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 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 Only: 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. Mark your calendar for February 20th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding Fundraising: Grasp the history, trends, and ethical considerations within the fundraising profession.
2. Program Development: Acquire skills to create, implement, and advance a fundraising program within your organization.
3. 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: $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:

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