The full lists of attributes of a donor-focused fundraiser drawn from the surveys and focus groups we conducted.

• People skills
• Cause driven
• Adaptability/agility
• Listening and responding to donor needs
• Genuine/authentic/integrity
• Quick thinking
• Drive and resilience
• Well organised
• Technically skilled
• Numerate
• Empathetic
• Curious
• Networking skills
• Good team worker
• Analytical
• Marketing skills
• Creative.

The full list of attributes for specific fundraising techniques drawn from our survey and focus group.

Community

• Connection with people as individuals
• Passion
• Multi-tasker
• Thinks on their feet.

DM

• Awareness of statistics
• Understands donor groups
• Knows how to direct a message.

Corporate

• Tenacity
• Energy
• Rapport-building skills
• Finding common ground
• Speaks the donor’s language. 

Trusts and foundations

• Writing skills
• Can interpret scientific reports
• People skills do matter as there is a potential crossover to major donors
• Attention to detail
• Highly organised
• Research skills
• Happy to work alone
• Clear thinking
• Process skills.

Legacies

• Ability to handle sensitive issues skilfully
• Calm
• Represents the organisation well
• Compassion
• Has a strong moral compass.

Supporter care/admin

• Loves supporters
• Is an advocate for them
• Shows empathy.

Events

• Resilience
• Networking skills
• Team workers
• Customer service
• Appreciative.

Digital

• Understanding of digital audience and channels
• Marketing capability
• Financial literacy
• Agility to adapt to an ever changing market.

Major donors

• Rapport-building skills
• Establishing common ground
• Speaks the donor’s language
• Outgoing
• Confident
• Charisma
• Gravitas
• Wants to be with people.
• Happy to work the room.