How to write a Fundraiser CV that gets interviews
Stand out to recruiters with a strategically crafted CV. Learn exactly what hiring managers look for, which keywords get past Applicant Tracking Systems, and how to showcase your experience like a top candidate.
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Understanding the Fundraiser role
A Fundraiser in the UK works across Charities, NGOs, Universities and schools and similar organisations, using tools like Salesforce / CRM software, Donorbox / GiveWP (donation platforms), Raiser's Edge (donor database), Eventbrite, Google Analytics on a daily basis. The role sits within the non-profit & charity sector and involves a mix of technical work, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving. It's a career that rewards both deep specialist knowledge and the ability to collaborate across teams.
Fundraisers often enter from charitable organisations, event management, or marketing backgrounds. A degree in any subject helps; some pursue fundraising qualifications or postgraduate study. Most start as junior fundraisers or fundraising officers, building experience in donor relations, grant writing, events, and campaign management. Progression depends on developing specialist expertise (major donor relationships, grant writing, capital campaigns), growing fundraised revenue, and relationship-building skills. Many are mission-driven and accept lower salaries for cause alignment.
Day to day, fundraisers are expected to manage competing priorities, stay current with industry developments, and deliver measurable results. The role has grown significantly in recent years as demand for non-profit & charity professionals continues to rise across the UK job market.
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What they actually do
A day in the life of a Fundraiser
Identify and cultivate donor relationships, building relationships with individuals, trusts, corporates, and foundations. You'll prospect, solicit, and steward donors.
Write grant applications to trusts and foundations, researching funding sources, developing proposals, and securing grants.
Manage fundraising campaigns and events, developing strategy, coordinating logistics, and raising funds from ticket sales and sponsorships.
Analyse fundraising performance, tracking donor retention, income sources, and ROI. You'll use data to optimise strategy.
Build fundraising strategy and partnerships with senior management and Board, aligning fundraising with charity objectives and sustainability.
What employers look for
Fundraisers often enter from charitable organisations, event management, or marketing backgrounds. A degree in any subject helps; some pursue fundraising qualifications or postgraduate study. Most start as junior fundraisers or fundraising officers, building experience in donor relations, grant writing, events, and campaign management. Progression depends on developing specialist expertise (major donor relationships, grant writing, capital campaigns), growing fundraised revenue, and relationship-building skills. Many are mission-driven and accept lower salaries for cause alignment. Relevant certifications include Institute of Fundraising (IOF) courses, CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive), Grant-writing certifications, Charity Governance training. Employers increasingly value practical experience alongside formal qualifications, so internships, placements, and portfolio work can be just as important as academic credentials.
CV writing guide
How to structure your Fundraiser CV
A strong Fundraiser CV leads with measurable achievements in non-profit & charity. Hiring managers scan for evidence of impact — concrete outcomes, project scale, and stakeholder impact. Mirror the language from the job description, particularly around Grant writing, Donor relationship management, Fundraising campaigns, Event management. Two pages maximum, clean layout, ATS-parseable.
Professional summary
Open with 2–3 lines that position you specifically as a fundraiser. Mention your years of experience, key specialisms (e.g. Salesforce / CRM software, Donorbox / GiveWP (donation platforms), Raiser's Edge (donor database)), and what you're targeting next. Mention the scale of your responsibilities — team sizes, budgets, or project values.
Key skills
List 8–10 skills matching the job description. For fundraiser roles, prioritise Salesforce / CRM software, Donorbox / GiveWP (donation platforms), Raiser's Edge (donor database), Eventbrite alongside stakeholder management, project delivery, and domain expertise. Use the exact phrasing from the job ad for ATS matching.
Work experience
Lead every bullet with a strong action verb: delivered, managed, improved, led, developed. "Delivered £150k in cost savings through supplier renegotiation" beats "Responsible for procurement". Show progression between roles — promotions and increasing responsibility tell a story.
Education & qualifications
Include your highest qualification, institution, and dates. Add relevant certifications like Institute of Fundraising (IOF) courses or CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive). If you're early in your career, put education before experience; otherwise, experience comes first.
Formatting
Use a clean, single-column layout. Avoid graphics, tables, and text boxes — ATS systems reject them. Save as PDF unless the application specifically requests Word.
ATS keywords
Keywords that get your CV shortlisted
75% of CVs never reach human eyes. Applicant Tracking Systems filter candidates automatically. These keywords help you get past the bots and in front of hiring managers.
The formula for success
What makes a Fundraiser CV stand out
Quantify achievements
Replace "responsible for" with numbers. "Increased sales by 34%" beats "drove revenue growth" every time.
Mirror the job description
Use the exact language from the job posting. Hiring managers search for specific terms—match them naturally throughout.
Keep formatting clean
ATS systems struggle with graphics and complex layouts. Stick to clear structure, consistent fonts, and sensible spacing.
Lead with impact
Put achievements first. Your role summary should be a punchy summary of impact, not a job description.
Mistakes to avoid
Fundraiser CV mistakes that cost interviews
Even excellent candidates get filtered out for small oversights. Here's what to watch out for.
Using a generic CV that doesn't mention fundraiser-specific skills like Salesforce / CRM software, Donorbox / GiveWP (donation platforms), Raiser's Edge (donor database)
Listing duties instead of achievements — "Delivered £150k in cost savings through supplier renegotiation"" vs the vague alternative
Including a photo or personal details like date of birth — UK CVs shouldn't have either
Exceeding two pages — recruiters spend 6–8 seconds on initial screening, so density kills your chances
Omitting certifications like Institute of Fundraising (IOF) courses that signal credibility to non-profit & charity hiring managers
Technical toolkit
Essential skills for Fundraiser roles
Recruiters scan for these skills first. Make sure each is represented in your work history and highlighted clearly.
Questions about Fundraiser CVs
Do I need a qualification in fundraising to become a fundraiser?
No, but it helps. Many fundraisers have degrees in any subject. Institute of Fundraising (IOF) courses and qualifications are valuable but not essential early in career. Many learn on the job. However, formal qualifications (Diploma in Fundraising, CFRE) support progression to senior roles. If you're early in career, consider IOF Level 2 or 3 courses (part-time, affordable) to build credibility.
How do I transition into fundraising from another sector?
Fundraising values transferable skills: sales, communication, relationship-building, project management. Highlight relevant experience. If you have grant-writing experience (in any sector), emphasise that. Consider volunteering for a charity fundraising event or project to build sector knowledge before applying. Many fundraisers come from marketing, events, or sales backgrounds and transition successfully if mission-driven.
What's the difference between grant writing and major donor fundraising?
Grant writing focuses on securing funding from trusts, foundations, and government through competitive applications. Major donor fundraising focuses on building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and soliciting gifts. Both are critical. Some fundraisers specialise in one; others do both. Grants are more predictable; major gifts more relational. Most large charities need both skillsets.
How much of fundraising is "asking" vs. relationship building?
Relationship building is foundation—80-90% of your time. "Asking" happens naturally once relationships are strong. Many fundraisers struggle with asking directly; it's the skill most worth developing. Good relationship building makes asking easier. Avoid treating asking as transactional; it's the culmination of relationship and shared values.
What's the impact of economic downturns on fundraising?
Recessions and economic stress reduce charitable giving, particularly from individuals. Grant funding (public, trust) may increase (demand-driven) or decrease (austerity). Major donors become more cautious. Successful fundraisers diversify income sources to weather downturns. Building strong relationships and demonstrating impact helps retain support. Fundraisers who thrive in downturns are valuable; they maintain resilience and adapt strategy.
How important is data and analytics in modern fundraising?
Increasingly important. Charities use data to identify prospects, segment donors, personalise communication, and measure ROI. CRM systems (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) are standard. Donors expect personalised engagement based on their preferences and giving history. Fundraisers who can analyse data, optimise campaigns, and demonstrate impact are significantly more valuable. Learning data analysis and CRM systems early strengthens prospects.
Prepare for the next step
Your CV gets you the interview. Here's what you need for the next stages.
Your Fundraiser CV, perfected.
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