The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (IoF) has created a new package of support for fundraisers who have been made redundant due to coronavirus.
Fundraisers will have access to three months of free membership, and will be able to access a package of further support, learning and development resources.
It is estimated that 60,000 jobs are likely to be lost across the charity sector, according to Pro Bono Economics.
The IoF has said any individual member who experiences redundancy from their jobs will be offered three months of their membership free of charge.
This offer will also be available to members who are not salaried employees but who have lost work due to the pandemic, such as freelancers.
Three months of free membership will also be available to any non-member fundraiser who has been made redundant and wants to apply for membership.
The new package of support, which employed members will also be able to access, includes “a range of learning and development opportunities, as well as tips on developing CV and preparing for interviews, among many other resources”.
Organisational members of the IoF will have the opportunity to buy individual membership for any fundraisers they are making redundant at a discounted rate, “to enable that person to continue their professional development in fundraising and access the support and resources available to help them back into work”.
‘Fundraisers are the lifeblood of our charity sector’
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the IoF, said: “The fundraising community is a special place, where people are supported and helped through their career by their peers and colleagues. As the professional membership body for fundraisers, I am delighted that we are able to embrace that tradition and announce this new package of support to fundraisers who are experiencing difficulty due to redundancy or loss of work.
“Fundraisers are the lifeblood of our charity sector, turning visions into reality through generating the income that keeps vital services and activities running.
“Our charities need, and will continue to need, excellent fundraisers as we face the continued impact of coronavirus, and although it will be a difficult time for many in the months ahead, we are determined to continue supporting fundraisers so that they can find new roles, develop their skills, and take the next steps in their fundraising careers.
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