You've gained fundraising internship experience. Which career paths should you consider pursuing?

Higher Education and Foundations Consider roles in higher education or foundations, such as Alumni Relations Specialist or Foundation Program Officer. These positions involve managing fundraising campaigns and grants, supporting educational programs, and contributing to large-scale impacts. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Explore opportunities in CSR within the business sector. Positions like CSR Coordinator or Community Relations Specialist involve managing corporate giving programs and fostering community partnerships, blending business acumen with social impact.

Mi experiencia trabajando dentro del tercer sector no ha sido más que maravillosa. Conocí nuevas metodologías de trabajo, retos que surgen en el mundo de las ONGs y principalmente, ver el cambio que se logra en la vida real de los proyectos de campo te cambia la vida. En el mundo de la recaudación de fondos surgen retos diarios y lo bonito es aprender a usar tu creatividad para resolverlo. Si vienes de un campo de marketing, vas a disfrutar más, en el sentido que vas a usar tu experiencia a beneficio de una causa que cambia positivamente el mundo.

A career in individual giving fundraising is ideal for those passionate about making a direct impact and excelling in personal engagement and relationship-building. It suits empathetic communicators who connect with people on a personal level and inspire them to support causes financially. This role involves working closely with donors, helping them find meaningful ways to contribute, and providing satisfaction from supporting vital nonprofit work. Those who thrive in this field are proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing and cultivating long-term donor relationships, making it a rewarding choice for those dedicated to philanthropy.

In most non profits if you ask if you can do a program related role while continuing to learn from the fundraising professionals you will be welcomed with open arms. Working as a teacher at an education non profit will still give you chances to learn how to apply for grants etc. Being a junior part of a successful grant team will also allow you to find out if that is a full time role that appeals to you. In most non profit roles, developing your skills as a fundraiser will be helpful. Learn to tell the story of your non profit and realize that donors are looking for ways to make a difference. Do not take a job at a nonprofit that you don’t believe in, and commit to overcome the natural aversion most people have to fundraising.

Phone banking to call people who aren’t current donors but are alumni is one of the most miserable parts of fundraising, but it is also helpful experience. You get better and better at handling rejection and you learn how to handle objections and ask for support in a crucible. Universities are also excellent in development departments at measurable work. You will learn that a high volume of positive interactions that don’t accomplish the primary goal (securing funding) will actually accomplish secondary goals like promoting the brand that are good. In nonprofit hiring for development professionals I love to see that someone has experience in University development.

Hay que estar consiente que la carrera dentro del campo de fundraising algún día va a terminar. Una buena manera de aprovechar ese conocimiento adquirido es ayudando a nuevas generaciones. Tu experiencia como profesional es altamente requerida en institutos superior. Con lo novedoso que es el fundraising, cada vez se están abriendo nuevas especialidades en este campo. Una gran oportunidad laboral si ya decidiste dejar la vida operativa.

Las consultorías es una manera divertida de poder trabajar con organizaciones sociales de todo tipo. Algunos tips si ingresas a esta metodología de trabajo. - Aprende a prospectar. - Crea redes profesionales a través de LinkedIn. - En las reuniones de trabajo aprende a dar valor a tus clientes. - Tu conocimiento va ser bien cotizado, trabaja con personas que lo quieran aprovechar. Recuerda que es un camino de decepciones y alegrías, ten paciencia si los resultados no se dan inmediatamente.

En mi experiencia, lanzarse como empresa proveedora de servicios de ONGs, me resultó interesante. Me ha dado la oportunidad de conocer distintos flujos de trabajo de distintos países y con filosofías de recaudación de fondos diferenciadas. Este campo de trabajo carga un arduo proceso de posicionamiento. Lo recomendable es crear una imagen de autoridad dentro del ámbito de fundraising antes de empezar a prospectar. El proceso de tener la reunión con la persona que toma decisiones es complicado. Pero todo es un camino de aprendizaje, en el cuál te diviertes en el proceso.

Small non profits have the hardest time when they are in the position of selling a concept rather than the results of the work they have done. If possible look for people to bring in as board members and or as leaders in your venture who have already demonstrated success in the nonprofit realm. They can help you marry your passion to a workable plan to demonstrate that you are capable of delivering positive change with your organization.