Fundraising professionals have uniquely awesome jobs. They enable social good and have the rare opportunity to do impactful work that can change the world in real and meaningful ways.  

Fundraising is Awesome! is a 10-page primer for aspiring fundraisers and experienced fundraising professionals in Canada. It provides an overview of the diversity of the sector, the impact of fundraisers’ contributions, and offers insights about the growing demand for talented fundraising professionals. Finally, it highlights some of the many resources and educational opportunities to help fundraising professionals in their career journeys.  

For those in the profession, fundraising is more than just a job:  

“Being a professional fundraiser is the best combination of day-to-day variety, sincere relationships and challenging projects. For someone who is motivated by goals, but has strong values and wants what they do to help others, rather than help themselves, this is an ideal career to be in.” - Jessica Rawn, CFRE, Director of Development, Hospitals of Regina Foundation 

Quick facts

Fundraisers are on the front lines, transforming Canadians’ generosity into impact. The charitable and nonprofit sector is a key driver of Canada’s economy. Working in the sector means you play a role in: 

• A sector that employs 2.4 million Canadians at more than 170,000 nonprofits and charities (1 in 10 Canadian workers). 
• A sector that contributes more than 8% of Canada’s gross domestic product, exceeding the oil and gas or finance industries. (Statistics from Imagine Canada: About the nonprofit sector) 

Fundraisers play a critical role in Canada’s charitable sector. In 2020, donations claimed by Canadians on tax returns totaled close to $10.6 billion (an increase of 2.7% from 2019) (Statistics Canada: Charitable Donors, 2022). 

Without fundraisers, charities would have far less capacity to achieve their missions.  

84% of Canadians express confidence in the charitable sector, the highest confidence level ever recorded and more than both the private and public sectors (AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada, What Canadian Donors Want, 2021). During the pandemic, 81% of Canadians believe the need for charitable services has risen (Imagine Canada, Sector Monitor Survey, 2020). 

The work of professionals in carrying out ethical fundraising is essential to building and maintaining the trust that underpins the sector.  

Read and download Fundraising is Awesome! here. 

Connect with The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 

To gain access to AFP’s expansive resources, connect with your local chapter if you’re not already a member. Every chapter within AFP has its own calendar of events with incredible opportunities to meet and learn from others in the field through webinars, workshops, professional development days and networking events. AFP is fueled by volunteers offering an opportunity for networking, service on a board and other skills. 

For more information about AFP and resources or to connect with your local chapter visit AFP Canada’s website.