Explore a range of up-to-date resources, events, and professional development opportunities tailored to the philanthropic sector. These resources are designed to help professionals enhance their skills, stay informed on industry trends, and strengthen their impact in fundraising, grantmaking, and nonprofit leadership. From specialized workshops to certifications and training programs, this section
The Smart Nonprofit's Intro to Hiring a Fractional Fundraiser As a nonprofit leader, you've probably experienced this scenario: Your organization needs experienced fundraising help, but hiring a senior development director feels financially out of reach. Meanwhile, hiring junior staff often leads to high turnover and requires significant training time you don't have. Sound familiar? You're n
Fundraising as a profession has gained more recognition, and with that, we’re seeing a growing interest from professionals with transferable skills who are eager to transition into fundraising. I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm of those wanting to enter the field—whether it’s at career fairs or through one-on-one coffee chats. This is especially evident among students, who are inspired by the notio
Since I began recruiting in 2008, I've often been asked about educational pathways for fundraisers and the value of certifications like the CFRE. Reviewing my past emails and blog posts, my perspective remains largely unchanged. Full disclosure: I didn’t have a CFRE when I was a fundraiser. With a young family—one child and another on the way—I had to choose between the CFRE and an MBA. I chose th
You likely already know the basics of what to prepare for your job interview: Examples of successes, how you handle setbacks and challenging people, and what to say when they ask you about your weaknesses. But as a fundraiser there is some specific preparation you should do that will set you apart from other candidates and help the employer to understand what you could bring to the role. Rea
While I haven’t been on many informational interviews myself, I’ve given thousands over the past fifteen years. When I started my fundraising career, I wasn’t aware of informational interviews and simply applied for jobs as they became available. Over time, awareness of informational interviews has grown, and more people are using them as a valuable tool for career development. Fortunately, fundra
In the competitive job market of 2024, candidates often lean on the years they've spent in a role as a badge of expertise. But are years on the job alone meaningful if they aren’t filled with diverse, progressive experience? Employers are looking for growth and adaptability, not repetition. Consider this example: Candidate A has 20 years of experience in fundraising, consistently meeting goals. Ho
With remote work now a standard post-COVID, it’s the perfect time to discuss work-life balance and how flexibility has become a key component of total compensation. Total compensation is about more than just salary and benefits; it’s the entire package, with non-monetary incentives like flexible work arrangements increasingly valued by employees. In my early fundraising days, options like telecomm
While pay may be a factor in job satisfaction, it often doesn’t top the list for fundraisers. Surveys frequently rank factors like engaging work, advancement opportunities, and a positive work environment as primary motivators. That said, fair and competitive compensation is still essential. It's the foundation. Employers must ensure that salaries are equitable and in line with performance and ind
What truly sets a skilled fundraiser apart? In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional fundraisers, and over time, I've observed the traits they consistently share. I’ve also considered the top qualities that my clients are looking for in today’s evolving fundraising landscape. Here’s a look at the eight core characteristics that define a standout fundraiser. Listening S
