It’s time you got out more
Fundraisers: that instant connection
Being a Gift fundraiser means stopping people on the street, telling them about a particular charity and inspiring them to become a supporter through regular donations by direct debit or standing order.
It sounds straightforward but isn’t always easy. On the street, people are preoccupied. You have to work hard to get a smile. The secret lies in making an instant connection, then converting it into a lasting relationship with the charity. If you can nail that, brilliant.
There are ground rules. The basic one is BE YOURSELF and always be polite and friendly with people. You can read the strict code of conduct on acceptable behaviour on the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association’s website
Some people will blank you, a few may even be rude. But you’ll be surprised how many are happy to chat, especially if you show genuine passion for the charity you represent. Even if people are a bit frosty, there’s nothing better than finding a way to crack a smile. Do that and chances are they’ll become an engaged donor.
Work all over
We work anywhere and everywhere, usually in town centres, shopping centres, stations - places where there are lots of potential donors. Sometimes we do festivals. Join us on the road and we’ll put you up overnight with your team mates, but don’t expect an early night! Our offices are in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Nottingham, and we regularly travel from these bases.
You’re never alone
You might be talking one-on-one with strangers but your team leader and colleagues are always close by. Fact is, you’re never really on your own - there’s advice, encouragement and support whenever you need it. We often meet centrally and travel to the day’s destination together, it’s a close-knit thing. The nature of the work means that these people - your team, your colleagues - often become your best friends.
Expert training
Right from the off, our brilliant been-there-done-that trainers spend two solid days teaching you everything you need to make those all-important first impressions.
They bring you up to speed with the rules and regulations of street fundraising, and how to best engage people. And before you go out, you always get a thorough briefing on the charity you’re representing.
You then receive ongoing training - either on the streets from your team leader or back at base - in helping you understand the work our charity clients do. That way you can really convey their causes to the people you meet on the streets. Expect regular visits to, and from, these clients.
Sociable hours
Usually 10am to 6pm five days a week, including every other Saturday (with a Monday off in the week you work Saturday). Part-time hours are possible – please discuss with your local office.
Good money
In London you start on £8.50 an hour, which can rise to £13.50 an hour if you’re really hot. Outside London you start on a very competitive £7.50 an hour, rising to £12.50 an hour.
But that’s not all. We also offer a Sign-up Bonus, a great extra earner. The more daily sign-ups you get, the more money you get. It’s uncapped so there’s no limit! This means you could make £20 a day on top of your hourly rate - if you’re really good, £40 a day. That’s an extra £100 or £200 a week. Or even more. It’s up to you! See our Rewards section for more details.
We DON’T pay commission on the money you raise. Feel free to tell that to anyone who thinks you’re a commission-hungry sales hound. What’s more, you get the chance of a pay rise every three months.
Team Leaders: gee up the posse
Already an excellent street fundraiser, how about looking after and motivating teams of up to five fundraisers on the street? You get a different team each day, and a great buzz from coaching important skills then seeing them put into action where it matters. A move towards management, being a team leader gives you responsibility without losing touch with fundraisers and donors.
Managers: we are not worthy
Our Fundraising Managers coach and lead team leaders and fundraisers. They’re the best of the best, the Yodas of the fundraising world. They know everything about the streets we visit, skills we use and charities we work for.
They’ve been there and done it. They know how to inspire, push buttons and get the best out of everyone. This, in turn, gets the best results for the charities we work for.
If you’re a Yoda, call 020 7281 8833 during office hours and ask for Paul Maher, our Head of National Operations. Or leave a message out of hours on 020 7281 8908 and we’ll get back to you.
