How to become a fundraising manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What fundraising managers do

• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.
• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
• Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits, and develop and maintain company internet or intranet Web pages.
• Manage fundraising budgets.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Mathematics

Is fundraising manager a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 146% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New York $169,510
• New Hampshire $157,080
• Rhode Island $155,970
• Massachusetts $151,740
• Virginia $143,730

Fundraising Managers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.