How Fundraisers Can Transform Their LinkedIn Profiles (And Why It Matters)

Time to dust off that LinkedIn profile! Here’s why it matters for your fundraising success (and exactly how to do it).
Why Your LinkedIn Profile Is Your Secret Fundraising Weapon

I’m Sabine Panneau, and I have a confession: I was a LinkedIn lurker for over 12 years. I created my profile back in 2008, but for YEARS only used it as an online CV. I was scared to start posting and wasn’t sure how to truly leverage it.

Sound familiar?

If you’re like most fundraisers and nonprofit leaders I work with, you probably set up your LinkedIn profile ages ago, added the basics, and then… nothing. It sits there gathering digital dust while you’re busy changing the world.

I get it! Between donor meetings, grant deadlines, and campaign planning, who has time to fiddle with social media profiles?

But here’s the truth I discovered when I finally stopped lurking two years ago: your LinkedIn profile isn’t just another social media distraction—it’s potentially your most powerful networking and fundraising tool. Whether you’re connecting with potential major donors, recruiting board members, or building relationships with corporate partners, LinkedIn is where professionals go to research YOU before saying yes to that meeting.

In recent years, I’ve helped dozens of nonprofits connect with donors and supporters through strategic LinkedIn use. Let me share what I’ve learned to transform your neglected profile into a fundraising asset!

The 10-Minute LinkedIn Makeover for Busy Fundraisers

1. Your Photo: First Impressions Matter

Your profile photo is the first thing people notice. For fundraisers, this matters tremendously because trust is our currency.

Quick tips:
Use a clear, professional headshot (not a vacation pic!)
Smile genuinely—fundraisers should appear approachable
Keep the background simple
Dress as you would when meeting an important donor

A professional photo increases profile views by 14x! Worth the investment, right?

2. Your Headline: Much More Than Your Job Title

This is prime real estate! Instead of just “Development Director at XYZ Charity,” use this space to highlight your impact and specialisation.

Strong headline examples for fundraisers:
“Connecting Passionate Donors with Life-Changing Programs | Development Director at Children’s Hope Foundation”
“Raising £2M Annually for Homelessness Prevention | Corporate Partnerships Lead”
“Helping Nonprofits Build Sustainable Funding Streams | Major Gifts Specialist”

Remember: Your headline should speak to the people you want to connect with, whether that’s potential donors, partners, or peers.

Here’s a good example of a profile that speaks to the reader.

3. Your About Section: Tell Your Fundraising Story

This isn’t a resume, it’s your chance to connect emotionally with readers.

Share:
Why you’re passionate about fundraising (your personal connection)
The impact you’ve helped create (concrete numbers and stories)
Your specific expertise areas (major gifts, digital fundraising, events, etc.)
A clear call-to-action (how should people connect with you?)

Pro tip: Write in first person (“I help nonprofits…”), not third person (“Jane helps nonprofits…”). It feels more authentic and builds an immediate connection.

My personal About Section: 

Are you a solo fundraiser, early-stage charity founder, or purpose-led entrepreneur trying to do it all? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

I help people like you turn bold fundraising ideas into clear, doable plans, with accountability and tools that make the work feel easier.
Whether you’re new to fundraising or simply stretched too thin, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let’s simplify your next steps, build meaningful donor relationships, and unlock support that lasts.

Areas I support:
LinkedIn for fundraisers
Campaign strategy
Donor comms
CRM setup
Compelling content

🤝 Let’s connect—message me here on LinkedIn for a friendly chat.

MY STORY:
Trilingual (EN/FR/ES) Marketing Strategist and Mentor. Curious about life, nature, and people, creative, NLP certified, and an explorer at heart, currently living in Argentina, South America.

4. Experience: Showcase Results, Not Just Responsibilities

For each role, focus on impact over tasks. Which sounds more compelling?

Instead of: “Responsible for donor database management and acknowledgement letters.”

Try: “Implemented new donor stewardship process that improved retention by 32% and increased average gift size by £750.”

Each position should highlight:
Problems you solved
Money you raised (specific amounts!)
Systems you improved
Relationships you built

Seven years ago, I took the leap from corporate life to pursue my passion for helping passionate entrepreneurs and nonprofits. This shift taught me that your experience section needs to tell a story of impact, not just list job duties.

5. Skills & Endorsements: Fundraising-Specific Keywords

Add skills that matter in our sector:
Major Gift Solicitation
Donor Relations
Grant Writing
Fundraising Strategy
Corporate Partnerships
Digital Fundraising
Donor Stewardship
Annual Giving
Capital Campaigns

These keywords help you appear in searches when organisations are looking for fundraising expertise.

Making LinkedIn Work for Your Nonprofit Career

Now that your profile shines, put it to work:

– Connect strategically with foundation program officers, corporate giving managers, and community leaders
– Share content weekly that demonstrates your expertise (articles about giving trends, campaign successes, sector research)
– Engage genuinely with others’ posts, especially potential funders and partners
– Join nonprofit groups to expand your network and gather insights

As someone who mentors through Vital Voices Global Partnership in Rosario, Argentina, and FemMentored in the UK, I’ve seen firsthand how these connections can blossom into meaningful collaborations. My work with Women Funders in Animal Rights has taught me that LinkedIn is particularly powerful for niche causes seeking to build community.

The Bottom Line: It’s Worth Your Time

I know what you’re thinking: “I barely have time for lunch, let alone LinkedIn!”

But consider this: one strategic connection could lead to your next major donor. One impressive profile could convince that perfect board member to say yes. One thoughtful comment could open doors to a new corporate partnership.

Visibility on LinkedIn isn’t merely a choice; it’s essential for securing funding. In our world of relationship-based fundraising, your professional presence matters. Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just online busywork, it’s a powerful extension of your fundraising toolkit.

Ready to take your nonprofit’s LinkedIn presence to the next level?

I’m currently working on something special for small charity founders and fundraising professionals who want to leverage LinkedIn more effectively.

Meanwhile, my 60-minute workshop (ideal for 3-5 participants from the same nonprofit) can help if your team is:
Not getting enough donor attention
Struggling to showcase impact
Missing opportunities to connect
https://www.sabinefep.com/liworkshop/

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What LinkedIn tip will you implement this week? Drop me a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Need help?

My specialised online fundraising services for non-profits go beyond fundraising. It’s about setting up your organisation for success, using the right tools and platforms to inspire action and foster a dedicated community of supporters.

Together, let’s transform your online platform into a powerful tool that amplifies your impact and drives results.

Book a free call to learn more and embark on your journey towards a more impactful and engaging online presence.

Here’s what I can help you with:

• Compelling copywriting and content writing: Create captivating website copy, engaging blog posts, and effective email marketing materials that resonate with your audience.
• Strategic email marketing: Design targeted email campaigns to nurture leads, build relationships, and foster ongoing supporter engagement.
• Streamlined online donation set-up: Simplify the process for your supporters to donate online, maximising your fundraising potential.
• Website creation tailored for non-profits: Develop a user-friendly and visually appealing website that showcases your mission, stories of impact, and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for your dedication to driving positive change. Let’s embark on this digital journey and amplify your charitable endeavours together!