Fundraising Career Tips
[Tip Sheet]
Ten tips to having a rewarding career in philanthropy.
- Never work for an organization for which you do not feel exquisite passion — a fire in the belly.
- If you feel there are ethical issues within your organization that are not up to your standards, know when it is time to "Shake the dust" and move on to an organization that has impeccable integrity.
- Have impeccable integrity yourself — follow the first rule of fundraising: the donor deserves the most consideration, your organization comes second, and your own interests come last.
- Set realistic but aggressive goals for yourself and for your organization. Write your goals down and monitor progress on a regular basis.
- Know your limitations and don't attempt to tackle jobs that are too far beyond your experience and skills. Know if you want to be specialist or a generalist.
- Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
- Read, read, read as much about the profession as you can.
- Join AFP and get active on committees within your local chapter and on a national level.
- Attend as many conferences, seminars and workshop as you can.
- Network, network, network. And remember that networking means making connections for and giving information to the other person as well as obtaining connections and information for yourself.
If you need to learn more about any aspect of development that will help you advance in your career, visit our website for our list of upcoming workshops. For a list of great fundraising books, see our list of recommended nonprofit books. If you are looking for personal mentoring or coaching, don't miss our On Demand section of this website.
“The future has several names.
For the weak it is impossible,
For the fainthearted, it is unknown,
For the thoughtful and the valiant, it is ideal.
The challenge is urgent, the task is large, the time is now.”
—Victor Hugo
Copyright © 1993-2009 — CAPITAL VENTURE SM. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in full or part is prohibited without permission.
Reproduction in full or part is prohibited without permission.
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