Fundraising vacancies are by far the hardest for small charities to fill, according to a survey by the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI).

Of the 317 small charities that responded, half said that fundraisers were one of their most difficult sections of staff to recruit, while the second-most-cited role was marketing and communications, way back on 16 per cent.

Volunteer managers and project managers were both listed by 14 per cent of respondents.

The reasons for vacancies being hard to fill were mixed, but dominated by salary level (47 per cent), lack of funds to advertise widely or in the best places (43 per cent) and applicants’ lack of skills or experience (both 38 per cent).

Pauline Broomhead, founding CEO of the FSI, said fundraising hits small charities’ agendas when they look to grow beyond their initial support base, but added that fundraisers are not a panacea.

“It is at this juncture that things change – the charity sees more need and has to act or sees a need to uplift their support to make a meaningful change in the lives of their beneficiaries.  Now, fundraising becomes essential.

“Most probably, up until now, fundraising has been seen as a necessary evil  – we know it’s there, we know it has needs, but we have so many other priorities so it remains neglected.  

“This is where so many new charities find themselves in desperation – they’re both cash and time poor, needing a miracle more than a long-term strategy for action.  

“Now, I have known some incredible fundraisers in my time, some who could seemingly work miracles, but it is neither sustainable nor strategic.”