Lindsay Boswell, chief executive of the IOF, said: ‘In these challenging times, membership of your professional body has never been more relevant. The fact that we have more members than ever before reflects the value our members place on the support and services we provide.

‘As a fundraiser it’s not necessarily money which motivates you - but you spend most of your day chasing it. We can help you make the chase a little easier."

A new direct route means that those with at least five year's experience in fundraising can join the Institute as a full member.