As part of Volunteers’ Week, Annabelle Fozard shares how volunteering with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising helped her build confidence, expand her professional network, and develop new fundraising skills. Through her work with the Researchers in Fundraising Special Interest Group and as the CIOF’s first Young Fundraising Trustee Apprentice, Annabelle reflects on the value of community, collaboration, and professional growth within the fundraising sector.
My path into fundraising was something of a happy accident. In my previous role, I had been carrying out some prospect research without realising it was a full job in and of itself. When I later came across the role I now hold at the RBO, it immediately felt like the perfect fit. I knew I wanted to work for an organisation that was leading in its sector and joining a Development team dedicated to helping it achieve that ambition was exactly the direction I wanted to pursue.
I love many things about being a fundraiser, but I especially love the variety of the work and the chance to collaborate with talented teams across the organisation.
I joined the CIOF as I wanted to broaden my network and connect with other people in similar roles to mine. I was new to fundraising at the time, and becoming a member really helped me find my feet and join a community of likeminded people whilst developing my skills as part of a fundraising team through the online resources provided by the CIOF.
I also joined the Researchers in Fundraising committee through my membership early on, and I've been volunteering with them ever since.
"Membership of the Chartered Institute has helped me to establish myself within the fundraising sector and make the most of the opportunities in front of me."
I value the sense of community and the opportunity to learn from others across the fundraising sector. The expertise within the CIOF is vast, and being able to draw on that knowledge has been incredibly helpful in developing my confidence and broadening my skills as someone in a fundraising team.
Being a member has also helped me deepen my understanding of how charities operate, as well as the key challenges currently facing both the sector and philanthropy more broadly. It has also given me access to valuable resources and best practice guidance that I can bring back to my organisation.
I volunteer as an Events Support Officer with the Researchers in Fundraising SIG, supporting key events that form part of RiF's programming, including the annual conference and the RiF Live! online sessions. I also became the CIOF’s first Young Fundraising Trustee Apprentice, which has given me the opportunity to contribute to the Chartered Institute's governance and strategy.
The most valuable part of being in a SIG is the chance to connect with others in the same role as me. It has made me feel part of a genuine community, and I've had the opportunity to meet and work with so many talented people from several organisations across the UK, all supporting a shared goal to support our specialist field and our peers.
Volunteering has given me the chance to build new skills, gain experience in areas I might never have explored otherwise, and find my feet in the sector. It has also expanded my network enormously, giving me the opportunity to learn from inspiring colleagues, bring fresh ideas and best-practice approaches back to my organisation, and build genuine friendships along the way. It's been transformative, and my skills and confidence have grown tenfold!
"I volunteer with the Chartered Institute because I want to help shape my community."
If you’re thinking of joining, I’d say… Go for it! In my experience, the CIOF offers an incredibly welcoming and supportive community that helps you feel more connected to the sector, along with a wealth of resources that can help you grow your skills and build your confidence. For me, so many opportunities have come through joining, and I know this has strengthened both my professional development and my personal growth.
