As he takes over as the new chair of the fundraising think tank Rogare, Damian Chapman emphasises the need for equitable pathways into the fundraising profession.
Twin brothers John and Lewis knew exactly what they wanted to do as adults. John aspired to be a doctor, while Louis dreamed of becoming a fundraiser.
John’s path to becoming a doctor was clear: an undergraduate degree in medicine (six years), followed by postgraduate foundation training (two years), and higher specialist training in one of 60 different specialisms (three years). His journey included close supervision, practical application, and regular testing to demonstrate competence. John was registered with the relevant medical regulator and professional membership body at each stage, ensuring he maintained professional standards.
In contrast, Lewis’s journey to becoming a fundraiser was less defined. He was told to start with an internship at a charity (which he could only do because his mum supported him financially), shadowing the fundraising team, and gradually taking on more responsibility. Over the next few years, Lewis moved between different roles and organisations, gaining experience through a mix of on-the-job training and occasional courses. By the time his brother John had become a qualified doctor, Lewis had worked for several charities, yet had limited formal training or had any interactions with a professional regulator or membership body.
These two stories are illustrative, but Lewis’s experience is common among fundraisers in the Global North. Unlike regulated professions, fundraising lacks a structured path and standardised professional requirements. This environment can lead to inconsistent practices, a lack of respect for the vital role of the professional fundraiser in nonprofit organisations, and a downplaying of the impact that is only made possible because of capable and competent professional fundraisers.
“Being a professional fundraiser is incredibly rewarding. It is at its most rewarding when we feel safe in our job and confident in our practice. Yet as we enter the profession, we have often found that the knowledge we need is fragmented and dissipated, and not all of us are lucky enough to find what we need.”
Fundraising is more than just asking for donations: it involves understanding ethical considerations, effective methods, and the broader impact of the ask. Professional fundraisers ensure that charities can deliver their missions and make a significant impact on the world. The increase in global giving over the past decade is a testament to their crucial work.
Reshape fundraising to make it more inclusive and equitable
As I step into the role of chair at Rogare – filling the big shoes of Heather Hill, who has performed the role for the past five years, and to whom I wish to pay tribute on behalf of everyone who has been involved with Rogare during that time – I am inspired by our mission to elevate the profession of fundraising. Rogare challenges us to critically evaluate and improve our practices, fostering a deeper understanding of our work’s ethical and societal implications.
We must address issues such as patriarchal and colonialist fundraising practices and the lack of diversity in our profession. It’s essential to question why professional fundraisers in the Global North are predominantly white, middle-class, straight, female and not living with a disability. We need to ensure that our profession reflects the diverse communities we serve. Rogare already contributes to this goal through our work on gender issues in fundraising and our Blueprint to dismantle patriarchal structures in fundraising. During my tenure as chair, I want to ensure we focus more on this collective endeavour, and we’ll shortly embark on a collaboration to protect fundraisers’ psychological well-being.
Being a professional fundraiser is incredibly rewarding. It is at its most rewarding when we feel safe in our job and confident in our practice. As people such as Lewis have found when they enter fundraising – and I was one of them – the knowledge we need is fragmented and dissipated, and not all of us are lucky enough to find what we need.
So, we must continually strive to establish a robust body of knowledge, develop professional competencies, and maintain high standards individually, not just organisationally.
I look forward to advancing these ideas with Rogare – for whom I have been volunteering since 2019 – as we continue to provoke and inspire professional fundraisers to be better together.
My vision is that future professional fundraisers will come into our wonderful profession more like John than they do Lewis, and I will devote time and energy to ensuring Rogare can contribute to making this happen. Join us in this journey. Let’s reshape the future of fundraising, ensuring it is inclusive, ethical, and impactful.
- Damian Chapman is director of fundraising and communications and the Charity for Civil Servants and Rogare’s new chair.
Rogare is supported in our work by a number of Associate Members – partners to the fundraising sector that share our critical fundraising ethos. Our Associate Members are:
