Fundraiser Apprenticeship programme

Fundraiser

Level 3

ABOUT

A fundraiser undertakes the essential work of securing the resources (especially, but not only, money) required for both front-line activities and overheads, enabling good causes to fulfill their missions.
flexible-image-design2

Benefits of the programme

Skills Development

The Level 3 Fundraiser Apprenticeship provides early career fundraisers with the skills to build and maintain relationships, raising financial and non-financial support for charitable causes.

Understanding Fundraising

Learn about essential income sources: reach and build relationships with Donors. Gain confidence in analysis, regulation, data management, finance and budgeting.  

Academic Support

The programme, designed and delivered by academics from the Centre for Philanthropy, includes insights from leading consultants, fundraisers, and strategic philanthropists.

The Level 3 Fundraiser Apprenticeship programme  provides new and early career fundraisers with the skills, behaviours and knowledge to identify, build and maintain relationships to raise financial (such as funds) and non-financial support (such as raising awareness) for their charitable cause.

Our programme ensures that fundraisers have a thorough understanding of the different sources of income including major gifts, legacies, events, corporate partners, Trusts and Foundations, community and individual giving. You will learn how to contribute towards the implementation and execution of fundraising strategies, projects and plans. You will feel confident in areas such as conducting internal and external analysis and research, data management, stewardship, finance, communicating with stakeholders, fundraising legislation and building relationships.

You will join a leading academic institution which provides a supportive study and work environment. The programme is designed and delivered by academics from the Centre for Philanthropy, who are experts in the charity sector and who specialise in a range of relevant disciplines includes philanthropy, major giving and legacies. You will benefit from their wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as hearing from experts from beyond the University, including teaching contributions from leading consultants, fundraisers and strategic philanthropists.

“I really wish that this qualification was available when I started my career”.

Fundraising is so varied that it take years to get to know all its elements, how they all fit to build effective fundraising operation. Apprenticeship has enabled me to gain and implement this understanding in a fraction of the time

Alex, Apprentice
Press the ‘play button’ in the bottom left hand corner
to watch a short introduction to the programme

Programme Structure

The programme will be delivered through various teaching methods to provide apprentices with a diverse learning experience, including:

  • Weekly live online seminars
  • Independent learning exercises and work-based activities
  • E-learning resources and additional reading
  • Peer-to-peer learning
  • Shadowing
  • Monthly progress reviews and regular check-ins
  • Webinars and research tasks
  • Interactive learning

A 2-day face-to-face induction at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus will kick off the programme, with another 2-day event later on.

Apprentices will access the University of Kent’s online Moodle portal and gain practical experience through their work placement, including a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. This hands-on experience is vital for developing problem-solving, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills.

During the on-programme phase, apprentices will prepare a portfolio of evidence, with its format and structure agreed upon by the employer and apprentice, and presented electronically.

Team Profiles and Reading Picks

Dr Beth Breeze

Dr Beth Breeze co-founded the Centre for Philanthropy in 2008 and launched the University's Master's degree programme in Philanthropic Studies in 2016.

Dr Lucy Lowthian

Dr Lucy Lowthian has a long career in the charity sector. A Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Kent, Lucy lead on the development and launch of the Level 3 Fundraising Apprenticeship.

Dr Claire Routley

Dr Routley is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Philanthropy. She has worked as a charitable fundraiser for almost twenty years for charities large and small

Assessment and qualification

Apprentices must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Fundraiser Apprenticeship standard after a minimum of 13 months on-programme. The EPA is scheduled once the employer confirms the apprentice meets the occupational standard and gateway requirements.

The EPA, typically completed within two months, includes:

  • Case for support pitch, presentation with Q&A.
  • Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Performance in the EPA determines the final grade: Fail, Pass, or Distinction. Successful completion results in the Level 3 Fundraiser Apprenticeship Certificate.

Entry requirements

  • Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths must achieve this before the End-Point Assessment. 
  • For those with an education, health, and care plan or a legacy statement, the minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. 
  • A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification can replace the English qualification for BSL users.

Duration

Programme will be studied over 13 months full-time (for those working 30+ hours a week) and will be taught over three academic terms. The End-Point Assessment typically lasts for two months after the 13 month on-programme working is complete.

MODULES

  • The course covers individual roles, expectations, activities, and assessment methods.
  • An overview of fundraising and the sector including the different types of fundraising, the importance of stakeholders and building networks, and the ethical considerations and regulations that affect fundraising. 
  • An understanding of the importance of relationships, including different types of motivation, and the different forms of fundraising. 
  • An understanding of how to develop and manage relationships, the importance of recording data (adhering to GDPR) and what analysis techniques can help you to gather insight.

  • An understanding of the components of a case for support to showcase the impact of the organisation’s work. 
  • An overview of the different communication methods for internal and external stakeholders.An understanding of effective supporter care and stewardship and the importance of accurately recording supporter information.
  • An understanding of the key financial principles such as budgeting and forecasting.

  • Develop problem solving skills by understanding how to manage conflict, find solutions and evaluate decisions, adapting the working style where necessary.
  • An understanding of the external and market factors and explore methodologies to undertake internal and external analysis.
  • Exploration of the key components of a fundraising plan.
  • Course conclusions and assessment preparation.

NEXT STEPS

Employers and Employees

Our team is here to help you apply for the apprenticeship programme, whether you’re ready to join or need guidance on the process. Feel free to contact us for support.

Students and Prospective Apprentices

Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about Kent programmes, need help selecting the right apprenticeship or require information on funding, timelines and more, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

We're always here to help you navigate through the process.

Contact Us