Fundraisers design strategies and manage campaigns to raise donations for an organization, a particular cause, or a philanthropic event. They mostly work on religious groups, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, health research foundations, social services, or educational institutions. This is a full-time job with an extensive list of duties such as:

Organizing and hosting events to raise money and awareness on the specific cause they’re working on.
Spreading information about their cause.
Managing social media accounts and creating donation sites to collect money.
Conduct outreach campaigns to find donors and people who relate to the cause.
Sharing updates about their campaigns.

We'll show you how to list all of these kinds of experiences on your resume!

Charity campaigns have existed since the 19th century and will continue to be relevant as long as there’s something to fight for. Hence, there’s no surprise to see that fundraising careers are highly in-demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for fundraisers will grow up to 11 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than most occupations.

Fundraising Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

Fundraising Chair

Fundraising Coordinator

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Keywords for Fundraising Resumes

Fundraising Resume Tips

Action Verbs to Use

Related Sales Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Header

Summary

Experience

Education

Template 1 of 2: Fundraising Chair Resume Example

A fundraising chair is part of a non-profit board and their responsibility is to raise money for the organization. They are in charge of fundraising campaigns and participate in almost all committees, including finance-related meetings. Fundraiser chairmen are highly invested in fundraising ideas suggesting innovative strategies to collect money.
They must also represent the organization and keep donors updated on where the money is going. Donors want to know that their contribution is valuable, so it’s important to give donor care gestures like sending “thank you” letters or hosting appreciation events.

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A fundraising chair resume template that emphasizes work experience

Tips to help you write your Fundraising Chair resume in 2024

Demonstrate your organizational skills.

The role of the fundraising chair is extensive and they have a vast list of responsibilities, so it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when you are very passionate about the non-profit’s cause. However, you must keep track of every task and have excellent time management skills. That’s why you must highlight this trait in your resume. Recruiters want to know that you have excellent organizational skills and are able to deliver results in a timely manner.

Also see: How To Demonstrate Organizational Skills on Your Resume

Demonstrate your organizational skills. - Fundraising Chair Resume

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Highlight your strategies to raise money for the organization.

There are many ways to raise donations, some of those are really creative, and it will all depend on the organization you’re working on. Some of the most popular ways to do it are by getting corporate sponsorships, hosting fundraising events, online donations, and crowdfunding. You can mention some of them in your resume, so your potential employer knows what you are capable of.

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Skills you can include on your Fundraising Chair resume

Template 2 of 2: Fundraising Coordinator Resume Example

Non-profit organizations usually set up an annual budgetary goal that they must get in order to maintain the daily operations and provide their services. However, without the proper management, there’s usually a gap between that goal and what the non-profit actually makes. The fundraising coordinator is responsible for bridging that budgetary gap.
Fundraising coordinators maintain long-term relationships with corporate sponsors, government agencies, foundations, and donors. Their main purpose is to obtain or exceed the target fundraising goals. This professional usually works under the supervision of the senior management team.

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A fundraising coordinator resume template using strong action verbs

Tips to help you write your Fundraising Coordinator resume in 2024

Indicate your project management skills.

Fundraising coordinators design, implement and monitor fundraising campaigns. They actively participate in fundraising committees by providing ideas to generate more income for the non-profit cause. Therefore, you must have excellent project management skills.

Also see: How To Say You Manage Employees on a Resume

Indicate your project management skills. - Fundraising Coordinator Resume

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Mention your knowledge of fundraising legal compliance.

Non-profits have their own legislation they must follow in order to maintain ethical fundraising behavior. Your potential employer might want to know you understand that and can comply with these rules.

Also see: Find Hard Skills To Include In Your Resume

Mention your knowledge of fundraising legal compliance. - Fundraising Coordinator Resume

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Skills you can include on your Fundraising Coordinator resume

Fundraising Resume Tips

We spoke with hiring managers from top nonprofits and fundraising organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, and Feeding America to gather their best tips for creating a strong fundraising resume. Here's what they recommend:

Highlight your fundraising achievements with metrics

Quantify your fundraising accomplishments to showcase your impact:

Raised $500,000 in annual funds, a 20% increase from the previous year
Secured a $250,000 grant from the XYZ Foundation for a new program initiative
Increased monthly recurring donations by 15% through a targeted email campaign

Avoid vague statements that lack context, such as:

Raised funds for various projects
Helped with fundraising efforts

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Showcase your knowledge of fundraising strategies

Demonstrate your understanding of different fundraising techniques:

Experienced in planning and executing fundraising events, including galas, auctions, and charity runs
Proficient in developing and managing crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter
Skilled in writing compelling grant proposals and building relationships with foundations

This shows employers that you have a diverse skill set and can adapt to various fundraising needs.

Emphasize your relationship-building skills

Fundraising often involves building and nurturing relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. Highlight examples of how you've successfully cultivated these relationships:

Managed a portfolio of 50+ major donors, regularly communicating with them to provide updates and secure continued support
Collaborated with a team of 20 volunteers to plan and execute a successful fundraising gala attended by 300+ guests
Partnered with local businesses to secure in-kind donations and sponsorships for various fundraising initiatives

Include relevant certifications and training

If you have completed any certifications or training related to fundraising, be sure to include them on your resume. For example:

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
Completed "Grant Writing Essentials" course from the Foundation Center
Attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Conference

These credentials demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Tailor your resume summary to the job description

Your resume summary should be a brief overview of your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Tailor it to the specific job you're applying for by using keywords from the job description. For example:

Passionate fundraising professional with 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development. Skilled in event planning, grant writing, and donor relations. Seeking to leverage my expertise to help XYZ Organization exceed its fundraising goals and expand its impact.

Avoid using a generic summary that could apply to any fundraising job, like:

Experienced fundraiser looking for a new opportunity to raise funds and make a difference.

Showcase your passion for the organization's mission

Fundraising is often driven by a passion for the cause. Show employers that you are genuinely invested in their mission by highlighting any volunteer work or personal experiences that align with their values. For example:

Volunteered at a local animal shelter for 3 years, helping with fundraising events and adoption drives
Served as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, providing guidance and support to at-risk youth
Participated in a mission trip to build schools in developing countries, sparking a passion for global education initiatives

By showcasing your personal connection to the cause, you demonstrate that you are not just looking for a job, but are truly committed to making a difference.

Writing Your Fundraising Resume: Section By Section

Header

As a fundraiser, your resume header is the first thing employers see. It's crucial to make a strong first impression and clearly communicate who you are and how to reach you. Here's how to write an effective header for your fundraising resume:

1. Put your name front and center

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, typically in a larger font than the rest of your contact details. This helps recruiters quickly identify whose resume they're viewing.

Here's an example of how to format your name in your header:

Jane Doe

Avoid nicknames or abbreviations that could come across as unprofessional, like:

J. Doe
Janie D.

Stick to the name you use professionally. If you go by a middle name, include your first initial for background checks.

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, list your phone number, professional email address, and location. You can include your city and state, or city and country if applying internationally.

Example of well-formatted contact details for a fundraiser:

[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA

Avoid outdated or unprofessional details like:

Full mailing address (not needed at this stage)
Unprofessional email handles (e.g. [email protected])
Multiple phone numbers (list the best number to reach you)

Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile if it's up-to-date and highlights your fundraising expertise.

3. Optionally include your target job title

If you're targeting a specific fundraising role, you can optionally include it below your name. This quickly communicates your career focus.

For example:

Jane Doe
Nonprofit Development Director

However, avoid getting too specific with job titles, as it may rule you out for related fundraising roles. Overly-narrow titles can limit your options, such as:

Nonprofit Development Director - Children's Health Causes
Senior Major Gifts Officer - Higher Education

Before finalizing your resume, run it through Score My Resume. This tool will provide instant feedback on over 30 key criteria hiring managers look for, so you can be confident your fundraising resume makes the right first impression.

Summary

A resume summary, also known as a professional summary or summary statement, is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume. It's a brief paragraph, typically 3-5 sentences long, that highlights your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. While a summary is not a mandatory section, it can be particularly useful for fundraising professionals who want to provide additional context about their background or emphasize their key strengths.

It's important to note that a resume summary is different from an objective statement. Objective statements are outdated and focus on what you want from an employer, whereas a summary showcases what you can bring to the table. When crafting your summary, avoid duplicating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume. Instead, use this space to add value and provide a compelling snapshot of your fundraising expertise.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Fundraising resume

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1. Tailor your summary to the specific fundraising role

When writing your resume summary for a fundraising position, it's crucial to align your skills and experiences with the requirements of the job. Review the job description carefully and identify the key qualifications and responsibilities that the employer is seeking. Then, craft your summary to showcase how you meet those specific needs.

For example, if the fundraising role emphasizes grant writing and donor relations, your summary might look like this:

Accomplished fundraising professional with 5+ years of experience in grant writing and donor relations. Secured over $1.5 million in grants for nonprofit organizations and maintained a 90% donor retention rate. Skilled in developing compelling funding proposals and cultivating long-term relationships with major donors.

By tailoring your summary to the specific fundraising role, you demonstrate your understanding of the position and make it clear how you can contribute to the organization's goals.

To ensure your resume resonates with hiring managers and passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS), try using Targeted Resume. This tool checks if your resume has the right skills and keywords for a specific job description.

2. Quantify your fundraising achievements

When highlighting your fundraising accomplishments in your resume summary, use specific numbers and metrics to quantify your impact. This helps hiring managers grasp the scope of your achievements and makes your summary more compelling.

Here are some examples of how to quantify your fundraising successes:

Raised over $500,000 in annual fund contributions through strategic donor cultivation and targeted campaigns
Increased grant funding by 30% year-over-year by identifying new funding opportunities and crafting persuasive proposals
Managed a portfolio of 50+ major donors, securing gifts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000

By contrast, avoid using vague or unsubstantiated claims in your summary, such as:

Excellent fundraiser with a proven track record of success
Raised a lot of money for various organizations
Strong relationship-building skills that lead to increased donations

Remember, specific numbers and examples make your fundraising achievements more tangible and impressive to potential employers.

After crafting your resume summary, use Score My Resume to receive instant feedback on your resume's strengths and areas for improvement. This tool checks your resume against 30+ key criteria that hiring managers value.

3. Focus on relevant soft skills and technical expertise

While it's essential to showcase your fundraising achievements in your resume summary, don't forget to highlight the relevant soft skills and technical expertise that enable you to succeed in your role. Fundraising professionals often need a combination of interpersonal skills, such as relationship-building and communication, as well as technical skills, like donor database management and financial reporting.

When mentioning soft skills, avoid simply listing them outright. Instead, demonstrate these skills through your accomplishments and experiences. For example:

Collaborative fundraising professional adept at building strong relationships with donors, board members, and volunteers. Successfully coordinated a team of 20+ volunteers to execute a major fundraising gala, raising over $200,000 in a single evening.

Similarly, when discussing technical expertise, be specific about the tools and systems you've used and how they've contributed to your fundraising success. For instance:

Proficient in Raiser's Edge NXT, utilizing advanced features to streamline donor data management and generate targeted reports
Skilled in using Salesforce to track and analyze donor engagement, resulting in a 25% increase in donor retention rates

By highlighting both your soft skills and technical expertise in your resume summary, you paint a well-rounded picture of your capabilities as a fundraising professional.

When showcasing your skills and expertise on your resume, don't forget to optimize your LinkedIn profile as well. Use our LinkedIn Review tool to ensure your profile is compelling and aligns with your fundraising career goals.

Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you highlight your fundraising achievements and show hiring managers you have the skills to excel in the role. Use these tips to write a compelling work experience section that will make your resume stand out.

1. Highlight fundraising metrics and achievements

Hiring managers want to see proof of your fundraising success. Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on highlighting your achievements using specific metrics.

Here are examples of how to quantify your fundraising experience:

Raised $500K in annual funds, a 20% increase from previous year
Secured 5 new corporate sponsorships totaling $250K
Grew recurring monthly donations by 15% through email marketing campaigns
Planned and executed 10 fundraising events, raising over $1M in total

Not sure if your resume highlights your achievements effectively? Try our Score My Resume tool for instant feedback on 30+ key criteria hiring managers look for.

2. Tailor your experience to the job description

Fundraising roles can vary, from managing annual giving campaigns to writing grant proposals. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the specific role you're applying for.

For example, if the job focuses on major gifts, emphasize experiences like:

Managed a portfolio of 50+ major gift donors, securing 10 gifts over $25K
Developed personalized cultivation and solicitation plans for high-net-worth individuals

Avoid highlighting less relevant experiences like:

Processed gifts and updated donor database (administrative task, not major gift focused)
Coordinated annual fund phonathon program (more relevant for an annual fund role)

Use a tool like Targeted Resume to analyze the job description and get a list of the most important keywords and skills to include in your resume.

3. Showcase progression and leadership

Hiring managers want to see growth and progression in your career. If you've earned promotions or taken on leadership roles, make that clear in your work experience section.

Here's an example of how to show progression:

Development Associate, ABC Nonprofit, 2018-2020
Senior Development Associate, ABC Nonprofit, 2020-present
Promoted to Senior Development Associate in 2020 to oversee major gifts program
Managed a team of 3 development associates, providing coaching and mentorship
Served as lead project manager for $1.5M capital campaign, working closely with executive leadership and board of directors

By showing your progression and leadership, you demonstrate your ability to take on increasing responsibility and drive results.

Highlight key promotions or leadership roles in the job title, then use bullet points to provide additional context around your expanded responsibilities and achievements in those elevated roles.

4. Include relevant volunteer experience

Volunteer experience can be a valuable addition to your work experience section, especially if you have limited paid experience in fundraising.

For example:

Served on the fundraising committee for XYZ Charity's annual gala, helping to secure $50K in corporate sponsorships
Coordinated a team of 20 volunteers for ABC Nonprofit's annual 5K fundraiser, raising $20K

Just make sure the volunteer experiences you include are relevant to fundraising and demonstrate transferable skills.

If you have extensive volunteer experience, you may want to create a separate "Volunteer Experience" section on your resume to avoid cluttering up your work experience section.

Education

The education section of your fundraising resume should be concise and relevant to the job you're applying for. It's important to highlight your academic achievements and any relevant coursework or certifications that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree and work backwards. Include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the year of graduation. If you have multiple degrees, list them in order of relevance to the fundraising position you're applying for.

Here's an example of how to list your education:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications, XYZ University, 2018
Associate of Arts in Business Administration, ABC Community College, 2016

If you have a degree in progress, you can still include it on your resume. Just make sure to note the expected graduation date.

2. Include relevant coursework and academic achievements

If you have taken courses or earned academic honors that are relevant to fundraising, include them in your education section. This can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.

For example:

Relevant coursework: Nonprofit Management, Grant Writing, Fundraising Strategies
Dean's List, Fall 2017 and Spring 2018

However, avoid listing irrelevant or outdated coursework, such as:

Introduction to Psychology, 2012
Calculus I, 2014

Only include coursework and achievements that are directly related to the fundraising position you're applying for. Irrelevant information can distract from your qualifications.

3. Keep it brief if you're a senior-level professional

If you have several years of experience in fundraising, your education section should be brief and to the point. Include only your highest degree and any relevant certifications.

For example:

Master of Public Administration, University of XYZ
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant degrees, such as:

Bachelor of Science in Biology, ABC University, 1995
Associate of Arts in English Literature, XYZ Community College, 1993

If you earned your degree more than 15 years ago, consider removing the graduation year to avoid potential age discrimination.

Action Verbs For Fundraising Resumes

If you want to capture people’s attention and increase your donor base you need to have excellent communication skills. You must be direct, precise, and a storyteller. The best thing you can do is demonstrate those traits in your resume. Action verbs can help you simplify your information and accurately illustrate your duties in past jobs.

Use bullet points in your work experience section and start with a strong action verb to showcase reliability and accountability. Remember not to repeat them across your resume. If you need some inspiration, take a look at the following ones:

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Managed
Organized
Mentored
Conducted
Directed
Demonstrated
Illustrated
Led
Taught
Achieved
Educated
Motivated
Moderated
Coordinated
Encouraged
Informed

For more related action verbs, visit Sales Action Verbs.

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.

Skills For Fundraising Resumes

You may think that fundraising only requires soft skills like communication, networking, and time management. This is true in some way. However, this occupation also has a highly technical side in terms of financial skills and computer literacy.

You must be familiar with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, Excel, fundraising software, and Database Management systems. You must also have a basic understanding of marketing techniques such as email marketing and crowd segmentation. Below, we have included some relevant skills for your fundraising resume.

Fundraising
Nonprofit Organizations
Volunteer Management
Charities
Event Planning
Event Management
Social Media
Public Relations
Stewardship
Research
Marketing
Corporate Fundraising
Customer Service
Community Engagement
Philanthropy
Social Media Marketing
Community Outreach
Writing
Editing
Facebook

For more skills, visit Fundraising Skills & Keywords.

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Fundraising Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Fundraising Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Fundraising job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

Top Fundraising Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

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