10 fundraisers share how volunteering helps them, in 100 words or less!
Across the UK, groups of fundraisers are coming together to support each other, to grow their skills and to connect with other fundraisers.
Whether virtually or in-person our special interest, regional and national groups offer events, conferences, training, networking and more – and each group is led by a formidable team of fundraisers who volunteer their time to make these groups happen.
Volunteering helps people to start, grow and stay in fundraising, so it can be a career you are proud of and want to stick with.
Here, 10 volunteers who are involved with our groups share what volunteering means to them in 100 words or less.
And if this inspires you, we’d love for you to take a look at our groups. Perhaps you could attend an event organised by a group or see what volunteer vacancies we have available.
Steven White
Being a volunteer has been immensely rewarding. Building relationships and networking with data insight peers has been beneficial to my career, and I encourage any budding analyst to join the group. Participating in this group has provided some of my best fundraising work experiences, and it's enjoyable to meet and put on events for the insight community.
Sally Insley
Being a committee member, you can commit to as much or as little as you can, the satisfaction remains that anything you do will contribute to supporting local fundraisers.
The most rewarding part is connecting fundraisers and building a supportive network. I always get a real buzz when we bring fundraisers together in the room and they share information, ideas, and develop relationships.
Paul Morgan
As a volunteer I get to work with a great committee of super capable, caring, dynamic committee members who work without ego to do what they can for other fundraisers in the area. Each group has a different look, feel and focus. However, there is plenty of scope of meeting new people in different types of organisations and learning new skills or different approaches. Everyone is busy – never more so than at the moment, but membership is generally fun and, if the team works, the outcome is brilliant.
Mervi Slade
Volunteering with the Payroll Giving group is really positive because it gives me another ‘team’ to be part of. Often in charities it might just be one person or a very small team, so working with others is a good way to learn and support each other.
As well as being able to learn from other charities, I’m also able to help people who are at the beginning of their fundraising career. Being part of a group, and membership of the CIOF is a great way to expand your knowledge, share with others and it’s a fantastic personal development opportunity.
Jordan Miller-Hughes
My volunteering has had tangible career benefits - it's been great for my CV and has undoubtedly helped me in my day-to-day work. The greater knowledge and depth of understanding is a huge benefit to the organisations I am working for.
But beyond personal gain, I see volunteering as essential for sector development. It gives me the opportunity to shape the sector, and work with peers and friends from across the sector. To learn from them day in, day out.
Claire Hogarth
Volunteering with the Chartered Institute is a great way to give back to your profession while also developing yourself. You’ll get the chance to grow your network, build your leadership and communication skills, and gain deeper insights into your industry.
It’s also incredibly rewarding to help shape the future of your profession - whether that’s by mentoring, supporting other groups, contributing to policy, or helping organise events. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get more involved beyond your day-to-day role, I’d definitely recommend it.
Dan Rous
Joining the special interest group brought me alongside people specifically in my sector of work, which was really beneficial. I joined the Scottish Fundraising Conference volunteer event team to be at the event and to give something back from my membership through volunteering.
Charley Burke
As a volunteer I've relished the opportunity to contribute to our local fundraising community. This role has allowed me to make friends, learn from best practices, and hear from industry experts, all while helping to create a welcoming environment for newcomers to fundraising.
Volunteering is incredibly important to me because being a fundraiser is more than just a job; it becomes part of who you are. The desire to go above and beyond is a natural fit with volunteering.
Paul Montgomery
Without a doubt being a volunteer supports my career and day-to-day fundraising. Without volunteering and the perspectives it offers, I’d still be sitting in a little echo chamber in my day job.
It offers me access to conversations I wouldn’t otherwise have and ideas I wouldn’t otherwise see. It’s also given me the opportunity to work in a different way to my day job, developing networking, strategic and leadership skills that get rusty otherwise.
Carolyn Sheppard
For several years I've been a volunteer with the East Anglia regional group and this regional involvement has given me something truly special: networking with others and the sense of community.
Beyond the networking, there's the joy of our regional Awards - you hear so many amazing stories. These events remind me why our work matters and showcase the incredible dedication of fundraisers across East Anglia.
Volunteering with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising is a chance to give back to your profession while developing yourself. Whether sharing your expertise, supporting events, or joining governance groups, you’ll build skills, expand your network, and gain deeper insight into the fundraising sector.
Volunteers give their time, skills and expertise to support our work. There is no such thing as a typical volunteer and as you will have seen - individuals are motivated to volunteer for different reasons; to learn new skills, to use their spare time positively or because they believe in what we are doing.