I originally wrote and spoke about this topic years ago, and I even have a very poor-quality YouTube video about it somewhere on the old, not very active Gerard Search YouTube channel.
To this day, I still get so many requests for conversations about how to break into fundraising, which tells me this is still a very relevant topic. I have always believed it is important to raise awareness of our profession, both for people who are more familiar with the nonprofit sector and for folks like myself, 30 years ago, who did not grow up in an environment where nonprofits were highly visible and fundraising was considered a profession.
I realized recently that I do not actually have an active blog post anywhere outlining the steps to become a fundraiser, so here is my refreshed 2026 edition.
Here is what to do for a smoother entry into the profession. I have been giving this advice since 2008, so for almost 20 years now, and it works. I have seen hundreds of people successfully break into fundraising.
Research the sector
Do some real career soul-searching first. Is this actually what you want to do? Fundraising can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also relationship-driven, target-driven, and emotionally demanding at times. If the answer is yes, then take it seriously and approach it professionally.
Network in the sector
Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), or at least start attending sector events as a non-member. Networking opens doors, helps you understand the profession better, and shows people that you are serious about entering the field.
Take a fundamentals course
I strongly believe in learning while working in the sector. You do not need to complete a full certificate program before getting your first fundraising job. Start with a seminar, workshop, or fundamentals course. That is often enough to demonstrate commitment and build confidence. The New School of Fundraising and AFP have great fundamentals courses. Gerard Search offers bursaries for The New School of Fundraising Fundamentals course so be sure to ask NSOF about the application process.
Find that first job
It sounds simple, and sometimes I get pushback that it is too simplistic, but in my experience, it really is that simple. Fundraising is about building a track record. Find the organization willing to give you that first opportunity to prove yourself.
One of the best ways to do that is to align your existing experience as closely as possible with the fundraising role you are pursuing. Think about the transferable skills you already have and make them obvious to employers.
If you have worked in business development, highlight the similarities: building relationships, working toward targets, managing a pipeline, making presentations, and quantifying your results. If you have a corporate marketing or communications background, your first nonprofit role may naturally be in marketing and communications before moving into donor relations or frontline fundraising. Every career path is different, but the closer you can connect your previous experience to the role you are applying for, the easier it is for a hiring manager to see your potential.
Fundraising is a bit like becoming a realtor. You can get licensed fairly easily, but that does not automatically mean people will trust you to list their homes. You need to build credibility, relationships, and a track record. Fundraising works much the same way.
Once you get in, keep building
The toughest step in fundraising is often getting that first job. Once you are in the sector and building experience, career growth becomes much easier. That is when additional education, conferences, mentorship, and eventually professional designations like the CFRE can really help accelerate your development and open new doors.
Fundraising is very much a profession where experience builds upon experience. The key is getting started, staying curious, and continuing to grow.
Be patient and keep going
This one is key for me. I have seen many people succeed in fundraising, and I have also seen some struggle because of impatience or attitude, especially when they underestimate the profession or assume anyone can “just do it.”
Stay positive, stay curious, keep learning, and continue building relationships. Fundraising is very much a long-game profession, and consistency matters more than people realize.