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 easy, and sometimes I get pushback that this advice is too simplistic, but in my experience, it is true. Breaking into fundraising often comes down to finding that first opportunity. Fundraising is a profession built on track record, relationships, and trust, so the key is finding an organization willing to give you the chance to prove yourself.
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 have to build credibility, relationships, and a network over time before people feel confident working with you. Fundraising works very 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.