How can you advance beyond entry-level positions in philanthropy?

Make sure to join organizations that have a history or promoting from within and developing /training their staff. It is all too easy when the mission is overwhelming to forget about the growth of staff . If you're not in an organization that has this potential for advancement find one that is aligned with your personal focus/goals and don't be afraid to move.

Make sure that you are working in positions in which the organization's mission aligns with your personal WHY -- your purpose and reason for being. That's the one and only way to bring your genuine, true and authentic self into your philanthropy work!

Defining what resonates is a must. That being said, the best way to advance in philanthropy is to roll your sleeves up and dive in! Volunteer!!!! Try a few things and see what speaks to your soul. Once you have that little bit of direction find a mentor, and volunteer some more. It is one of the few professions where you can have as much hands on experience as you want if you just sign up.

Be willing to move geographically when opportunities arise. Take lateral positions if necessary. Promise realistically, but deliver.

So many people assume that philanthropy is all about raising money and going in for "the ask", but there is so much more. Find the marriage of passion and skill. There are so many opportunities to include events, community building, social media, marketing, and programmatic support. Attend industry events and get to know what other people do. Does their job sound interesting? Position yourself to assist with that role at your current agency and build up your skill to be able to pitch a job expansion or growth based on your new expertise.

Know and love your mission, then put your head down and go to work. How do you advance from an entry level fundraising job? How do you get an A+ in a fundraising career? Simple…raise money! And you raise money by asking for money, you can ask for money by setting appointments, you have appointments from making phone calls. Spend 80% of your time asking for gifts, in appointments and making your calls…you will succeed! Don’t get too caught up in all the “other stuff” of your job. And for all gifts, express proper and multiple forms of gratitude, and show impact of gifts. Good luck!

Engaging in volunteer work within nonprofit organizations presents a valuable opportunity to acquire a diverse set of skills that can be instrumental in personal and professional growth. If circumstances don't permit you to volunteer outside of your regular work hours, consider approaching individuals already involved in roles that pique your interest. To further enrich your understanding and expertise in nonprofit leadership, you might explore various podcasts dedicated to this domain, offering insights and best practices from seasoned professionals. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn host numerous nonprofit groups where you can stay updated, network with like-minded individuals, and access a plethora of resources.

One of the things I appreciated most about working in smaller nonprofits was the ability to explore new ideas and put them into practice. In a nonprofit that is not yet fully established, there is more room to grow your own skills and learn from your mistakes. Take a webinar or listen to a podcast on a strategy you’ve never tried before, do more research, then see how you can directly apply it to your own organization and see what works. Every organization and their target audience is different, so trying different approaches will not only expand your skill set, but also diversify the nonprofit’s strategies and build up its strength and resilience for the future.

Learn from your peers. If you fundraise from trusts, ask to go to meetings with HNWIs. If you run the annual fund, talk to someone about legacy giving. Grow your knowledge and get involved. If you want to be a director of fundraising in the future, you don't have to be an expert on every income stream, but a good understanding is essential. Learn.

In my experience, I've come to understand the importance of acquiring and showcasing relevant skills and knowledge to advance in philanthropy from the start. This sector values a diverse range of competencies, including research, communication, and project management. Throughout my tenure, I've honed these skills through attending workshops and engaging in hands-on experiences. My regular interactions with refugees, volunteers, communities and partner organizations have enhanced my communication skills. This includes delivering presentations, drafting reports about our grants, facilitating discussions, etc. As you begin to tackle tasks with genuine enthusiasm, you'll notice a steady growth in your knowledge, skills, and confidence.

This is so important! You should be a part of building your organization's brand but don't forget about building your own brand too. Connect with other fundraisers, network with individuals and companies in your community, share what you're working on (on) LinkedIn! Join your local Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Grants Professional Associations (GPA), Planned Giving Councils, etc and build your network from there. Ask people you meet who else you should meet! The best piece of advice I ever received was "It's not about who you know... it's about who knows you."

Philanthropy is primarily a mission driven finance and funding space so relationships will be key to creating greater value. Try some of these steps to build your value. 1 - Join professional associations, that offer training. I was a Fellow in the Association for Black Funding Executives, Connecting Leaders program. This helped me deepen my knowledge of the space and broaden my network. Philanthropy New York is another great organization that can help you gain skills and build your network. 2 - Do your own research on which Foundations, wealthy families and other philanthropic entities are aligned with your mission. Find ways to participate, share your subject expertise, volunteer and attend events that they sponsor or promote.

There are professional groups, perhaps local to your area, that encourage those in the nonprofit career. AFP, Association for Fundraising Professionals, for example, has been a personal favorite of mine. I have attended events, in-person or virtual, trainings, conferences, and volunteer days. An organization like this makes networking easy and all members will have some relation to the nonprofit world, whether that is through grants, membership organizations, and more. Programs like these also oftentimes have dedicated job boards for members so that you may have access to jobs that have not been released elsewhere yet.

Make yourself a brand. Whether you use social media or just going out in the community and talking to people. When they think of xyz company they think of you. Oh let me call xyz he/she will know about this or if they don't they will know who to call. Remember people will always remember how you treat them or how you make them feel. That is key

There are so many opportunities to network with other’s in your industry. First make sure you’re a member of your local fundraising associations. Try local AFP/AHP Chapters and watch their calendars for upcoming minglers/events. Look for mentorship programs - some AFP chapters offer opportunities to be paired with a mentor - this is a great way to expand your network and skill set! Volunteering’s also valuable & can increase your visibility. Again local AFP/AHP Chapters are always looking for volunteers for an assortment of committee’s. You can even look within your own community to see where volunteers are needed-schools, food banks, hospitals, etc. And attend conferences, always take part in round tables & make new connections!

Find a mentor, find someone you respect who can offer advice and guidance through your career. Someone that won't give you the answers, but will ask you the right questions to help you get to your own answers. Fundraising is a small world, and nearly everyone is happy to offer advice and assistance. Take it and give it.

Always seek feedback. Find a mentor! New fundraisers may feel they’re asking a lot- but trust me, those of us who have been fundraising this long enjoy sharing how we got (or fell) into the industry. We love “storytelling” and sharing the experiences we’ve had and learned! We value being asked for feedback. I always appreciate when my team or new fundraisers want to know how “I would handle a situation” or how “I feel they’re doing and what they could change or work on”. Also ask donors for feedback! I seek input from donors after presenting a campaign/case. Ask what they thought the best parts of your presentation were, did they like how it was presented, what was missing. They’ll be honoured you asked & happy to give feedback!

It's essential to recognize that most individuals may not meet every criterion on an employer's qualification list, especially in the dynamic environment of nonprofit organizations. In such contexts, perhaps one of the most invaluable skills to develop is adaptability. The nonprofit sector often presents unpredictable challenges and changing priorities, making flexibility a highly sought-after trait. By demonstrating flexibility and a readiness to contribute wherever your unique skills align with organizational needs, you not only showcase your dedication but also maximize your potential impact within the nonprofit entity.

Step outside of your comfort zone so you can grow. Talk to groups and people you may not normally and link them back to what you are doing. They can provide a new perspective to an old idea. Opportunities can fall into your lap and then there are some that you may have to go out there and invite yourself into.

Let your passion be your guide. If you’re trying to advance in philanthropy, why? What’s your drive? And once you’ve answered this, ask yourself why again. Drill down deep so you can understand your true reason and passion. You may find that your reasons are selfish. And that’s ok! We are trained to not be selfish. But it’s not always a negative thing. In fact, it’s necessary to understand selfish motives in order to unlock one’s greatest work. I will in the same breath share, I’ve seen so many times that those with selfless motives simply seem to go further. Put your passion, whatever it is, in the drivers seat and let it steer you. Passion is a great driver, especially when its motives are pure.

Under promise. Over deliver. Do this in every realm of your work and life, and you will get a reputation as someone who gets results. Combine this with kindness, humility, the mindset of a learner, and a big dose of consistently keeping your word and everything else will usually fall into place.

Be patient. One of the largest criticisms of our industry is that we are only in it for the money (ie: donation) and we are rushing to the next gift opportunity. In order to rise to a leadership role, invest in the organization with time. Résumé’s that show you bouncing around every one to two years show hire ability but not longevity. Institutions want to invest in individuals that will join with them for the long haul.