Hello, I'm Isla, the Graduate Marketing and Fundraising Officer here at Toybox. This month I’m sharing with you what it’s like to have a career in fundraising.
Thinking About Your Next Career Move? Let's Talk Fundraising
As a recent graduate myself, I know how this time of year can feel. The new year arrives, and suddenly the big questions appear - whether you’re considering a new career or questioning what you’re going to do with your degree.
Since starting this blog series, I’ve heard from people who are curious about what it’s really like to work in fundraising or the charity sector. So, if you’re exploring your next step, or simply wondering what fundraising involves, this blog is for you.
What Does Fundraising Actually Mean?
I first got into fundraising through a part-time face-to-face role while I was at university. But before I joined this field, my understanding of fundraising stretched about as far as knowing fundraisers stand outside supermarkets with a collection tin. And yes, that’s one part of it, but only a tiny piece of a much bigger picture.
Most charities don’t receive significant government funding, which means donations are essential for them to survive and thrive. That’s where fundraisers come in.
Fundraising isn’t simply “asking for money”. It’s about understanding what motivates people to give, telling compelling stories, demonstrating impact, and giving supporters meaningful ways to make a difference. When someone chooses to donate, it’s an expression of belief in the cause, the mission, and the possibility of change.
At its core, fundraising is a blend of people skills, strategy, creativity, and communication. You might be planning campaigns, analysing results, speaking to supporters, or working with partners. It all goes towards contributing to something bigger than yourself. It’s a career many people don’t even realise exists, yet for the right person, it can be incredibly meaningful.
Working in Fundraising
At Toybox we’re lucky to have a brilliant team of marketing and fundraising professionals, each with their own story of how they arrived in the sector. Their paths are all different, which is part of what makes fundraising such an interesting career, there’s no single route in. So, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to highlight how they came into fundraising, and some of their favourite parts of the job.
Lorraine, Relationship Manager: "My mid-40s was a turning point. After years of personal fundraising, local volunteering, and seeing my own family supported by a hospice that relied on community generosity, I truly understood the power of kindness. That experience inspired me to turn fundraising into a career—a chance to wake up every day and make a difference. For me, fundraising goes beyond income, it’s about connection, community, and purpose, there has been a lot to learn (& still learning) but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!”
Nicky, Head of Philanthropic Giving: "Almost 25 years ago I stepped from the sadness of redundancy from the building industry into the most fulfilling and rewarding charity sector. It was just a glance at a fundraising job advert that I thought, ‘well there is no harm in at least applying!’ As it is so often said – redundancy was the best thing that could have happened to me! Over these years I have been able to become exactly who I was always meant to be. Someone who passionately shares stories of so much injustice for the most vulnerable, and the hope and ways of being able to change the lives of thousands of children across the globe. All with the joy of building strong relationships with my extraordinarily generous donors as we have shared this journey together.”
Emilie, Head of Individual Giving: “When I went to Kenya as a teenager and met children living on the streets, I didn’t know how to help at the time, but I knew I wanted to. That feeling never left me. Fundraising is where my love of storytelling and trying new ideas can come together. My favourite part of job - and a real privilege - is being able to support young people to share their stories. I am passionate about helping those stories reach people here in the UK who believe, like I do, that the world can be kinder and things can change.”
Lynne, CEO: “I originally set out to join the Foreign Office, but a temporary role at an international aid agency changed everything. From day one, I was hooked. It felt like a natural fit—a place where I could connect people in the UK with the life-changing work they were supporting overseas. I loved being that conduit, bridging worlds and making impact tangible. The best part of my job? Watching team members achieve incredible things and knowing I played a little part in that success. And after all these years, I still love talking to supporters and sharing the stories that inspire change, but my absolute joy is spending time with and listening to the children we work alongside.”
Gerry, Marketing and Content Manager: “The part of my role I love most is working closely with our local partners in Latin America, Africa and Asia to gather powerful stories and content that show supporters the real impact of their generosity. It’s really rewarding to ensure these stories are told ethically and with dignity, giving street-connected children a voice while helping supporters see how their donations are making a difference.”
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a career that blends strategy, creativity and human connection, fundraising might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about helping create real, lasting change. Whether you’re driven by purpose, eager to develop versatile skills, or simply curious about the charity sector, fundraising offers a path where your work truly matters. So why not explore it? Your next step could lead into a career that helps change lives.
