Fund Raiser Onboarding Checklist

Fund Raiser Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Fund Raiser starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Nonprofit onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Fund Raiser, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Fund Raiser onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Fund Raiser Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the organization: The new fund raiser should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the nonprofit organization, including its mission, values, history, and current projects. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated employee responsible for onboarding.

2. Orientation to the fundraising team: The new fund raiser should be introduced to their immediate team members, including colleagues, supervisors, and any other relevant stakeholders. This introduction helps foster relationships and promotes collaboration. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Review of fundraising strategies and goals: The new fund raiser should receive a thorough review of the organization’s fundraising strategies, goals, and targets. This includes understanding the different fundraising methods employed, such as events, grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships. The fundraising manager or a senior member of the team typically performs this task.

4. Familiarization with donor database and CRM system: The fund raiser should be trained on the organization’s donor database and customer relationship management (CRM) system. This includes learning how to input and update donor information, track donations, and generate reports. The database administrator or a designated staff member usually performs this task.

5. Introduction to existing donors and supporters: The new fund raiser should be introduced to the organization’s existing donors and supporters. This can be done through meetings, events, or virtual introductions. This task is typically performed by the fundraising manager or a senior member of the team.

6. Training on fundraising techniques and best practices: The new fund raiser should receive comprehensive training on various fundraising techniques and best practices. This includes learning about effective communication strategies, donor stewardship, solicitation methods, and ethical considerations. The fundraising manager or a designated training coordinator usually performs this task.

7. Review of fundraising policies and procedures: The new fund raiser should be provided with a detailed review of the organization’s fundraising policies and procedures. This includes understanding legal and ethical guidelines, gift acceptance policies, and reporting requirements. The fundraising manager or a designated compliance officer typically performs this task.

8. Introduction to fundraising software and tools: The new fund raiser should be trained on any specific fundraising software or tools used by the organization. This may include online donation platforms, email marketing software, or social media management tools. The fundraising manager or a designated IT staff member usually performs this task.

9. Shadowing experienced fund raisers: The new fund raiser should have the opportunity to shadow experienced fund raisers to observe their day-to-day activities, learn from their expertise, and gain practical insights into successful fundraising strategies. This task is typically coordinated by the fundraising manager or team leader.

10. Review of donor communication materials: The new fund raiser should be provided with a review of the organization’s donor communication materials, such as brochures, newsletters, and annual reports. This helps them understand the organization’s messaging and branding. The marketing or communications department usually performs this task.

11. Introduction to fundraising events: The new fund raiser should be introduced to any upcoming fundraising events, including galas, auctions, or community outreach programs. This includes understanding their role in planning, promoting, and executing these events. The event coordinator or fundraising manager typically performs this task.

12. Performance expectations and evaluation: The new fund raiser should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations, including fundraising targets, key performance indicators, and evaluation processes. This helps set goals and ensures accountability. The fundraising manager or HR department usually performs this task.

13. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The new fund raiser should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or webinars, to enhance their fundraising skills and knowledge. The fundraising manager or a designated training coordinator typically performs this task.

14. Introduction to other departments: The new fund raiser should be introduced to other departments within the organization, such as finance, programs, and operations. This helps foster cross-departmental collaboration and a better understanding of the organization as a whole. The HR department or a designated employee responsible for onboarding usually performs this task.

15. Provision of necessary resources and materials: The new fund raiser should be provided with all necessary resources and materials to perform their job effectively. This may include access to fundraising software, marketing materials, donor lists, and relevant documentation. The fundraising manager or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

16. Introduction to the board of directors: The new fund raiser should be introduced to the organization’s board of directors, understanding their roles, responsibilities, and how they contribute to fundraising efforts. This introduction is typically coordinated by the executive director or fundraising manager.

17. Review of fundraising budget: The new fund raiser should receive a review of the organization’s fundraising budget, understanding the allocation of funds, projected expenses, and revenue targets. This helps them align their fundraising strategies with the organization’s financial goals. The finance department or fundraising manager typically performs this task.

18. Introduction to community partners and stakeholders: The new fund raiser should be introduced to key community partners and stakeholders, such as local businesses, government officials, and other nonprofit organizations. This helps build relationships and expand the organization’s network. The fundraising manager or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

19. Introduction to fundraising volunteers: The new fund raiser should be introduced to any fundraising volunteers, understanding their roles, responsibilities, and how they contribute to fundraising efforts. This introduction is typically coordinated by the volunteer coordinator or fundraising manager.

20. Ongoing mentorship and support: The new fund raiser should be provided with ongoing mentorship and support to ensure a smooth transition and continuous professional growth. This may include regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and opportunities for skill development. The fundraising manager or a designated mentor typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Fund Raiser checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Fund Raiser up to speed and working well in your Nonprofit team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.