How would I become a professional Fundraising Specialist for nonprofits?
I am interested in taking this certificate from Boston University https://onlineprofundraising.bu.edu/ but I'm wondering if there are cheaper ways, and what you as a possible fundraising specialist would recommend.
#fundraising #nonprofitmanagement
#campaigns #raisefunds
6 answers

Matthew Washington
Matthew’s Answer
I worked for a large non profit for over 10 years in operations and dealt with fundraising and operations as well. The first skill you need to master is learning how to connect with people. People do business with those they know, like and trust and that includes donors. You also need to master the art of becoming an influencer. As a fundraiser you are going to use this skill to influence people to either participate, volunteer, give or all three. There are books and youtube videos that can help you develop these skills. A good book to read is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Let's go back to the original quote which was "people do business with those they know, like and trust." What does that mean. In order to be effect in fundraising first people need to know you. The real you. You will need to be vulnerable and transparent and get to know people on a level that's not superficial. Find a common subject or hobby and just approach the relationship with the intent to get to know the person, not to make an ask for anything. Second, is the "like." Once you develop a commonality and lower the walls of unfamiliarity people will walk away saying, "you know, I like Ana, she was neat." Once they feel like they know enough about you and the general opinion is that you are likeable, now you can start with building trust. How? If you have a conversation and end with, I will call you tomorrow before 10am with more info on that" then you better call by 10am with the info. You can build trust through small and big actions that can be measured. Trust is defined as - a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something. Are you reliable? Can someone have confidence in your ability? Does the organization or cause you represent have these qualities as well? Once trust is built you now have in place the final piece of the puzzle to get donors to give, volunteer and support your efforts. Most people will believe in a cause because they believe in you!
Be creative. Find ways to create fun and engaging fundraising events, messaging and communications. Find a way to provide value to those who are supporting the cause as well. The relationship should be a two way street,
Final thoughts. Always, always work on becoming the best version of yourself. Do personal development regularly. Search youtube for 'personal development' or if you feel like you are weak in an area work on that area of your life. If you are shy search for 'how to get over being shy' and if you want info on fundraising search 'effective fundraising skills.'
Hope this helps.

Darcel Bowles
Darcel’s Answer
Major, Minor, Accelerated
I copied this off the internet. fundraising Specialist Career | What do they do?
https://www.marketing-schools.org/careers/fundraising-specialist.html
What Do They do?
Qualifications
Becoming A Fundraising Specialist
Fundraising specialists help organizations identify areas most in need of fundraising support. They discover how much money needs to be raised, and which avenues they can raise that money through. Fundraising specialists develop strategies for making the case that an organization needs funding. One of the principle questions they answer is “why should I donate?” Meeting with other fundraising coordinators, they embark on large campaigns where they contact many people and businesses to incre…
Darcel recommends the following next steps:

Roshawnda Washington
Roshawnda’s Answer

Darcel Bowles
Darcel’s Answer
Major, Minor, Accelerated
I copied this off the internet. fundraising Specialist Career | What do they do?
https://www.marketing-schools.org/careers/fundraising-specialist.html
What Do They do?
Qualifications
Becoming A Fundraising Specialist
Fundraising specialists help organizations identify areas most in need of fundraising support. They discover how much money needs to be raised, and which avenues they can raise that money through. Fundraising specialists develop strategies for making the case that an organization needs funding. One of the principle questions they answer is “why should I donate?” Meeting with other fundraising coordinators, they embark on large campaigns where they contact many people and businesses to incre…
Darcel recommends the following next steps:

Darcel Bowles
Darcel’s Answer
Major, Minor, Accelerated
I copied this off the internet. fundraising Specialist Career | What do they do?
https://www.marketing-schools.org/careers/fundraising-specialist.html
What Do They do?
Qualifications
Becoming A Fundraising Specialist
Fundraising specialists help organizations identify areas most in need of fundraising support. They discover how much money needs to be raised, and which avenues they can raise that money through. Fundraising specialists develop strategies for making the case that an organization needs funding. One of the principle questions they answer is “why should I donate?” Meeting with other fundraising coordinators, they embark on large campaigns where they contact many people and businesses to incre…
Darcel recommends the following next steps:

Tom Behan
Tom’s Answer
I took a fundraising management certificate course from the University of Washington and it was valuable in seeking this line of work. I'd recommend you take the course. I would also suggest interning if possible with someone else who is already doing this kind of work. There are individuals and actually companies who provide fund raising services to a variety of non-profits. Try Googling and see what turns up in your area. If nothing more you may find a phone number to call and ask if you can speak to someone about getting into this field. Most often folks are willing to help.
Good luck on a very worthwhile goal.