Fundraising Academy

Program Overview:

The Fundraising Academy is an in-depth, comprehensive training program designed to equip nonprofit professionals and Board Members with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective fundraising. The course offers a blend of online learning (with over 4 hours of on-demand video content) and an optional in-person deep dive session, ensuring a flexible and immersive educational experience.

Session Segments:

1. Introduction to Fundraising: Explore the fundamentals of fundraising, understanding its vital role in nonprofit organizations.
2. Creating a Fundraising Program: Learn how to design and implement a successful fundraising strategy tailored to your organization’s needs.
3. Building Relationships: Delve into the art of relationship building, a key aspect of successful fundraising efforts.
4. Making the Ask and Major Donors: Gain insights into approaching potential donors, with a focus on major donor engagement strategies.
5. Planned Giving: Discover the nuances of planned giving and how it can be integrated into your fundraising program.
6. Fundraising Medley: A comprehensive wrap-up covering various aspects of fundraising tactics and best practices.

Course Options:

• Online Course: Access to a rich online curriculum featuring digestible content, supplemental readings, and videos from over 13 seasoned professionals in the field.
• Online Course + In-Person Deep Dive: In addition to the online course, participants have the option to engage in a 4-hour, in-person session for a more intensive learning experience.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding Fundraising: Grasp the history, trends, and ethical considerations within the fundraising profession.
• Program Development: Acquire skills to create, implement, and advance a fundraising program within your organization.
• Emphasis on Relationships: Recognize the significance of relationship building in the context of effective fundraising.

Target Audience:

This program is ideal for nonprofit staff and Board Members seeking to lay a solid foundation in fundraising and enhance their ability to support and advance their organizations' fundraising initiatives.

Registration:

• Member pricing, online only: $300
• Member pricing, online + in-person: $325
• Non-Member pricing, online only: $400
• Non-Member pricing, online + in-person: $425

Cost includes access to the online learning management system and office hours support. The in-person session cost includes access to the February 20th session (which includes food and beverage) and two books.

Text books: 

1. Nonprofit Fundraising 101: A Practical Guide to Easy to Implement Ideas and Tips from Industry Experts - by Darian Rodriguez Rodriguez Heyman
2. Asking Styles: Revolutionize Your Fundraising - by Brian Saber

Registrants will be granted access to the online LMS when registration is complete and payment is finalized.

Educational content brought to you by:

• Adam C. Bratton, Executive Director with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Jeff Bagel, CFRE, Principal with eAdvancement Consulting
• Emma Kieran, Principal with Pilot Peak Consulting
• David Schumacher, CFRE, Development Officer with Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie
• Ellen Kehl, Associate Director with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Ted Wood, President with Ted Wood & Associates
• Jonathan Rilling, Chief Operating Officer, Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. and Board Member with The Nonprofit Partnership
• Steve Higgins, CFRE, President & CEO with Carter
• Angela D. Barnes, MBA, Managing Director with Carter
• Melissa S. Brown, Project Associate with Carter
• Audrey Edmonds Stone, CFRE, Managing Director with Carter
• Erin Layden, Director of Development with Erie City Mission
• Amanda Karns, Special Projects Coordinator with Harborcreek Youth Services

Full participation in the Fundraising Academy is applicable for 4.5 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.