Fundraising Committee Member

Volunteer Position (1-year renewable term)

About Toronto Cat Rescue

Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to saving cats from situations of abandonment, homelessness, and imminent euthanasia. The Fundraising Committee supports TCR’s mission by providing strategic advice and guidance to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand donor relationships, and support the long-term sustainability of the organization.

Position Summary

Members of the Fundraising Committee serve in an advisory capacity, providing strategic insight, expertise, and guidance to the Toronto Cat Rescue Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Fund Development Manager. The Fundraising Committee supports the development and refinement of fundraising strategies while respecting staff leadership over operational execution.

Committee members contribute ideas, sector knowledge, and networks to support fundraising initiatives across a range of revenue streams, including annual giving, major gifts, events, corporate partnerships, and grants. The Committee does not manage fundraising operations or direct staff work.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Committee members are expected to participate actively in the following areas:

Fundraising Strategy & Advisory Support

  • Provide strategic advice on TCR’s overall fundraising approach and priorities.

  • Offer insight on annual campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and fundraising initiatives.

  • Share knowledge of fundraising trends, best practices, and opportunities for innovation.

  • Provide informed feedback on fundraising goals, targets, and performance metrics presented by staff.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

  • Identify potential donors, sponsors, partners, or funders and make introductions where appropriate.

  • Support donor stewardship activities such as thank-you calls, event hosting, or relationship-building, as capacity allows.

  • Champion TCR’s fundraising initiatives within personal and professional networks.

Committee Participation

  • Attend and actively participate in monthly committee meetings (virtual or hybrid).

  • Review materials in advance and contribute constructively to discussions.

  • Collaborate respectfully with fellow committee members, staff, and Board representatives.

Committee Operations

Membership

  • The Committee includes a Board-appointed Chair, Board members, and external volunteer members.

  • The Fund Development Manager serves as a staff resource to the Committee.

  • Members are selected based on relevant experience, expertise, and commitment to TCR’s mission.

Term

  • One-year renewable term, beginning following appointment.

Meetings

  • Meets monthly or as required to support strategic discussions.

  • Attendance and active participation are expected; members may provide written input if unable to attend.

Authority

  • The Committee is advisory in nature and does not direct staff, manage vendors, approve budgets, or oversee operational implementation.

  • All fundraising execution, budgets, and decisions remain the responsibility of the Executive Director and Fund Development Manager.

  • The Committee is accountable to the Board of Directors through the Committee Chair.

Qualifications & Skills

Ideal candidates bring some combination of the following:

  • Experience or interest in fundraising, philanthropy, marketing, communications, events, corporate partnerships, or business development.

  • Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute at a high-level advisory table.

  • Willingness to leverage experience, ideas, and community involvement to support fundraising efforts.

  • Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills.

  • Commitment to Toronto Cat Rescue’s mission and values.

  • Previous board or committee experience is an asset but not required.

  • Experience with endowment management, investment oversight, or long-term financial planning for nonprofit organizations is considered an asset but is not required

Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is committed to becoming reflective of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage equity seeking groups to apply and self-identify. In accordance with The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we are also committed to providing a barrier-free work environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants, upon request during the recruitment process.

Please send a cover letter and resume expressing your interest in applying, to the Board Chair at:  kaybrenders@torontocatrescue.ca .  The deadline to apply is January 9th, 2026.  Interviews will be held in January and/or February.

Job Description