Fundraisers
Machines can already do 31% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 54%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Fundraisers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 31% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 5% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 54% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 111,040 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $72,550 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 85% for contact with people.
- Also called: Contract Grant Writer, Development Associate, Development Officer, Direct Response Consultant.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify and build relationships with potential donors | 12% | 10% to 27% | |
| Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors | 8% | 10% to 27% | |
| Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs | 6% | 35% to 65% | |
| Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations | 6% | 73% to 95% | |
| Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors | 5% | 10% to 27% | |
| Create or update donor databases | 5% | 70% to 95% | |
| Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets | 5% | 50% to 85% | |
| Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships | 5% | 25% to 50% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills fundraisers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Fundraisers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of fundraisers?
Machines can do 31% of the tasks of fundraisers today and 54% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 13-1131.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Fundraisers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/fundraisers/