Change agents or counting the change: insights to the role of fundraisers in Australian society and issues facing their professionalisation

Fundraising is a field misunderstood in public perception (Giving Australia 2005) yet fundraisers are arguably critical change agents in Australian society. Debate continues around aspects of whether fundraising is an industry or a profession, fulfilling the agreed criteria of a codified body of knowledge, standards of practice and strong self-regulation (Rosen 2005, Lee 2003, Lindahl and Conley 2002, Beem 2001, Tuckman and Chang 1998, Dee and Henkin 1997). This paper considers the role of professionalisation of fundraising in creating more sustainable organisations and the issues of providing a supply of qualified fundraisers in Australia in a time of increasing demand for their skills. It highlights the role for a greater local research base to the culture of fundraising and the need and benefit of professional practice. Findings from the national research undertaken with nonprofit organisations, their CEOs and fundraisers in 2005 as part of the Giving Australia research will be highlighted along with examples of how other nations have addressed the need to foster a supply of fundraisers who focus on the area as a profession rather than a craft.