As a career coach with over 25 years of experience, I cannot stress enough the value of presenting a powerful, well-structured CV when applying for a Fundraiser role. The position of Fundraiser is vital within charities, non-profit organisations, and even corporate social responsibility departments. It’s a role that combines relationship-building, strategic planning, and persuasive communication to secure financial support for meaningful causes. Typically, Fundraisers in the UK can expect salaries ranging from £24,000 for entry-level positions to upwards of £45,000 for more experienced professionals, with senior managers and heads of fundraising earning significantly higher. With the right CV, you’ll be able to showcase not only your passion for making a difference but also your ability to deliver results.
The Importance of a Strong Fundraiser CV
When you’re competing for roles in such a people-focused industry, your CV must immediately demonstrate impact. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see evidence of fundraising targets achieved, donor relationships cultivated, and campaigns successfully delivered. A strong Fundraiser CV tells your career story while highlighting measurable outcomes. This is why using a proven cv template is such a smart move—it ensures you showcase your experience in a compelling, structured, and professional manner.
Fundraiser Job Description Snapshot
Before diving into building your CV, it’s crucial to understand the typical job description of a Fundraiser. Employers generally seek candidates who can:
Identify, develop, and maintain donor relationships
Research funding opportunities and apply for grants
Organise and deliver fundraising campaigns and events
Create and deliver compelling pitches and proposals
Manage budgets and ensure fundraising targets are met
Fundraising is not just about asking for money—it’s about storytelling, persistence, strategy, and accountability. Your CV must reflect these attributes.
How to Structure a Fundraiser CV
Your CV should flow clearly and logically. The ideal cv example for a Fundraiser follows a proven structure:
Header: Your name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile link.
Professional Profile / Personal Statement: A short but powerful summary highlighting your fundraising experience, achievements, and career ambitions.
Key Skills: Bullet point skills relevant to fundraising such as relationship management, donor engagement, event planning, proposal writing, grant applications, negotiation, and budget management.
Career History / Work Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements such as fundraising amounts raised, growth in donor numbers, successful event outcomes, and innovative campaign ideas.
Education and Qualifications: Relevant academic background, certifications, and additional training (e.g., IoF qualifications).
Additional Sections: Volunteering, languages, IT skills, and other credentials that demonstrate your suitability.
Tips for Writing a Winning Fundraiser CV
Tailor Your CV: Always match your CV to the role you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description.
Show Results: Quantify achievements wherever possible—‘Raised £250,000 in donations over 12 months’ is much more powerful than ‘Responsible for fundraising.’
Keep It Concise: Aim for two pages maximum, unless you’re at a very senior level.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Many skills such as sales, marketing, or stakeholder engagement translate effectively into fundraising.
Demonstrate Passion: Employers want Fundraisers who genuinely believe in the cause.
Advice for Graduates Entering Fundraising
Graduates often wonder how they can compete when they lack direct fundraising experience. The good news is that fundraising is as much about potential and drive as it is about past results. Focus on:
Volunteering and unpaid experiences in charity fundraising events.
Transferable skills from university societies, student unions, or part-time jobs.
Showcasing your ability to network, persuade, and influence.
Demonstrating creativity and willingness to learn.
Employers often welcome graduates with fresh ideas and energy, so don’t underestimate the value of your extracurricular activities.
Advice for Middle Management Fundraisers
At this stage, your CV should emphasise leadership, strategy, and measurable outcomes. Employers expect mid-level Fundraisers to:
Lead small teams or projects.
Secure partnerships and larger donations.
Demonstrate consistent year-on-year fundraising growth.
Showcase innovative approaches to donor engagement.
Highlight your ability to manage people, budgets, and processes alongside your fundraising achievements. Employers are keen to see candidates who are not just performers but also enablers of success within a team.
Advice for Senior Fundraising Professionals
If you’re aiming for senior or head of fundraising positions, your CV needs to reflect big-picture thinking and high-level impact. This includes:
Strategic leadership across multiple fundraising channels.
Developing long-term donor stewardship strategies.
Achieving multimillion-pound fundraising goals.
Influencing at board and executive level.
Mentoring and developing fundraising teams.
At this level, the structure of your CV should be accomplishment-led rather than duty-led. Recruiters and trustees want to see vision, leadership, and impact.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Fundraiser CV
Do’s:
Do keep your CV professional, clear, and easy to read.
Do quantify fundraising results and provide tangible evidence of success.
Do tailor your CV for every job application.
Do include relevant keywords such as ‘donor engagement,’ ‘fundraising campaigns,’ and ‘grant writing.’
Don’ts:
Don’t overload your CV with unnecessary jargon.
Don’t list generic responsibilities without evidence of impact.
Don’t go beyond two pages unless you have 15+ years of senior-level experience.
Don’t forget to proofread—spelling and grammar errors can ruin a great application.
Final Thoughts on Creating an Interview-Winning Fundraiser CV
Your Fundraiser CV is your gateway to securing interviews and, ultimately, your dream role within the sector. By using a structured cv template and referring to a professional cv example, you’ll ensure your CV stands out in a highly competitive job market. Remember, fundraising is about convincing others to invest in a cause—and your CV is your very first pitch to an employer.
If you’d like professional help creating a CV that truly reflects your skills, achievements, and potential, then I would love to assist. At CV London, we specialise in crafting interview-winning CVs and LinkedIn profiles tailored to your career goals. Don’t leave your future to chance—book your one-to-one appointment today and let’s transform your career story together: Book an appointment here.
