Having a good support network is a vital yet sometimes overlooked part of any job. We enjoy our work more when we feel happy and supported, and we work better, too. If you work in a small charity, it's vital you find your fundraising tribe and connect with your peers.
At the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, we don’t just want to support you to be better fundraisers; we want to connect you with a network of likeminded people who can help and support you as you progress in your fundraising career.
Our National and Regional Committees and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are there to connect you with other members across the UK. Our groups meet regularly via virtual and in-person events.
We have three National Committees based in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as 10 Regional Committees throughout England. Joining one of these committees will help you to connect with other fundraisers in your community.
Our 23 Special Interest Groups cater to fundraisers from varying backgrounds, career paths, and life experiences. Broadly speaking, SIGs are formed around identities and beliefs (such as Black or Christian fundraisers) as well as specific types of fundraising (such as Payroll Giving or fundraising in the Health Sector). There are also five additional Scottish SIGs.
Check out our full list of our Regional & National Committees and SIGs.
Fundraising is challenging, and when working in a small team, you may feel isolated. Joining a Committee or SIG connects you with other fundraisers, both locally and across the UK, who understand both the benefits and challenges of a career in fundraising.
If you’re new to fundraising, getting to know more experienced fundraisers can help you confidently begin your career with the right knowledge and tools. Alternatively, if you’ve been doing this for a while, you may be the one sharing your experience with others.
Joining a group also provides opportunities to socialise and get to know others outside of work, and means you’ll already know people if you come to one of our regional or national conferences.
To make the most of our fundraising community:
- Choose a National & Regional Committee or SIG to join and make time to attend at least one of their events. If you don’t know anyone in the group, reach out to the committee beforehand and find out what to expect.
- Volunteer at a Chartered Institute event, such as Fundraising Convention or the Scottish Fundraising Conference. As part of a volunteering team, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Chartered Institute members from across the country, as well as having access to our panels.
- Join one of the Regional & National or SIG committees. All our groups are entirely volunteer-run and always keen to welcome new volunteers.
- Attend an event organised by one of the groups or committees. It can help you to meet others as well as a great way to learn more about your area of fundraising and other topics relevant to professional fundraisers.
- If you are part of a fundraising team, ask one of your co-workers to get involved with you by volunteering or attending an event together.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! With over 4,000 members from all walks of life, there is no situation that someone won’t have encountered before, and there will always be someone willing to help.