How can you write a cover letter that stands out for a Philanthropy job?

The mission of the organization has to be something you are passionate about or have a desire to get more involved in. Put that in your cover letter!

To craft standout cover letters, I focus on achievements, not just tasks, and highlight my soft skills to elevate qualities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I always remember to align my personal values with the mission of the prospective employer. This strategy has helped me secure many interviews and screenings.

Firstly, tailor each cover letter to ensure it doesn’t appear generic or sent to multiple organizations. Start by describing a personal connection to the organization’s mission. Highlight specific accomplishments, such as increasing donations by $X or X%, or managing large-scale fundraising events, to demonstrate your impact. Clearly articulate how your skills will benefit the organization. Sharing accomplishments builds credibility, and showing transferable experience reassures the hiring committee of your readiness to contribute effectively.

Personalize it to the hiring manager reading! Philanthropy can be brutal work & recognizing the individuality and humanity in the daily grind can leave a big impression. Take a minute to look up who will be interviewing you (LinkedIn, Staff website page, etc) and address it to them! See if there’s something you can naturally and genuinely relate to in their work history and find a way to include that when discussing strengths, experience, or goals. A key to philanthropy is resilience & sustainability - show that your humanity will be coming with you as part of the team.

I don't believe you need a burning passion for an organisation to raise funds for them, but you do need sympathy and an understanding. Do some research and show that you are able to learn and understand.

Read the job description carefully and use your cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences are relevant to the role. Examples don’t need to be overly long or detailed, merely give a taste with an invitation to explore your suitability further in a call or interview.

One of the most powerful things you can put in a cover letter is figures. Gift uplift and totals raised are important information. Talk about those. Make sure you highlight what you will bring to the organisation rather than what this role will bring to your career.

Understand the work that you’re entering and the state of it. Are you applying for an organization that supports affordable housing? Show that you understand that issue and how it affects the local community. Are you applying for a social enterprise that has its mission baked into the business model? Show that you understand the value of a social enterprise and how it can be a solution to the problem they are addressing. You don’t have to be an expert, but expressing understanding of the cause you’re applying to be a champion of, will go a long way.

I recommend uploading the JD into an AI large language model (LLM) like Claude with your resume and cover letter. Then, ask it to review the cover letter as the hiring manager for the job you’re applying for, checking for alignment, clarity, and precision. You can also ask for feedback to identify the strengths and gaps needed to win an interview successfully.

A cover letter should be concise, but don't feel limited to one page unless instructed. Say what you need to say and make sure it is sensible. Answer the person specification and show what you will bring. Personality is good in fundraising, show it.

Trust me, an employer will contact you if they want to. There is no need to be forceful about it. Thanks and a sign off will do. There is no need to say you will follow it up, or expect to hear from them.