Charity leaders have a problem.
Research shows that the average tenure of a fundraiser in a UK charity is now just 16 months.
This is perhaps unsurprising given the landscape of fundraising in the UK right now - the last few years have tried and tested charities, and with it, their fantastic fundraising teams.
Between the cost of living crisis, organisational changes and, for some, a decline in income, there has been a momentous shift across fundraising that will continue to impact the sector for years to come.
Yet despite all of this, passionate and talented fundraisers are working tirelessly to do more for their cause. Driven by the desire to deliver the best for their supporters, fundraisers have pushed the boundaries and adapted to ensure their organisation can deliver vital services. Behind all of the passion however is a workforce that needs to be recognised. That needs to be developed. That needs to be invested in.
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy report:
of fundraisers say they will leave their current non-profit within 2 years.
of fundraisers saying they plan to leave fundraising altogether.
What can charity leaders do to motivate their fundraising teams to stay within the organisation and continue making a meaningful impact?
One strategy that can be employed is utilising the Apprenticeship Levy, a government initiative aimed at increasing skills and development within the workforce. Whilst spending funds on training & development for staff can be hard to secure, replacing a team member costs more.
On average, it costs a charity...
of a person’s salary to find and train someone new, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
By harnessing the Apprenticeship Levy, charity leaders provide their fundraising teams with opportunities for growth and advancement. The Corndel Diploma in Fundraising, accredited by A4PM and in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, develops the skills to succeed.
Using your Levy to invest in passionate individuals, you can create resilient, loyal, adaptable and well-connected teams who, throughout our 13-month programme, can refine skills and broaden their knowledge across multiple-income streams.
Investing in apprenticeships demonstrates a commitment to the professional development of fundraising staff. It sends a message that their contributions are valued and that the organisation is invested in their long-term success.
This can significantly boost morale and motivation within the team, as fundraisers feel supported and recognised for their efforts.
