Chapter 18 – Fundraising
18.2 Qualifications, Skills & Competencies
A career in nonprofit fundraising typically requires a strong educational foundation, with common degree backgrounds in fields such as communications, business, or nonprofit management. These areas of study provide skills in strategic thinking, financial management, and effective communication—essential for engaging donors and managing resources. Fundraising roles also benefit from coursework or certifications in areas like marketing, grant writing, or public relations, all of which contribute to a well-rounded skill set for successful fundraising.
Fundraising professionals need a mix of interpersonal and technical skills to thrive. Soft skills such as relationship-building, strong communication, and a commitment to ethical practices are crucial. Fundraisers must establish trust with donors and stakeholders, demonstrating both sincerity and transparency.
Attention to detail is the ability to thoroughly and accurately complete tasks by focusing on small but critical elements. In fundraising, it is also vital, as fundraisers manage complex donor information, draft precise grant proposals, and maintain accurate financial records. Even small errors can affect credibility and relationships with donors, making meticulousness essential.
Technical skills play a significant role as well, especially proficiency with data analysis and CRM tools. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is software designed to help organizations track and manage relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. For nonprofit fundraisers, CRM tools streamline donor engagement, automate fundraising efforts, and provide insights to improve donor retention and campaign effectiveness. These systems centralize data, making it easier to manage fundraising campaigns, outreach, and donor stewardship.
Key Features of CRM Tools for Nonprofit Fundraising:
- Donor Management – Stores donor contact information, giving history, and engagement records in one place.
- Fundraising & Campaign Tracking – Monitors donations, pledges, peer-to-peer fundraising, and capital campaigns.
- Email & Outreach Automation – Sends personalized thank-you notes, fundraising appeals, and newsletters.
- Grant & Major Gift Management – Tracks grant applications, reporting deadlines, and major donor prospects.
- Volunteer & Membership Management – Organizes volunteer schedules, participation, and membership renewals.
- Event Management – Coordinates fundraising events, ticket sales, sponsorships, and attendee tracking.
- Analytics & Reporting – Provides insights into donor trends, campaign performance, and fundraising success.
- Integration Capabilities – Connects with email marketing, social media, online donation platforms, and accounting software.
Popular CRM Tools for Nonprofits:
- Bloomerang – Focuses on donor retention with engagement insights and automated outreach.
- Neon CRM – A comprehensive solution for managing donors, events, and fundraising campaigns.
- DonorPerfect – Tracks donations, campaigns, and online giving for scalable nonprofit fundraising.
- Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud – A highly customizable platform tailored for large nonprofits.
- Kindful (by Bloomerang) – Integrates fundraising, donor management, and reporting tools.
- Little Green Light – An affordable option for small to mid-sized nonprofits, offering donor and event tracking.
How Nonprofit Fundraisers Use CRM Tools:
- Strengthening Donor Relationships – Tracks donor interactions to personalize outreach and boost retention.
- Managing Fundraising Campaigns – Organizes annual appeals, Giving Tuesday efforts, and capital campaigns.
- Automating Communications – Schedules and personalizes emails, donor acknowledgments, and impact reports.
- Tracking Grant & Major Gift Efforts – Keeps records of grant applications, major donor cultivation, and stewardship activities.
- Enhancing Event Management – Manages RSVPs, ticketing, sponsorships, and post-event follow-ups.
By using CRM tools, nonprofits can build stronger relationships, increase fundraising efficiency, and optimize donor engagement.
