CFRE: How To Earn It, Track It, and Use It

Are you considering earning your Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential — but not sure where to start? Or have you started the process and feel overwhelmed by the requirements?

This practical “how-to” session will walk you step-by-step through the CFRE process, from eligibility and application to preparing for the exam and maintaining your certification. Whether you’re brand new to the credential or ready to submit your application, you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a plan.

We’ll cover:

• What the CFRE credential is — and why it matters

• Eligibility requirements and point categories

• How to track education, professional practice, and service

• Tips for completing the application accurately

• Study strategies and exam preparation resources

• Maintaining and renewing your CFRE

Participants will receive practical tools, tracking templates, and recommended resources to simplify the process and avoid common mistakes. Time will be reserved for Q&A so you can get answers specific to your experience level and goals.

Whether you're pursuing CFRE for professional growth, credibility, career advancement, or personal achievement, this session will help you move forward with clarity and momentum.

About Elizabeth:

I believe philanthropy is ultimately about connection — connecting people to purpose, generosity to impact, and communities to the institutions that help them thrive.

As Director of Development at the Erie Philharmonic, I have the privilege of building relationships that sustain world-class orchestral music and meaningful programs in our community. Every conversation with a donor, sponsor, or supporter is an opportunity to align someone’s values with something that creates lasting cultural impact.

My career in nonprofit leadership spans more than 13 years, with experience across arts, museums, and youth development programs. Before joining the Philharmonic, I worked in Development at Sarasota Opera, and prior to that, The Dali Museum. Early in my career, I supported StoryCorpsU in Brooklyn, NY, facilitating curriculum development by amplifying school students’ stories for NPR. 

Throughout my career, I have focused on growing donor relationships and creating fundraising strategies rooted in authenticity and long-term engagement. I am passionate about helping organizations move from transactional fundraising to transformational philanthropy — where donors feel deeply connected to outcomes and impact.

My commitment to Community extends beyond my professional role. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter and Erie ClaySpace, and I am proud to be a member of the Erie Women's Fund and the Emerging Erie Fund through the The Erie Community Foundation. These roles allow me to contribute to a broader vision of equity, creativity, and leadership development in Erie.

Earning my CFRE credential reflects my commitment to ethical fundraising and lifelong professional growth. What drives me is seeing generosity transform ideas into action — whether that’s a child experiencing live orchestral music for the first time, a student seeing their story valued, or a community coming together around shared purpose.