Working as a fundraiser abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a fundraiser abroad like?

• As a fundraiser, you ensure that an organization has the resources to achieve its goals. You are a key player in making social, humanitarian, cultural, or nature projects possible.
• You typically work for NGOs, charities, international organizations, or local initiatives that rely on subsidies, donations, and sponsors.
• The work is rewarding, and the role is absolutely essential for organizations that rely on donations.
• Fundraising can take place on the street, online, through campaigns, events, grants, or partnerships with companies and governments.
• Working abroad often involves an additional layer: working in a different culture, language, and context.
• Responsibilities:
  • Recruiting donors (face-to-face, by phone, or online).
  • Setting up and executing fundraising campaigns.
  • Writing proposals, applications, and pitches.
  • Maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and sponsors.
  • Organizing events or campaigns.
  • Communicating about impact and results.
  • Working with targets, budgets, and reports. Collaborate with local teams and international colleagues.
  • Represent the organization externally.
• Working conditions: salaries vary from volunteer work (sometimes paid) to professional NGO salaries.
• Many positions are paid, but salaries are often low, especially in countries with fewer financial resources. Motivation and idealism often play a more important role in accepting a fundraising position.
• Bonuses or commissions may occur.
• Sometimes you receive room and board for local projects. At larger organizations, you often have to arrange this yourself.
• Contract types also vary considerably. At larger, international NGOs, you can be employed, but at smaller organizations, contracts are temporary, project-based, or you work as a freelancer.

What are the reasons for working as a fundraiser abroad?

• To be service-oriented and engaged: You work directly on goals that help people, nature, or communities. You see the impact of your work and feel that it is useful and meaningful.
• To strengthen communication skills: You'll learn to speak to people, persuade them, listen, and tap into their emotions, sometimes in a different language and culture.
• To develop persuasiveness and self-confidence: Fundraising requires courage. You'll learn to stand up for your message and present yourself confidently, even when faced with resistance.
• To be entrepreneurial: You'll actively seek opportunities, think creatively about new revenue streams, and learn to achieve results independently.
• To experience connection (motivation): You often work closely with a small team and quickly build deep connections with colleagues and local partners.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a fundraiser abroad?

• Communication skills: you must be able to communicate clearly, empathetically, and convincingly.
• Empathy: you appeal to people's values ​​and emotions; tact and empathy are crucial.
• Result-oriented: much fundraising work is target-driven.
• Independence: you often work independently in the field or on campaigns. 
• Networking: relationships with donors, partners, and organizations are essential for success.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a fundraiser abroad?

• Countries with many international NGOs: United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United States, Germany.
• Countries with many field projects and development work: Kenya, Uganda, Nepal, India, Peru.
• Countries where street and campaign fundraising are common: Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, France.
• Countries where it's easy to get started as a beginner with many small NGOs and international volunteer organizations: South Africa, Costa Rica, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico.
• Countries with more online and international fundraising: United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands.

What are the risks of working as a fundraiser abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as a fundraiser abroad?
  • It's common… 
  • …for fundraisers to travel frequently, with an increased risk of accidents or illness.
  • …that people work in areas with limited healthcare.
  • …that stress and mental strain increase due to targets and emotional work. 
  • …that you encounter unsafe working conditions, such as working on the street or in crowded areas.
  • …that conflicts arise with passersby or authorities.
  • …for local insurance companies or employers to not provide full coverage.
• Are you insured while working as a fundraiser abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.