Freelance Fundraiser, good or bad?

[quote]I am currently fundraising on a volunteer basis for a number of charities and thoroughly enjoy doing so.

I’d ideally like to turn this hobby into a career, but there aren’t many vacancies outside of the London area (or I’m checking all the wrong sites!). What I’d love to be able to do is work on a freelance basis. Does anyone think this is feasible or could someone offer a little advice please?[/quote]

I work from home fund raising for charities but on an employed basis, freelance is something I've thought of too. There are a lot of organisations out there seeking paid fund raises, try being diverse in your engine search. I would love to here from you and your progress.

PL

check out [url]www.charityjob.co.uk[/url]
its a really good website with hundreds of jobs on.

there arnt many freelance fundraising jobs around there are salaried ones outside of london though definatly. in at childline in the midlands but there are other charities looking for people. just check the sites individually or check the yell pages and call.

how do you know how much to charge?

do you have to draw up formal contracts between yourself and the groups you do the work for?

[quote]I am currently fundraising on a volunteer basis for a number of charities and thoroughly enjoy doing so.

I'd ideally like to turn this hobby into a career, but there aren't many vacancies outside of the London area (or I'm checking all the wrong sites!). What I'd love to be able to do is work on a freelance basis. Does anyone think this is feasible or could someone offer a little advice please?[/quote]

Where are you based?

Liz Sandeman

Hi Tilly,

Just from my own experience, I've been in marketing for nearly 10 years and have worked for a number of charities both in a paid and pro bono capacity.

This work sparked the idea to set up a dedicated fundraising division last year which is now going from strength to strength. There are tens of thousands of small charities and other good causes that may not have the resources to employ a full time fundraising manager but still need to raise funds like any other group. Some of the work we do is paid and some of it is provided free of charge - but I've found that working with these small groups has been extremely rewarding.

I'd start by drawing up a list of the types of groups in your area you'd like to be able to work with. Put together a basic proposal (in your head at least) and sit down with each one in turn to discern how you might be able to work together with them in a way that is both fair and realistic.

I'd suggest starting on a project basis first so that both parties can get a feel for each other - maybe you could arrange and manage a raffle, sponsored walk etc .... This will also give you the chance to show what you can do, turn a tangible 'profit' for the group and start building a successful 'client' portfolio.

Personally, I think that it's a great idea - the more professionally fundraising is approached the better for all involved.

Mark