Drawing on insights from fundraisers and aspiring fundraisers across the sector, the session explores what motivates people to pursue fundraising careers, the challenges they encounter, and what can be done to improve the experience of working in the profession.

Whether you're considering fundraising as a future career, hiring for a fundraising role today or planning your future talent strategy, these insights can help you better attract, support and retain fundraisers in 2026 and beyond.

This session will cover valuable insights into the current and future state of fundraising.

• What attracts people to careers in fundraising,
• The barriers to entering and progressing within the profession,
• How stress, wellbeing and workplace support impact fundraisers,
• The growing influence of technology and AI,
• Why fundraisers leave the sector, and what might encourage them to stay,
• Practical recommendations to improve recruitment, retention and engagement.