One of the greatest issues facing our sector today is attracting, developing and retaining great fundraisers. Exploring the findings from new research, commissioned by Revolutionise and undertaken by Professor Adrian Sargeant, on ‘What makes fundraisers tick?’ 

The research examined current issues facing the sector, in particular the recruitment and retention of fundraising staff. And it obviously hit a nerve as over 2,700 fundraisers around the world contributed to the study. Set against the burnout and pressures experienced by fundraisers for the past three years due to COVID, the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the Ukraine war, the reasons for low morale are examined in detail.

I look at how you can take the findings and apply them to your organisation including the role of leadership in fundraiser retention. Three Australian organisation’s experiences with fundraiser retention will be shared and there is the potential to have one co-present as a case study.

Armed with the knowledge shared in this session charity and fundraising leaders can better understand fundraisers and help support them in meaningful ways – to improve their well-being, motivation and their connection to the cause. My goal is to help you have happier, more motivated fundraisers who are fired up to deliver the income needed to deliver on your purpose.