Hiring Your First Full-Time Fundraiser – When, Why, and How
For many growing charities, hiring a first full-time fundraiser marks a pivotal step toward sustainable growth and long-term impact. It’s a decision that can transform a charity from surviving on sporadic donations to building a reliable, diversified income stream. But how do you know when it’s the right time to make this hire, and what should you have in place before you do?
When Is the Right Time to Hire a Fundraiser?
- When Volunteer-Led Fundraising Has Plateaued
If your board or volunteers are stretched thin, or fundraising income is inconsistent, it’s a signal that professional expertise is needed to drive growth. - When Your Organisation Has Outgrown Ad Hoc Giving
Regular financial pressure and unpredictable donation cycles are signs it’s time to professionalise fundraising efforts and build steady revenue pipelines. - When You Can Justify the Return on Investment (ROI)
A full-time fundraiser should ideally pay for themselves within 12-18 months through increased fundraising returns. If you can forecast revenue growth to cover salary costs, it’s a smart investment.
What to Have in Place Before Hiring
A Case for Support
Clarify why your charity exists, the impact it makes, and why donors should care. A compelling case for support is the foundation of any successful fundraiser’s work.
A Donor Database/CRM
Before hiring, ensure you have a basic CRM system (like Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce NPSP, or similar) to manage donor relationships and track activity. Without this, your fundraiser will spend too much time on admin.
Clear Fundraising Goals
Set achievable targets based on your organisation’s capacity and needs. This provides direction and a way to measure success.
Board and Leadership Buy-In
Your leadership team must be prepared to actively support fundraising efforts and understand that fundraising is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix.
Defined Scope of Role
Decide on the focus areas — individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, events — based on your charity’s greatest opportunities.
Hiring your first full-time fundraiser is an exciting milestone. With the right preparation, you’ll set them — and your organisation — up for long-term fundraising success. Start by building internal readiness, setting realistic goals, and offering a supportive environment where your fundraiser can thrive.
In the end, investing in professional fundraising is investing in your mission — ensuring you can serve more people, deliver more programs, and have greater impact for years to come.
