Professional Fundraising Certificate

Professional Fundraising Certificate

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Professional Fundraising Certificate of Completion (Live Online)

New! Begins Fall 2024

The Professional Fundraising Certificate program at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is designed to teach the fundamental yet critical skills necessary to work as a professional fund raiser. The curriculum strengthens the skills of those already working in the industry and provides a strong foundation for those seeking a profession in fundraising. The program provides an overview of the industry and information regarding resources, professional organizations, and career possibilities. Each session will provide in-depth information in the critical aspects of fundraising, thereby providing students with a sound basis upon which to successfully raise funds, and to decide on their direction in the profession and successful fundraising.

The Professional Fundraising Certificate is designed to teach students the basic principles of fundraising as it relates to institutional funders. It covers the basic dynamics of corporate and foundation funding including statistical data. It also explores the fundamentals of grants and grant writing, and developing proposals for institutional funding consideration. Other funding sources that are studied include churches, civic groups, employee giving programs, corporate foundations, and family foundations. 

Features:
Instructor Expertise – Interactive – Presentations – Industry Speakers – Project-Based Learning

Full participation in the Professional Fundraising Program at CSUDH is applicable for 36 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

In this interactive live online, instructor-led program, participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools such as templates, case studies, and check lists to apply to real-life fund raising experiences. Group activities, projects and simulations enable students to amass hands-on experience and project-based learning. Each session includes time to work on the project component associated with that session’s topics. 

The program will also give participants the opportunity to practice and demonstrate their comprehension of program materials and presentation skills. Using the fund raising tools taught, students will prepare and present various aspects of fundraising activities.

In addition to the professional expertise of the program instructor, guest speakers (industry experts) will be included in various sessions to provide additional perspective and knowledge.

What You Will Learn

Topics: 

Professional Fundraising Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes

To provide a general fundraising education program that covers the basics of fund development for those working in a non-profit organization, or those desiring to enter the field of fundraising, as well as preparing students who want to pursue the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification.

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of fundraising.
2. Gain the ability to develop an annual fund raising plan for a non-profit organization.
3. Know the key performance indicators of fundraising and what is important to measure.
4. Develop skills in how to approach major funders and how to write good proposals.
5. Understand the importance of a multi-channel fundraising program and multiple revenue sources.
6. Develop the ability to write good marketing materials and what makes a good appeal.
7. Develop skills in digital marketing and online fundraising programs and channels.
8. Understand the importance of Moves Management as it applies to major donor fundraising.

Who Should Attend

The course is designed as an introductory course in fundraising. It includes practical application in addition to theory. The course should appeal to those looking to get into the industry, as well as those working in the non-profit sector including Executive Directors, fundraising staff and even board members who want to be better fundraisers.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to all individuals interested in learning about fundraising.

Careers in Professional Fundraising: Employment Outlook

Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations at the national level. In California, this rate is projected at 10 percent growth. 

About 9,900 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Job Titles Include:

Assistant Directors of Annual Giving, Development Associates & Officers, Directors of Fund Development, Directors of Individuals Giving, Foundation Officers, Fulfillment Managers, Grant Writers, Grants Administrators, Major Gifts Officers, Philanthropy Managers, Planned Giving Officers

Program Takeaways

1. Template for an annual fundraising plan (also a portfolio piece)
2. Templates for major donor letters
3. Templates for monthly appeals and newsletters
4. Templates for donor analytics and results measurement
5. Template for digital fundraising program
6. Resources for fundraising information: Books, Blogs, Podcasts, websites
7. Foundational information for taking the CFRE examination
8. Blueprint for building a good development department

Certificate Requirements

This program provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and is graded on a Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) basis. Nationally recognized standards govern attendance requirements to earn CEU credit. Students must attend and complete all 12 sessions of the program and project to receive a Credit grade. Students will be evaluated based on their attendance, class participation, and the completion of assignments and projects.

A Digital Badge and Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon the completion of the program. The program certificate may be requested via CCPE Certificate Request online application. The certificate includes both a digital badge/certificate link and a printed physical certificate. A permanent record of attendance is established and students may obtain a copy of their transcript by visiting https://www.csudh.edu/registrar/request-transcript/.

Campus Location

Classes are held online via Zoom, and are convenient for people living and working in or near Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, Carson, Compton, El Segundo, Lomita, Harbor City, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Westchester, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Downey, Inglewood, Wilmington, and other parts of the South Bay and Southern California.

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