This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through quantified fundraising achievements, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian nonprofit organizations are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re stepping up from development officer to manager or bringing your fundraising leadership expertise to a larger organization, we’ve got you covered.
Fundraising Manager Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Marcus Chen
[email protected]
0429 876 543
linkedin.com/in/marcuschen
Sydney, NSW
8 October 2025
Ms Catherine Foster
Director of Philanthropy
Cancer Council NSW
Level 3, 153 Dowling Street
Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011
Dear Ms Foster,
When I discovered that Cancer Council NSW is seeking a Fundraising Manager to lead major gifts and corporate partnerships across your expanding development program, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As someone who led fundraising teams generating $8.5M annually at Heart Foundation NSW—growing major gift revenue by 67% through strategic donor cultivation, securing 15 new corporate partnerships valued at $2.4M combined, and improving donor retention from 72% to 91% through innovative stewardship programs—I’m thrilled at the prospect of combining strategic fundraising leadership and mission-driven relationship building for your life-saving cancer research and support services.
Over the past seven years as a Fundraising Manager working throughout Sydney’s nonprofit sector, I’ve repeatedly delivered results that match perfectly with your needs. I’ve led fundraising teams of 5-8 development professionals managing major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grant programs, developed and implemented comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual giving, institutional funding, and events, cultivated relationships with high-net-worth donors and corporate decision-makers securing six and seven-figure gifts, managed annual fundraising budgets of $1.5M+ achieving revenue targets while controlling costs, mentored team members developing fundraising capabilities and career pathways, and collaborated with marketing, programs, and executive leadership translating impact into compelling donor narratives. My background spanning health, education, and social services has shown me that exceptional fundraising management merges strategic vision with team empowerment and donor cultivation with organizational mission—precisely what you require for sustainable philanthropic growth.
What really attracts me to Cancer Council NSW is your groundbreaking research achievements and your comprehensive approach to cancer support services. I hold a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Certificate in Fundraising Management, and completed Major Gift Fundraising intensive through Our Community. I’m proficient with Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, and donor analytics platforms. I maintain active membership with Fundraising Institute Australia including FIA leadership program completion. I’m convinced that fundraising managers aren’t merely revenue generators—we’re strategic leaders who build high-performing teams, inspire philanthropic investment in mission-critical work, ensure ethical fundraising practices, and create sustainable funding partnerships that enable organizations to achieve transformational impact.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to lead fundraising teams while driving major gift growth can enhance Cancer Council NSW’s development outcomes. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Kind regards,
Marcus Chen
[email protected]
0429 876 543
linkedin.com/in/marcuschen
How to Format a Fundraising Manager Cover Letter
- Length: Max 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Fundraising Manager Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Fundraising Manager cover letter needs to follow a results-focused structure that showcases both leadership capability and fundraising results:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Right Opening: “When Red Cross Australia announced expansion of emergency relief programs requiring senior fundraising managers to lead $15M+ development teams—managing major donor portfolios, building corporate partnerships with ASX-listed companies, and implementing multi-channel fundraising strategies—I instantly recognized where my background leading teams raising $12M annually, securing Australia’s largest humanitarian corporate partnership from Commonwealth Bank valued at $4.5M over three years, and achieving 88% donor retention through strategic stewardship could advance your mission to help vulnerable communities while building sustainable funding partnerships supporting critical humanitarian services.”
Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Fundraising Manager position that was advertised on EthicalJobs. I have fundraising experience and enjoy working with donors. I believe I would be a good fit for your organization.”
Entry-Level Fundraising Manager Cover Letter Tips
- Highlight progression from senior development officer, major gifts officer, or team lead roles
- Showcase leadership examples even without formal management title (project leadership, mentoring)
- Demonstrate understanding of fundraising strategy, budget management, and team coordination
- Emphasize major gift cultivation, grant writing success, or corporate partnership experience
- Reference relevant qualifications (fundraising certificates, nonprofit management training)
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Fundraising Manager
Right Entry-Level Approach: “While serving as Senior Development Officer at Guide Dogs Victoria for the past five years, I’ve progressively taken on management responsibilities including leading major gifts program raising $3.2M annually from 85 major donors, mentoring two junior development officers improving their donor cultivation skills, developing fundraising strategy and annual plans achieving 112% of revenue targets, managing grants program securing $850K from philanthropic trusts and foundations, representing organization at corporate events cultivating partnership opportunities, and acting as Fundraising Manager during extended leave overseeing full team operations. I recently completed FIA Leadership Program and hold Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management. During major gifts campaign, I secured transformational $1M bequest commitment through strategic cultivation over 18 months. This blend of hands-on fundraising excellence and emerging leadership capability demonstrated that effective fundraising management harmonizes strategic thinking with team development—capabilities I’m excited to contribute in a dedicated manager capacity.”
Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I’ve been working in fundraising for several years and I think I’m ready to manage a team. I’ve raised a lot of money and work well with donors. I’m looking for an opportunity to advance my career. Please consider me for this position.”
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Fundraising Manager Cover Letter
- Being vague about funds raised, team size managed, or donor retention rates achieved
- Focusing only on revenue without emphasizing team leadership and strategy development
- Overlooking donor stewardship, relationship cultivation, or ethical fundraising practices
- Not mentioning grant writing success rates, corporate partnerships, or diversified revenue streams
- Ignoring budget management, target achievement, or ROI metrics
- Generic applications without researching the organization’s mission or fundraising challenges
- Forgetting to mention staff development, performance management, or culture building
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Match to their cause sector (health, education, environment, social services, arts, international)
- Address specific revenue streams they mention (major gifts, grants, corporate, events, bequests)
- Reference their donor base characteristics (community, high-net-worth, corporate, foundations)
- Highlight relevant experience with their organizational scale (local, national, international)
- Align with their fundraising philosophy (relationship-based, data-driven, community-focused)
How to Sign Off Your Fundraising Manager Cover Letter
- Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile
Cover Letter Signature Example
Kind regards,
Sarah Williams
[email protected]
0438 765 234
linkedin.com/in/sarahwilliams-fundraising
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. MarcusChen_CoverLetter.pdf)
- If submitting via EthicalJobs, follow application instructions precisely
- Include writing samples or case studies if requested
Final Tips for Writing a Great Fundraising Manager Cover Letter
- Lead with quantified leadership outcomes (revenue, team size, donor retention, campaign success)
- Balance strategic fundraising thinking with team development and operational excellence
- Show understanding of full fundraising cycle from strategy through stewardship
- Emphasize both relationship cultivation skills and data-driven decision making
- Demonstrate mission alignment and genuine passion for the cause
- Mention ethical fundraising commitment, compliance knowledge, and donor-centered approach
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for fundraising and nonprofit leadership roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for senior development positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the fundraising manager they need. Concentrate on specific leadership achievements that demonstrate both strategic fundraising capability and team development success, express genuine connection to their mission and cause, and always emphasize how you’ll build high-performing teams while driving sustainable revenue growth from day one. With Australia’s nonprofit sector increasingly focused on diversified revenue streams, donor retention, and ethical fundraising practices, organizations are seeking fundraising managers who can balance revenue accountability with team empowerment and strategic planning with authentic relationship building. Develop your professional credentials through organizations like the Fundraising Institute Australia and Our Community, and maintain knowledge of fundraising regulations through Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission guidance to ensure your application reflects current fundraising leadership expectations and ethical standards.
