Bianca Crocker, CFRE, FFIA, has more than twenty years of experience in strategy development, professional writing, communications, fundraising, and marketing in the nonprofit sector. She’s refined her skills through her work with various organisations, including those supporting sick and disadvantaged youth and children, and community health and welfare.
Driven by her belief in creating a strong and ethical environment for the profession of fundraising, she earned her CFRE in 2015 and is recognised as a Fellow of Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA).
Given her vast experience consulting with different organizations and fundraisers of all stripes, we were curious to learn more about her approach to fundraising and how the CFRE has helped her strengthen the fundraising community in Australia . . .
Setting an Example for the Next Generation
I’m an enthusiastic fundraising and philanthropy advocate. I strive to create community change by bringing resources, passion, and people together to help make our world a better place, both locally and globally. I believe everyone has the capacity to contribute to enhancing our society in some way; many just need to be inspired to do so.
I first decided to earn my CFRE when I'd been working in fundraising for about nine or 10 years and felt it was a good way to show my breadth of knowledge and understanding of best-practice fundraising. Perhaps more importantly, I believed it was a good way to support the professionalism of our sector and grow our integrity more broadly among the community.
I've found CFRE certification to be useful when engaging with others, particularly when I've facilitated workshops or training sessions. I’ve always found great fulfillment in the 'teaching' side of our profession to help equip the next generation of fundraisers. My training experience extends across the board - literally - from facilitating Board sessions on philanthropy to hosting webinars on fundraising strategy. I’m a big believer that sharing our collective knowledge is the best way to strengthen the sector, ensuring we all become more effective for the causes we serve.
You Must Lead with Integrity
In recent years, the CFRE has continued to demonstrate my experience and knowledge, and provided the ability to be a role model to other fundraisers. I believe a role model in this sector must lead with integrity that’s rooted in a deep respect for the understanding of each individual donor and what they’re looking for. Beyond ethical rigor, a leader in our sector needs resilience.
In my experience, the strongest professional relationships are built on a foundation of transparency. I make it a point to be open and honest with team members and donors, even when the conversations are difficult. Fundraising - particularly in a consulting capacity - can be incredibly demanding, and I’ve found that staying calm and positive under pressure is essential. Amongst all the joy in our work, it’s a tough space sometimes, and rejections are inevitable from time to time, so we need to work with grace. By modeling these values, I hope to inspire my peers to see challenges as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
Believe in the Power of Change
Transitioning from advertising to the charitable sector over twenty years ago allowed me to align my professional skills in communication and strategy with my desire to create change.
I think I’ve always been driven to help others, and fundraising offered a way to make a significant impact behind the scenes. I’m a naturally curious person who sees the world through rosy-colored glasses, which is an essential perspective in this work. After all, we cannot inspire others to invest in a better future unless we truly believe in its possibility ourselves.