
Prepare reports and presentations for board members

Sample Fundraiser Resume for Inspiration

Name: Jane Doe

Address: 123 Street, City, State, Zip

Phone: (000) 555-1212

Email: janedoe@example.com

Highly motivated and results-driven fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in development and fundraising, including major donor cultivation, event planning, and grant writing. Proven success in meeting fundraising goals and cultivating relationships with donors. Skilled in organizing, managing, and executing large-scale fundraising events.

Work Experience

Fundraising Coordinator, ABC Nonprofit, City, State • 4/2016 – Present

Plan, organize, and execute major fundraising events, such as galas, golf tournaments, and auctions
Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and sponsors for all fundraising events
Manage and update donor database, ensuring accuracy of donor information
Create and manage budgets for fundraising events
Execute direct mail campaigns, oversee printing, and coordinate with mail houses

Education

B.A. in Communications, XYZ University, City, State • Graduated in 2012

Skills

Donor Database Management
Event Coordination
Budget Management
Direct Mail Campaigns
Grant Writing
Major Donor Cultivation

Certifications

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Languages

English (Fluent)
Spanish (Conversational)

Resume tips for Fundraiser

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Fundraiser resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Fundraiser - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your fundraising-specific experience.
Give examples of the types of donations you have secured.
Showcase your ability to organize and manage events.
Describe your experience creating fundraising campaigns.
Demonstrate your ability to work with donors and cultivate relationships.

Fundraiser Resume Summary Examples

The fundraiser resume summary or resume objective can be used to show potential employers that you have the skills and qualifications necessary to be a successful fundraiser. It can be a great way to highlight your experience in the field and to show that you are knowledgeable about the specific fundraising activities that you will be responsible for. Additionally, it can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and demonstrate that you are committed to helping the organization reach its fundraising goals.

For Example:

Enthusiastic fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and event management. Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns.
Innovative fundraiser with 10+ years of experience in donor relations and relationship building. Skilled in planning and executing successful fundraising initiatives.
Experienced fundraiser with 7+ years of managing and overseeing large-scale fundraising campaigns. Adept at developing innovative strategies and donor outreach programs.
Dedicated fundraiser with 3+ years of experience in fundraising and research initiatives. Skilled in cultivating relationships with donors and managing marketing campaigns.
Organized fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in project management and donor recruitment. Specialized in leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize fundraising efforts.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Fundraiser Resume

Building a strong experience section for a fundraiser resume is essential for demonstrating to potential employers that you are the right candidate for the job. Your experience section should highlight your successes and demonstrate the skills you bring to the position. It is important to emphasize how your past experience makes you the ideal candidate for the job. Additionally, a well-crafted experience section will make your resume stand out from the competition. Finally, it will show potential employers that you are organized and capable of taking on the challenges of a fundraising role.

For Example:

Developed and implemented successful fundraising strategies to raise over $20,000 for the annual gala.
Cultivated relationships with major donors to secure significant contributions.
Coordinated and executed comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Grew the donor base by identifying new sources of funding.
Developed and maintained effective working relationships with donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
Established and maintained accurate records of donations, grants, and sponsorships.
Researched and identified new potential sources of funding.
Prepared and presented progress reports to board members.
Provided support for fundraising activities, including events and campaigns.
Assisted in the preparation of grant proposals and other fundraising materials.

Fundraiser resume education example

A Fundraiser typically needs at least a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as marketing, public relations, communications, business, or non-profit management. In addition, some Fundraisers may have additional certifications or experience in project management or grant writing.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Fundraiser resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropy and Fundraising from the University of California, Berkeley, CA (2020)
Professional Certificate in Fundraising from the International Fundraising Institute, San Francisco, CA (2020)
Certificate in Event Management from the National Association of Fundraising Professionals, Los Angeles, CA (2019)

Fundraiser Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a Fundraiser Resume because it helps to highlight your knowledge and abilities in the fundraising field. Having a list of skills on your resume can help employers to quickly identify that you are a qualified candidate for the job. Examples of skills that employers look for when hiring a fundraiser include: strong communication and interpersonal skills, customer service experience, problem-solving skills, organization and time management skills, project management experience, budgeting and financial management skills, and knowledge of fundraising software or tools.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Organizational
Leadership
Interpersonal
Negotiation
Teamwork
Networking
Research
Problem Solving
Creativity

Hard Skills:

Donor Management
Financial Analysis
Event Planning
Database Management
Organizational Skills
Budgeting
Public Speaking
Research Skills
Marketing Strategies
Grant Writing

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Fundraiser Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Fundraiser resume

Highlight any relevant experience in fundraising or event planning.
Showcase your interpersonal skills.
Demonstrate your knowledge of key fundraising strategies.
Mention any relevant computer skills.
Describe successes in your past fundraising efforts.
Detail any experience with grant writing.
Highlight any experience with donor relations.
Include any certifications or training.
List any volunteer experience in community fundraising.

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.