Why Are Fundraising Skills So Hard to Find—and Expensive?

Why Are Fundraising Skills So Hard to Find—and Expensive—for Nonprofits?

Fundraising is the lifeblood of nonprofits, yet finding skilled fundraisers remains a challenge. Here’s why—and what your organization can do:

1. High Turnover in Fundraising Roles
   The pressure to meet ambitious goals often leads to burnout and job-hopping.
   Solution: Create a supportive work environment, set realistic expectations, and offer opportunities for professional growth.

    

2. Complex Skillset Required
   Fundraising demands a mix of relationship-building, marketing, and financial acumen—not an easy combination to find.
   Solution: Invest in professional development and mentorship programs to grow talent within your team.

    

3. Competition from Other Sectors
   Corporate roles often offer better pay and benefits for similar skillsets, drawing talent away from nonprofits.
   Solution: Highlight the mission-driven impact of your work and offer non-monetary perks, like flexible schedules and a strong sense of purpose.

    

4. Lack of Long-Term Investment
   Many nonprofits focus on immediate fundraising needs rather than cultivating long-term talent.
   Solution: Prioritize succession planning and invest in training programs for emerging leaders.

    

5. Limited Resources for Recruitment
   Nonprofits often lack the budget for competitive salaries and comprehensive hiring processes.
   Solution: Focus on creating an inclusive, mission-aligned workplace culture to attract candidates passionate about your cause.

    

6. Underappreciation of Fundraisers
   Fundraising is often seen as transactional rather than strategic, leading to undervaluation of these roles.
   Solution: Recognize fundraisers as essential contributors to your mission and celebrate their successes publicly.

Fundraising talent is critical to your nonprofit’s success, but the challenges are real. By addressing these barriers proactively, your organization can attract and retain the skilled professionals needed to sustain your mission.

Need help building a strong fundraising team? Let us guide you in developing strategies to attract and grow top talent. Connect with us today!

Only 1 day to go before the first Roundtable Session!

This Wednesday, January 22, we’re kicking off the Small Nonprofit Executive Director Roundtable with our first session: Diversifying Fundraising Strategies.

Nonprofits are facing unique challenges in today’s fundraising landscape—what would it take for your organization to raise $100K more this year?

In this session, we’ll break down actionable strategies tailored to your nonprofit’s needs and provide a space to collaborate with other leaders facing similar goals.

Let’s work together to address your nonprofit’s unique fundraising opportunities and make 2025 a year of growth and impact.

Only 2 spots remaining— register here. 

"Hiring the right candidate is critical for a smaller nonprofit organization, especially when resources are limited but responsibilities are steep. New Heights was initially hesitant to outsource the search for a senior level development professional because the process of finding the right person felt very personal to us. However, Charity Search Group put our fears to rest. Their team provided us with a robust and thoroughly vetted candidacy pool that reflected a strong, nuanced understanding of our needs. Given their timeliness, high quality of work and reasonable price point, New Heights would gladly hire Charity Search Group again." – Ashley Faison 

Related Resources

• Succession Planning — our full guide on this topic.
• Ed Performance Evaluation
• Board Governance Handbook
• Learn about our executive search services