Artists have always been the voice for social change, presenting their ideas with passion and articulate urgency. And like the world of art and music, charity causes today are conveyed through the voices of street poets.
They speak with as much thought provoking substance as our favourite songs. We know them as Professional Fundraisers. Their stage is the street or shopping mall and their song is their cause. Both Professional Fundraisers and today’s artist convey passion and an important message to the public. These days, Professional Fundraisers even tour the country raising much needed funds for charities in oft‐overlooked regional centres.
According to national fundraising company, WAYS, people from music and arts backgrounds are proving themselves to be a valuable asset in the field. In Melbourne, Ross Hetherington (ex Bodyjar) worked between records supporting World Society for Protection of Animals while Shaun Gionis has also previously contributed while juggling drumming duties for both Trial Kennedy and Boomgates.
WAYS National Recruitment Manager Luke Szabo says many of the company’s highest performers come from an arts or creative background.
“It makes sense because the best fundraisers are self motivated, charismatic and are used to setting their own goals,” he says. “You need to be creative and think outside‐the‐square and artistic people seem to have management skills ‐ and they never take no for an answer.
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And Luke should know, he himself started as a street Fundraiser more than seven years ago while balancing music projects, record label commitments and touring the country. He remained involved with fundraising every step of the way.
“Artists and performers already possess that driving motivation and people skills to make it as a Professional Fundraiser,” Luke says. It comes with years of perfecting and pushing their craft. When we hear of someone who already has these attributes and who wants to represent one of our charity campaigns we are always interested.” Donation plans and ongoing memberships have become the best option for charities to secure much-needed long term funds. And many people who put their hand up to advocate these causes are suddenly finding a career in the charity industry.
Since starting in 2009, WAYS’ fundraisers have signed up more than 27,000 people as ongoing supporters to various charities. These supporters already donate $9 million a year $45 million if they stay with their cause for the anticipated 5 years.
Luke says: “It’s a very professional way of fundraising and it takes a certain type of drive to achieve such amazing results.” In the same way as the music model has changed, fundraising has also adapted to the digital age. WAYS’ fundraisers now wield iPads when engaging potential supporters and donations happen within a couple of minutes.
“Being more streamlined allows WAYS to provide great incentives to fundraisers who show exceptional performance in the field, including the opportunity to travel as part of their role.”
WAYS is now recruiting for Professional Fundraisers and regularly holds four-day training programs for those wanting to get involved. The course covers a variety of charity information, sales skills, negotiating techniques and more and those looking for a career change or wanting to work full‐time to finance their artistic pursuits are encouraged to apply.
“It can be one of those things you fall into and never considered as a career,” Luke says. But the opportunities are unlimited and things are changing so fast that now it a great time to get involved.”
Scan below for more details or go to www.funwaysing.com.
