Building a fundraising team

Why fundraising teams have a big impact

One way to amplify your fundraising efforts is to join with others on a fundraising team. Sharing your fundraising goal with others on a team can make the work feel lighter, provide a deeper network of potential donors and can create a sense of camaraderie as you all work together to help your chosen cause.

How to build a fundraising team in 4 strategic steps

Here are some things to remember while building a fundraising team:

1. Set a clear fundraising goal

The first step in any fundraiser — whether solo or with a team — is to set your goal. A clear goal will help you determine the resources and team members you need to accomplish your mission.

2. Identify roles and responsibilities

Your fundraising team may not need formal roles; it may be as simple as leaving each team member in charge of their own fundraising efforts.

Other teams may need to be more organized. Some examples of possible fundraising team roles and responsibilities include:

Director: The director sets the overall direction and goals for the team. Leadership and communication skills should come naturally to this person, as they will guide advertising and event planning while interacting with a variety of people.
Marketer: The marketer’s purpose is to provide relevant information to your target audience(s). This person should understand how to create attainable publicity goals and the strategies to get there.
Social media manager: The social media manager can help drive traffic to your event by increasing your followers, RSVPs and likes across multiple social platforms. This person should have a way with words and be able to answer any questions about the fundraiser.
Photographer: The photographer can help bring eyes to the cause with inspiring and informative photos from your past or current fundraising events. This person should be knowledgeable about picture composition and working with a professional camera.
Graphic designer: The graphic designer will focus on your campaign's online and in-person advertising. This person should be artistic, creative and savvy with digital editing programs.

3. Start recruiting

Find teammates who are energized and committed to your cause. If you have a big goal, you'll need determined and hard-working team members to help you get there. If you're looking for specific roles to be filled, promote team openings across social media alongside clear goals and a description of the ask. Assign people you feel will best fulfill the task at hand.

Launching your fundraiser

Once team roles have been established, it's time to get started. Visit our fundraising guide for more fundraising tips and tricks.

St. Jude patient Micah

Your support helps patients like Micah

When Micah was found to have a brain tumor in the summer of 2023, doctors in his home state of Colorado said he would need proton radiation therapy and referred him to St. Jude, home to the world’s first proton therapy center solely for children.

Micah underwent radiation treatment for weeks until October 2023 when he went back home. He began a chemotherapy treatment plan, recommended by St. Jude, at a local hospital. “We are going to stay in Colorado for his chemo treatments so we can stay closer to home,” His mom said. “We really appreciate how well St. Jude and its staff took care of us while we were there, and we are so thankful."

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