To feel a bit guilty that I work in a senior charity role but have zero interest in fundraising roles?

[MyHeartyBlueShaker]

I work in a leadership role in the charity sector and I’m passionate about what we do. But whenever I see roles in fundraising, I just know they’re not for me. I really respect the people who do them, it’s not snobbery, I just find the idea of donor relationships, targets and “asks” draining.

AIBU to think that as long as I’m doing my part in delivering impact, it’s okay that fundraising isn’t something I’m drawn to?

It’s perfectly acceptable to like your role in an organisation and not fancy other roles.

Totally fine as far as I can see! I worked in the sector for more than a decade and while some fundraising was part of my role (digital only) I never felt the connection to fundraising that many of my colleagues did. I'm a digital/comms person and that's OK. A charity needs many different skillets in order to function.

Absolutely - I also work in the charity sector and would hate to work in fundraising. My role supports those in fundraising and service areas to do what they're good at, I stick to what I'm good at / enjoy.

If you’re happy with it and your employer is happy with it then of course it’s ok.

Not at all, I left the charity sector as quite a number of the roles I held had fundraising bids lumped in with them. It wasn't for me either.

YANBU.... but oh my word it is getting so hard to recruit great fundraisers. And charities are really struggling as a result 😔

Same. I'm a lead role in a national charity. I take very little to do with fundraising and I don't want to. I do bits and pieces of grant applications but that's my limit.

Fundraising is a very specific skillset and it's also highly regulated. It's not just about talking sweetly to donors and shaking a tin. I respect what they do and we couldn't deliver our lifesaving work without them but the pressure of a fundraising role is not for me! It's so target driven and in smaller charities you are literally fundraising to cover your own salary as well.

I think it’s fine. Not everyone is good at or enjoys fundraising. It’s a hard job and not for everyone. You’re still helping the charity by doing the work you’re good at. We all have different roles, and that’s okay.

I worked in the sector for nearly 20 years and had zero interest in fundraising. I can write an ok bid and I’m good at gathering impact evidence and reporting but my bag was in the service and support areas. I’d hate to be a fundraiser

I'm a charity fundraiser with over 20 years of experience. I'd hate to be in a leadership role.

Bit of a weird thought! That’s like saying…I’m a Consultant in a hospital, is it ok if I don’t want to be a nurse. Why would it possibly matter?

Exactly my thoughts.

Ridiculous question really.

I think there can be a few things that can make people feel this way:

• public perception of charity jobs and that charities should have a skeleton staff and not spend much on 'overheads'
• implicit and explicit attitudes within the charities themselves that fundraisers are the most valued/dedicated members of staff

My experience as a fundraiser is the opposite. Some charities actively dislike fundraising and fundraisers.

I agree that people don't accept that charities are big organisations that require people in all sorts of roles.

I volunteer at a tiny charity. We're all volunteers and it's exhausting.