THE PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER: AN INVESTMENT IN LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study examined the practices of professional fundraising personnel. It identified the degree to which professional fundraising knowledge is integrated into campaign practice.;An historical review of fundraising and an analysis of the legal responsibilities of agency board members revealed the long range agency goals to which fundraisers must address themselves. A review of fundraising literature, vis-a-vis these long term goals, identified 3 concepts critical to the professional fundraising practice.;Utilizing these concepts a questionnaire was developed to examine the degree to which workers are able to pursue long term oriented professional objectives in conflict situations within their practice. In addition, various intervening variables were examined for their effects upon a fundraiser's performance.;The data revealed the varying degrees to which fundraisers are able to utilize professional knowledge in the pursuit of long range agency goals. The effects of intervening variables upon worker practice were outlined. Tensions which prevent fundraisers from addressing long term agency needs were identified.;Based upon the accumulated data, recommendations for the future were offered. These recommendations were designed to reduce the tensions which act as barriers to the long term professional fundraising practice.