Resume Examples for Fundraising

Resumes and CVs for fundraising professionals change depending on experience, from entry-level positions to seasoned experts. Discover effective templates tailored for each career stage and leverage our Resume Builder to craft your unique application materials.

Entry-Level Fundraising Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and career changers entering the fundraising sector, this template assists those creating a resume with no experience to highlight their skills and passion for nonprofit work.

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Why this resume works:

A strong educational foundation is evident through a master’s in nonprofit management and substantial experience coordinating fundraising events.

Mid-Career Fundraising Resume

An ideal choice for mid-level fundraising professionals, this template effectively showcases recent achievements and positions applicants for advanced roles in nonprofit organizations.

fundraising-mid-level-resume
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Why this resume works:

Action verbs like “raised,” “secured,” and “developed” highlight substantial contributions to fundraising efforts. Notable metrics include “raised $500k annually through event coordination” and “increased donor base by 30%,” presented in clear, concise bullet points for easy reading.

Experienced Fundraising Resume

An ideal choice for fundraising professionals with over 10 years of experience, this template supports job seekers pursuing senior-level roles in nonprofit development and community engagement.

fundraising-experienced-resume
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Why this resume works:

This resume effectively emphasizes a robust reverse-chronological work history, showcasing over 11 years of dedicated fundraising experience that captures the attention of hiring managers. The education section is strategically placed lower, as practical accomplishments in securing funding and building donor relationships are prioritized over academic qualifications at this stage in an applicant’s career.

Fundraising Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a fundraising resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document.

Yuki Kim

Louisville, KY 40211

Professional Summary

Dynamic fundraising leader with 9 years of proven success. Expert in donor relations and strategic event planning, generating substantial revenue growth and improving community engagement.

Work Experience

April 2023 – April 2026

Charity Works Unlimited – Louisville, KY

Fundraising Coordinator

  • Boosted funds by 25% using digital campaigns.
  • Secured sponsorships worth $150K annually.
  • Organized events, raising attendee numbers by 35%.

April 2017 – March 2023

Hope Foundation Network – Louisville, KY

Development Manager

  • Increased donor base by 50% in one year.
  • Led annual gala, raising $250K funds.
  • Created strategies, improving engagement by 30%.

April 2015 – March 2017

Giving Hands Society – Louisville, KY

Advancement Specialist

  • Implemented CRM, doubling donor retention.
  • Ran campaigns, gathering $100K yearly.
  • Enhanced website, boosting traffic by 40%.

Education

May 2015
University of Chicago Chicago, IL
Master’s Nonprofit Management

June 2013
University of Washington Seattle, WA
Bachelor’s Business Administration

Certifications

  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) – CFRE International
  • Nonprofit Management Certification – American Nonprofit Academy

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Donor Relations
  • Event Coordination
  • Digital Fundraising
  • Budget Management
  • CRM Implementation
  • Communication
  • Audience Development

How to Write a Fundraising Resume

As a fundraising professional, knowing how to write a resume means showcasing your skills and achievements in a way that appeals to potential employers. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the specific roles you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

Include the following essential information:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Skip listing personal details such as age, ethnicity, or social media links unless the employer specifically requests this information on your resume.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a concise introductory section, typically two to four sentences long, that highlights your key qualifications and establishes your professional identity. This brief overview serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, enticing them to explore your full resume and learn more about what you can offer.

Typically located at the top of your resume, the profile can be formatted as either a summary or an objective statement. Each option has its unique focus, allowing you to tailor your approach based on your career goals:

  • A resume summary highlights critical experience, skills, and achievements that are relevant to fundraising efforts. This format is especially beneficial for individuals with a relevant work history or transferable abilities looking to emphasize their significant contributions in the nonprofit sector.
  • A resume objective outlines your career aspirations and the achievements you aim for in your professional journey. It’s especially useful for recent graduates, individuals transitioning into new fields, or those with limited experience, including professionals entering fundraising roles.

Let’s examine the differences between a resume summary and a resume objective in the following examples:

Fundraising resume summary example:

Dedicated fundraising professional with over 6 years of experience in nonprofit organizations and community outreach initiatives. Proficient in donor relations, grant writing, and event planning. Acknowledged for successfully increasing funding sources and building strong partnerships that improve program sustainability.

Fundraising resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a degree in nonprofit management eager to launch a career in fundraising within a dynamic nonprofit organization. Committed to community impact and looking to leverage strong interpersonal skills and creativity to help drive successful campaigns for mission-driven causes.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume serves as an important foundation for your candidacy. Employers evaluate not just the roles you’ve held, but also how you’ve contributed to previous organizations and driven results. This narrative showcases how your background equips you with the skills necessary for the target fundraising role.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your fundraising strategies and successful campaigns

When crafting your work experience bullet points, tailor your language to the job you’re pursuing. Start with strong action verbs relevant to fundraising (like “Secured,” “Organized,” “Cultivated”) to grab attention.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Demonstrating your achievements with specific numbers not only highlights your contributions but also sets you apart from other job seekers by showcasing measurable success.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Organized and executed fundraising events that raised over $50,000 for local charities, engaging 200+ community members and improving organizational visibility.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Increased annual donations by 30% through strategic outreach initiatives and partnerships with local businesses.

Explore more work experience examples for fundraising professionals further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of your fundraising abilities, showcasing competencies essential for success in the role. This ATS-friendly resume format ensures compatibility with applicant tracking systems and allows hiring managers to quickly evaluate your qualifications.

Skills can be grouped into three categories:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well fundraisers collaborate with donors and teams. Important soft skills in fundraising include communication, empathy, persuasion, and adaptability.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or direct experience. For fundraising professionals, examples include grant writing, database management, and event planning.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform tasks using specialized tools and software. In fundraising, this includes familiarity with donor management systems, online crowdfunding platforms, and data analytics tools for tracking campaign performance.

Overall, aim to showcase a diverse array of relevant skills that match the job’s requirements to demonstrate your value. For more examples tailored to specific fundraising roles, please explore the skill suggestions listed further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer fundraising professional, consider placing your skills section higher on the resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills into your work history for a more cohesive presentation.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent degree, clearly stating the type of degree and the institution’s name.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider including additional details such as your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, or relevant coursework to improve your profile.

Fundraising resume education section example:

Bachelor of Arts in Fundraising Management
New York University, New York, NY
Graduated: 2023 | Graduated with Distinction

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, beginning with the highest degree first, such as Bachelor of Science in Fundraising (BSF), followed by Associate Degree in Philanthropic Studies.

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your expertise and ensure you stay informed about industry standards. While they may not be a staple on every resume, this section is essential for many professionals in fundraising roles. Employers frequently look for specific credentials, especially for positions that involve grant writing or donor relations.

List certifications on your resume, along with relevant training, that improve your application. Keeping these credentials current and neatly formatted will strengthen your professional profile.

Fundraising certification examples:

  • Fundraising Manager Certification | Association of Fundraising Professionals | Expires: 03/2028
  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) | CFRE International | Expires: 11/2027
  • Grant Writing Certificate | University of California, Berkeley | Expires: 01/2028
  • Nonprofit Management Certificate | Duke University | Expires: 08/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Work experience should reflect more than just job titles. It’s a platform to showcase your measurable contributions in fundraising, such as successful campaigns or donor engagement strategies. This approach not only highlights your achievements but also results in an ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

Tailor your work history to the specific role by incorporating relevant keywords. Begin by examining the job description closely, and pinpoint recurring skills or requirements. Reflect these elements in your experience descriptions to align with the employer’s needs effectively.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Secured $50K in donations during a fundraising event, exceeding the target by 25% and improving community engagement.
  • Developed and executed targeted outreach strategies, increasing donor participation by 40% over six months.
  • Collaborated with a team of volunteers to organize quarterly events, fostering relationships that led to a 30% rise in repeat donations.
  • Used social media platforms to promote campaigns, resulting in a 50% increase in online contributions.
  • Mentored new team members in fundraising techniques, improving overall team performance and cohesion.

Example of Skills for Fundraising

Incorporating the skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities for success in fundraising. Since hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, ensure that your skills are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description to capture their attention.

The skills highlighted below reflect what is currently valued in the fundraising sector. These competencies regularly appear on successful resumes and resonate with hiring managers looking for qualified applicants who can make an impact.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Relationship building
  • Team leadership
  • Negotiation skills

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Grant writing and management
  • Donor relationship building
  • Fundraising strategy development
  • Crowdfunding platforms (GoFundMe, Kickstarter)
  • Event planning and execution

What’s a Fair Fundraising Salary?

Researching salary information is essential for assessing job offers, negotiating salaries, and planning your career path. The data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reflects the latest national averages for fundraising professionals.

Several factors can impact actual earnings, including geographic location, years of experience, certifications, and specific areas of expertise. For example, fundraisers working for large nonprofit organizations or in major metropolitan areas often earn higher salaries than those in smaller institutions or less populated regions.

Alabama$108,350
Alaska$103,750
Arizona$121,750
Arkansas$75,840
California$156,460
Connecticut$133,500
Delaware$138,490
District of Columbia$156,170
Florida$128,880
Georgia$128,390
Hawaii$106,180
Idaho$93,700
Illinois$112,340
Indiana$134,450
Iowa$101,060
Kansas$128,500
Kentucky$118,430
Maine$126,210
Maryland$140,000
Massachusetts$165,580
Michigan$122,730
Minnesota$135,600
Mississippi$99,930
Missouri$98,560
Montana$115,550
Nebraska$107,440
Nevada$111,970
New Hampshire$145,440
New Jersey$149,040
New Mexico$105,410
New York$176,860
North Carolina$128,200
North Dakota$126,670
Ohio$114,480
Oklahoma$111,500
Oregon$105,780
Pennsylvania$121,410
Rhode Island$155,580
South Carolina$98,890
Tennessee$106,990
Texas$107,250
Utah$90,330
Vermont$128,800
Virginia$144,310
Washington$153,950
West Virginia$89,630
Wisconsin$136,000

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each job application. Reflect the employer’s language and keywords to engage both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable successes to showcase your contributions. Include specific metrics (e.g., funds raised, donor retention rates, event attendance) to differentiate yourself.
  • Select the appropriate format based on your experience. Entry-level applicants might prefer a functional style, whereas seasoned fundraisers typically opt for reverse-chronological layouts.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my fundraising resume?

There are three main resume formats to consider when applying for a fundraising position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the specific skills or achievements you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most popular format, as it highlights your work history by focusing on responsibilities and achievements. This structure works well for individuals with a stable career path because it reinforces their qualifications through relevant job experience. By organizing information this way, it showcases credibility to potential employers.
  • Functional: The functional resume, also referred to as a skills-based resume, emphasizes a summary of qualifications and an in-depth skills section rather than chronological work history. This format is especially helpful for job seekers who lack relevant experience or have gaps in employment, as it allows them to showcase their abilities prominently.
  • Combination: A combination resume merges chronological and functional formats, showcasing both skills and work history. By using this approach, professionals can emphasize relevant abilities while also illustrating career growth. It’s particularly useful for those transitioning into new roles or industries.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, including a cover letter with your fundraising job application is essential. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to articulate your passion for the cause and highlight experiences not showcased on your resume. This demonstrates to employers that you’re genuinely invested in the organization and its mission, setting you apart from other applicants.

If you’re unsure about how to write a cover letter, there are plenty of resources available to guide you. You can find articles specifically tailored for writing cover letters for fundraising roles, along with examples illustrating different styles and formats. These resources make it easier to choose one that aligns with your background and skills.

To simplify the writing process, tools like a cover letter generator can help craft an engaging document quickly by offering tailored suggestions based on your desired role in fundraising.

How long should a fundraising resume be?

For individuals with less than 10 years of experience in fundraising, a one-page resume is often ideal. Highlight your relevant skills, volunteer work, and any successful campaigns you’ve contributed to. This concise format allows potential employers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Conversely, job seekers in senior or specialized fundraising roles may use a two-page resume if it remains focused on powerful experiences and achievements. Ensure that every detail improves your candidacy without including unnecessary elements that do not add value to your narrative.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To ensure your resume passes the ATS screening, focus on incorporating keywords directly from the job posting. These terms might include “donor relations,” “event planning,” or “grant writing.” Highlight any certifications like CFRE or skills in fundraising software such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce. By tailoring your resume with these specifics, you demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Incorporate field-specific language and showcase relevant achievements to stand out. Directly addressing qualifications mentioned in the job description ensures your application aligns with what recruiters seek, improving your chances of making it through the initial screening process.

Is it worth including volunteer fundraising experience on my resume?

Yes, especially if you’re entering the nonprofit sector. Highlighting volunteer fundraising roles demonstrates your commitment to community engagement and showcases valuable skills like communication and project management, making you a more attractive applicant even if you lack extensive formal work experience.

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Megan Dawkins Career Industry Editor

Megan Dawkins is a career industry editor who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers navigate the flexible job market.

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