Two-thirds of arts fundraisers expect income to fall

Arts organisations' fundraising activity has fallen, with half postponing revenue earning programmes during the pandemic.

A survey of arts fundraisers by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising found two-thirds expected income to fall as a result. 

They turned increasingly to trusts and foundations over individual donors and leaned more into social media – twice as many fundraisers reported using it "very often" – as in person meetings declined. However, about a third had not changed their approach to fundraising in response to Covid-19.

The researchers raised fears many would burn out under increased workloads: two-thirds of fundraisers said their workload had increased and one third did not see a long term future for themselves in the creative sector.

"Whilst resilience and innovation continue to be key skills characteristic of the profession, only with the help of substantial support – both financial and skill-based – will fundraisers be able to contribute to create a financially sustainable non-profit sector akin to pre-crisis levels," Dr Marta Herrero of the University of Sheffield Management School commented.