As part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising is celebrating our dedicated volunteers who help support and strengthen the fundraising sector through shaping the direction of our work, events, training, mentoring and professional leadership, to name a few. Featuring stories from the inspiring fundraisers who volunteer with us, this page highlights how volunteering supports professional development, builds sector connections, and helps charities deliver greater impact for the communities and causes they serve. Thank you to all our volunteers for the time, expertise, and passion you bring to supporting fundraisers and the wider charity sector.
“Volunteers are the cornerstones of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Our entire staff team acknowledges that without our volunteers, we could not deliver half of what we do. Our Special Interest Groups provide us with specialist expert knowledge – from Payroll Giving to Community Fundraising to Major Donors and beyond – providing a bridge between the staff team and members and non-members alike.
We are a member-led organisation and are so thankful for the commitment given to us by hundreds of our members who volunteer as: trustees; chairs and committee members of our national, regional and special interest groups; members of our advisory boards; and our amazing Fundraising Convention Board members. Every single one of you makes a huge contribution to the work we do – simply put, we couldn’t do it without you – thank you for everything you do!”
“Every one of our conferences and events is powered by volunteers—just look around Fundraising Convention and you’ll see a sea of green t-shirts that reflects the incredible impact they have on our organisation.
The sector we champion relies heavily on volunteers, and we’re no exception. Our extensive network of volunteer groups enables us to connect with the wider fundraising community in a far more personal and meaningful way. Many of these groups run mentoring sessions, supporting both those new to fundraising and experienced professionals looking to grow their careers. They also organise in-person events alongside regular virtual activities, such as lunchtime networking sessions and webinars. Our Introduction to Fundraising courses, delivered entirely by regional volunteer groups, are a testament to their generosity—offering their time and expertise to teach the fundamentals in localised, supportive environments.
We are deeply grateful for everything our volunteers do. They are at the heart of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating their contribution this Volunteers’ Week.”
As we bring Fundraising Convention to a close after 20 incredible years, we want to extend our deepest thanks to every volunteer who has helped make this event possible.
Year after year, your time, energy, enthusiasm, and dedication have been at the heart of Convention. As we prepare for this final convention in 2026, we recognise that Fundraising Convention simply would not have become what it is without you.
We’d also like to thank Gather for their longstanding support of our volunteers, including sponsoring the iconic green t-shirts that have become synonymous with Fundraising Convention.
Thank you all again for being part of its story and for helping create such a lasting legacy.
Read more about how volunteering could help you. Across the UK, groups of fundraisers are coming together to support each other, to grow their skills and to connect with other fundraisers.
Learn more about volunteering with our national, regional, and special interest fundraising groups is a chance to make a real impact in the UK fundraising community. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to get involved - from current vacancies and role descriptions to the application process and guidance on how volunteering can help you grow your skills, expand your network, and influence the future of fundraising.
Read to learn more about our National, Regional and Sepcail Interest Groups. Our groups put fundraisers at the heart of everything we do, wherever you are in the UK and whatever your area of interest. Led by committed volunteer fundraisers, these groups create opportunities to connect, share knowledge and build skills through events, networking and peer support, while also representing the voice of fundraising locally, nationally and across the profession.
