Given the choice, almost two thirds of not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) would prefer to develop an existing employee rather than offer a higher salary to get a fundraiser, according to third sector recruiter Charity People.

The survey, completed by 163 respondents, reveals most organisations believe there is a fundraising skills gap, with almost half of respondents identifying major donor fundraising as experiencing the biggest shortfall.

Rather than recruiting fundraisers externally, NFPs are concentrating on developing talent in-house.

David Lale, founder and managing director of Charity People says: “It’s clear from the research that this time of austerity is impacting the recruitment of fundraisers. It’s not surprising that there is a new emphasis on NFPs training and developing the team members they value to become talented fundraisers. This is truly the time to invest in the loyal staff these organisations employ.

“This is also somewhat of a wake up call to third sector recruitment agencies that NFPs are meeting the challenge of the fundraising skills gap by cultivating their own teams. We have to consider the long-term implications this has for the industry.”