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Career in Fundraising

Explore what it means to work in fundraising, what roles are available, and how you can get started. Learn how a career in fundraising combines purpose, impact, and professional growth.

Fundraising Tips Career Fundraising (no bg)

Make a difference - Not only with your donation, but with your profession

Working in fundraising means more than just raising money—it’s about dedicating your time and skills to a meaningful cause. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to apply your experience in a new context, a career in fundraising offers the chance to make a real impact, professionally and personally. It’s a dynamic field that combines strategy, communication, creativity, and human connection. Fundraisers help build bridges between donors and the causes they care about - making them a vital part of every nonprofit organisation.

 

Donating & Fundraising makes happy

Many people find joy in supporting a good cause. But making a difference doesn’t have to stop at giving. Professional involvement in a meaningful mission, such as through a fundraising role, can also increase personal fulfilment. Investing your time and energy into something purposeful is a deeply rewarding feeling—one that can carry into your workday.
Numerous studies have shown that acts of giving and helping others release endorphins and create a sense of connection and purpose. Fundraising allows you to channel this positive energy into your daily work—and inspire others to do the same.

We explore this connection in more detail in our blog article on Why Giving Makes Us Happy. It’s worth a read if you’re considering how to align your career with doing good. Fundraising is a powerful way to do just that.

 

Working in Fundraising

Donating to a good cause brings joy to many people. But professional engagement in such a mission can also have a positive effect on personal satisfaction—for example, through a job in fundraising. Investing your time and energy in something meaningful is a truly rewarding experience.


Fundraising offers a broad range of roles that go far beyond asking for donations. From managing donor relationships to overseeing campaign strategy or developing digital tools, it’s a field that welcomes a wide variety of skills.

You’ve already read about the versatility of fundraising on this page—and that also applies to the wide variety of job roles in the field. First, it’s important to consider what you're looking for. Do you simply want to work in a nonprofit organisation? If so, you’ll find roles in everything from accounting to data analysis to marketing—similar to many other sectors.
Regardless of the role, working in a nonprofit environment means being part of a mission-driven team that values collaboration, transparency, and impact.

  • RaiseNow Team
  • RaiseNow Team
  • RaiseNow Team
  • RaiseNow Team
  • RaiseNow Team
  • RaiseNow Team

There are also job platforms that specialize in nonprofit roles:

 

You’ll also find their listings on general job boards. Or perhaps you’ll even join RaiseNow !

 

In an ever-changing job market, nonprofit job platforms are a valuable resource to find mission-aligned work that matches your values and experience.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge, there are flexible learning paths available to suit your schedule, goals, and level of experience.

 

What does a fundraiser do?

If you’ve read this far, you already know quite a bit about what fundraisers do. But here’s the key point once again: Fundraisers inspire people to donate to a specific cause.
They do this by building relationships, crafting compelling messages, and designing campaigns that move people to act. Fundraisers also analyse data, manage donor journeys, and work closely with colleagues in communications, finance, and leadership.

It’s a role that blends empathy with strategy - and every donation they help raise brings an organisation one step closer to fulfilling its mission.

 

How do you become a fundraiser?

You can enter the field from many different professions. Many fundraisers have a background in marketing, communications, or social sciences—but that’s not a requirement.

The field is open to career changers and those looking for a more meaningful job. What counts most is your motivation, your ability to connect with people, and your willingness to learn. Many organisations offer on-the-job training, mentoring, or workshops to help new fundraisers build their skills and grow into the role.

 

Learn more about training opportunities

The best place to start is the German Fundraising Association (Deutscher Fundraising Verband). They offer resources and information on where and how to train as a fundraiser.
You’ll find options ranging from one-day seminars to full professional certifications and academic degrees. The association also offers networking events and practical tools to help you get started and stay current in your fundraising career.

Whether you're looking to change careers, deepen your impact, or simply do work that aligns with your values—fundraising offers a fulfilling and future-oriented path. It’s a profession where purpose meets practice, and where your efforts can create lasting change. Start exploring the opportunities today and become part of a community that turns commitment into meaningful results.

  

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