Fundraising Specialist (Volunteer)

Blind Professionals Network (BPN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to equipping blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to thrive professionally. We provide free career development, specialized assistive technology training, entrepreneur support, and a vital peer network to empower our members to achieve their career and financial goals.

Position Summary

The Fundraising Specialist is a results-oriented volunteer role focused on the tactical execution of BPN’s fundraising activities. Reporting to the Fundraising Manager, this individual identifies potential funding sources, conducts outreach, and assists in the administration of donation campaigns. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys networking, persuasive writing, and contributing to the financial sustainability of a high-impact non-profit.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Outreach & Cultivation:

Prospect Research: Identify and research potential individual donors, local businesses, and foundations whose values align with BPN’s mission.
Initial Contact: Conduct initial outreach via email, LinkedIn, or phone to introduce BPN and request meetings or support for the Executive Leadership team.
Relationship Maintenance: Maintain regular contact with existing mid-level donors to provide updates on how their contributions are impacting the BVI community.

Campaign Execution:

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Create and manage individual fundraising pages for specific BPN events or seasonal campaigns (e.g., Giving Tuesday).
Social Media Collaboration: Work with the Marketing and Communications team to draft compelling "Calls to Action" and success stories for digital fundraising appeals.
In-Kind Donations: Solicit non-monetary donations, such as software licenses, equipment, or professional services, to support BPN’s operational needs.

Administrative Support:

Grant Assistance: Assist in drafting specific sections of grant proposals and gathering necessary supporting documents (e.g., success stories, program metrics).
Donor Records: Ensure all interactions with prospects and donors are documented in BPN’s tracking system to prevent duplicate outreach.
Acknowledgement Letters: Prepare and send personalized "thank you" letters and tax receipts to donors in a timely manner.

Events & Special Projects:

Event Support: Assist in the logistical planning of virtual or in-person fundraising events, including attendee registration and sponsorship follow-ups.
Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from donors regarding their giving experience to help improve future BPN campaigns.

Qualifications

Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to tell a compelling story about BPN’s impact.
Persistence & Drive: A proactive "self-starter" attitude with the ability to handle rejection professionally and maintain a positive outlook.
Organizational Skills: High attention to detail, especially regarding donor data and campaign deadlines.
Tech Savvy: Comfortable using Google Workspace (Docs/Sheets) and basic social media platforms. Experience with CRM or fundraising tools is a plus.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team under the guidance of a Manager.
Mission Alignment: A passion for supporting the professional development and independence of blind and visually impaired individuals.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Fundraising Manager.

Time Commitment

This is a volunteer position requiring an average commitment of 4–6 hours per week. Hours are flexible and can be completed remotely.

Application

If you believe this position aligns with your skills, experience and career goals, please follow these steps to begin the application process:

Submit Your Credentials: Send your resume and a letter of interest to Training@BlindProNet.org. In your letter, please detail your relevant professional experience and your specific motivation for joining the Blind Professionals Network Team.
Complete the application: After submitting application, finalize your application by completing the BPN Volunteer application.

Important Note: Completing both of these steps is essential to initiate our onboarding process and helps us ensure a mutually beneficial placement within the organization.