Freelance fundraising advice

[user365241987]

Hello, I am feeling rather desperate... 10 years experience in vol sector fundraising (mostly income growth within community and events and tiny amount of trust FR). Not management level, but event income circa 15-100k.
I am desperate to leave what has in many ways, been a dream job for me, to pursue freelancing. I just have NO IDEA how to get started and build a client base, or indeed if there is much call for my skills. I have had a really challenging few months and need to make some positive changes, I'd be so grateful for some practical tips from those already doing so. Based in the South. TIA

Anyone able to offer some advice please? Thanks

Profile on LinkedIn?

Try People per hour as a way to get started?

I run my own business which has an element of fundraising - mostly grants so not the same as your skill sets. I have been doing it for 10 years and would suggest that in the first instance you tap up any people you have worked with, contacts etc and see if you can find a bit of work that way even if its pro bono in the first instance.

I definitely think a bit of pro bono or commission based work is good in the beginning to build up experience freelancing and to get some other contacts - it is generally people who you know who generate other work.

I personally haven't done linked in or people per hour or anything like that but thats not to say it isn't a worthwhile thing to do.

You could work for School Fundraising uk. It’s not the same kind of Fundraising as you do, it’s smaller amounts & helping PTA’s- but, I’m self employed & work whenever it suits, which would mean you’d have money coming in whilst you’re looking for projects.

Network, network, network. You must have plenty on contacts in the sector over the years. Look for a problem in the sector that you can help with. Maybe it is small charities who need fundraising ideas. Write a blog and position yourself as an expert in a niche part of fundraising. Tell your network ask them to help you. You'd help someone who asked you, wouldn't you? Build your profile, you will be selling yourself as a problem solver. Maybe you could save charities time and money in how they fund raise. Start with a mind map. Good luck!

I agree with what Ginny says. Fundraising skills are always in demand. I’m a freelancer for School Fundraising UK 👍