10 Best Fundraising Courses, Certifications & Training Programs Online To Take In 2023
Ready to elevate your fundraising prowess in 2023? Discover the top 10 online fundraising courses, certifications, and training programs that will help you enhance your skills, maximize results, and make a significant impact in the world of philanthropy.
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Are you looking to take your fundraising skills to the next level in the coming year? Look no further! We've carefully researched 107 popular fundraising courses from various providers, featuring over 675,755 enrolled students who have left a whopping 35,170 ratings and reviews. Our evaluation process involved analyzing the best courses based on ratings, reviews, enrollments, learner experiences, valuable and engaging content, comprehensive curriculum, release date, and affordability. We also combined our own expertise to curate the perfect list of fundraising courses that cater to a wide range of skill levels and interests.
Taking the time to invest in your own professional development can be a game-changer in the long run. Achieving success in fundraising is no different. In this article, we will reveal our top 10 fundraising courses, certifications, and training programs available online. Each course focuses on various aspects of fundraising, from learning the basics and mastering effective techniques to leveraging relationships and venturing into creative new ideas. So, let's dive right in and give your fundraising efforts a much-needed boost!
Fundraising is an essential skill for those involved with charities, non-profits, or political campaigns, as it enables them to secure the necessary funds to fulfill their mission. Imagine being able to raise thousands or even millions of dollars for the organization of your choice, simply by learning the right way to ask people for donations. This course offers a step-by-step process that will help you effectively ask people to contribute to your favorite cause, whether it's for a charity, university, college, or any other non-profit organization. By following basic principles and employing the right strategies, you will become the greatest fundraising financial asset your organization has ever had.
The course will not only teach you the mechanics of asking people for donations but also provide you with a process and a sustainable system for engaging with donors and prospective donors. You will learn how to create checklists when dealing with donors and develop the skills needed to successfully convince people to support your cause. By signing up for this fundraising course, you're investing in your ability to make a tangible and lasting difference for the organizations you're passionate about. Don't let another day go by without acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to secure funds for the causes and institutions that matter most to you.
User review:
This was a nice, straightforward explanation for first-time fundraisers. I found the simplified explanations ideal for quickly breaking it down to inexperienced parties.
It would be beneficial to have an example video made of a sample pitch so others can have an idea of things such as tone, content, and body language that are useful to keep in mind or avoid. He verbally explained it, but people follow different methods of learning and it could only improve the course.
I didn't enjoy the less informative videos from lecture 14 on. I agree reviews are important for growth and enrichment, however, I feel that can be asked more simply rather than drag on as long. For example, requesting reviews, offering the guarantee, and combining resources (TikTok, reading example) can be one video.
Overall, good job! [1]... Read More
Panda Ivy
Best for:
This course is ideal for those who want to learn effective ways to ask for donations and secure necessary funds for their favorite cause, charity, or non-profit organization. Develop essential skills in engaging with donors and convincing them to support your cause, making a tangible and lasting difference.
This comprehensive course provides participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of fundraising and development. Beginning with a thorough introduction to the essential terminology and concepts, learners will develop a strong understanding of the entire development cycle, from identifying potential donors and cultivating relationships to stewarding contributions and recognizing supporters. The course covers various aspects of the fundraising process, such as crafting a compelling case for support, assessing prospective donors, aligning donor interests with the organization's mission, and navigating the complexities of planned giving.
In addition to providing a solid foundation in fundraising theory and practice, the course also delves into the ethical dilemmas that may arise throughout the fundraising process and offers guidance on how to respond to these challenging situations. By examining contemporary issues and trends affecting fundraising managers, as well as exploring various career opportunities within the field, participants will gain a well-rounded understanding of the current landscape of fundraising and development. Furthermore, throughout the course, learners will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills by creating an assortment of written materials for their professional fundraising and development portfolios, allowing them to showcase their competence and expertise in this increasingly important field.
User review:
This was a very good introduction into the world of fundraising and development. One frustration is with the peer review of assignments that can delay progress or completion. There is a sense of uncertainty regarding when or if there will be someone to do that. But, someone did review my work, so I could complete the course. Anyway, apart from that frustration, it was very good.
One other thing that could be improved is the text of the lectures. This is downloadable as a text file, but it is just a lump of text without separation of paragraphs or formatting. It would be helpful if there was some level of formatting to allow the text to be used for notes. [2]... Read More
Randal T K
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This course is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of fundraising and development, covering essential terminology, concepts, and various aspects of the fundraising process. It also addresses ethical dilemmas and offers guidance on navigating challenging situations, providing a well-rounded education in this crucial field.
In the highly-rated fundraising course taught by an award-winning MBA professor with Ivy League credentials and experience in hedge funds and venture capital, students will explore crucial strategies to secure investments for their business ventures. The course delves into the secrets of networking and how to effectively schedule meetings with potential investors. Additionally, participants will learn how to develop persuasive and professional business model presentations, similar to the style of Steve Jobs, in order to impress venture capital firms and turn a "no" into a "yes."
With over 20 years of experience in raising money, starting companies, and advising companies, the instructor, Chris Haroun, has raised over $1 billion in funds through his time at Goldman Sachs, founding several companies, and serving as a partner at a prominent venture capital firm. His MBA in finance from Columbia University, as well as his numerous publications in various business and tech publications and a guest lecturer role at renowned universities, makes Haroun an exceptional expert in the field. This course is a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking in-depth advice on the art of fundraising from a highly experienced venture capitalist.
User review:
Hi everyone!
I just came across the course and I strongly recommend it! I am a recent International Business graduate and I’ve gone through the first couple of sections. The course is easy to follow through and the resources also provide a transferable set of skills that will help you in many other ways. I’m using the LinkedIn and presentation skills through my job hunting and they have definitely helped me go further. I'm sure these skills will prove to be a fundamental asset for future business endeavours helping me meet the right people and acquire the right resources to succeed. Once again, strongly recommend the course and will certainly keep on going though the sections! [3]... Read More
Sean David Wells Noriega
Best for:
This course is ideal for students looking to explore crucial strategies to secure investments for their business ventures, with advice from an award-winning MBA professor with Ivy League credentials and experience in hedge funds and venture capital.
Fundraising can be a challenging task, especially when looking for ways to receive donations quickly and efficiently. This course offers a comprehensive guide to utilizing the power of Facebook fundraising, a new and exciting method for raising funds for various purposes, including personal projects, businesses, and support for family members. By enrolling in this course, you will receive step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Facebook fundraising and leverage it to achieve your financial goals.
The first part of the course will cover the basics of Facebook fundraising and demonstrate how to build an e-mail list using Mailchimp quickly. You will learn how to create high-converting landing pages and how to utilize these pages to collect leads. The second part of the course will delve into Facebook ads, teaching you how to create engagement, messenger, and traffic ads, with a focus on highly converting single image and collection ads. You will also receive in-depth training on generating a positive return on investment and making videos for your fundraising go viral through Facebook ads. By the end of this course, you will have mastered the art of persuasion and know exactly how to attract people to your Facebook fundraiser. This course is designed to be an A-Z guide, providing all the information you need to become an expert in Facebook's fundraising tool.
User review:
Great course! The instructor showed great knowledge about the subject. I would recommend everyone to take it, not only if you are interested in creating a crowdfunding campaign, also to explore the different tools Facebook give you to advertise within the platform.[4]... Read More
Ignasi Casas
Best for:
This course is ideal for those looking to learn how to effectively use Facebook for crowdfunding and fundraising, guiding students through the process of leveraging the platform to achieve financial goals and go viral with highly converting ads.
Embark on an exciting journey through the 20-Day Fundraising Challenge, where you will acquire new fundraising skills, tips, and tricks designed to boost your success in raising funds for your organization. With a unique task assigned each day, this course covers various aspects of fundraising from individual and corporate donors, utilizing several channels including phone, e-mail, post, social media, and video to maximize your reach and impact.
The course encourages you to allot less than an hour per day to watch each lecture and put the learned techniques into practice. However, its flexible structure allows you to progress at your own pace, catering to busy schedules and varying commitments. By joining this interactive challenge, you are sure to learn a wealth of valuable information, increase your fundraising results, and perhaps even have a little fun along the way (*fun not guaranteed).
User review:
Simon's very warm, friendly, and engaging style makes you feel like you're having a direct conversation with him. The advice he offers is extremely practical and the short videos and exercises are extremely consumable and memorable.[5]... Read More
Rob Kahn
Best for:
This course is excellent for learning a variety of fundraising skills, tips, and tricks to boost success in raising funds for organizations through diverse channels, such as individual and corporate donors, phone, e-mail, post, social media, and video.
This course is best for individuals looking to gain foundational knowledge in nonprofit fundraising and learn how to build meaningful connections with donors while maintaining ethical standards and improving time management, organizational, and communication abilities.
Fundraising is a vital aspect of running a nonprofit organization, as the values, mission, and services provided cannot sustain themselves without adequate financial support. To address this need, the Fundraising Academy at National University presents a training course focusing on Cause Selling as a means to create opportunities and foster growth for your organization. By utilizing the relationship-driven model of fundraising, participants will learn how to identify and acquire potential donors, craft an impactful presentation that showcases their organization, handle objections, and confidently request donations. Furthermore, the course delves into the motivations behind why donors choose to contribute, ensuring that you can develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships with your supporters to guarantee your organization's success for years to come.
This comprehensive course, created in collaboration with Madecraft, offers an in-depth look at the nuances of fundraising specifically tailored for nonprofit organizations. It provides invaluable insights and guidance to enhance your existing fundraising strategies or help you establish an effective new approach from the ground up. Participants will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to foster powerful and fruitful connections with donors, fueling the growth and impact of their organizations in the process. This training is an essential resource for anyone seeking to excel in the art of nonprofit fundraising and leveraging relationships for sustainable success.
User review:
Thank you. This is very helpful. I just started my non-profit in April and looking to learn as much as I can to succeed without being too pushy in maintaining connection with potential donors. [6]... Read More
Jennifer Stankiewicz
Best for:
This course excels at teaching participants how to leverage the power of relationship-driven fundraising for nonprofit organizations. By focusing on Cause Selling, it helps learners identify potential donors, craft compelling presentations, and develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships with supporters, ensuring their organization's success.
In this comprehensive and insightful course, you will learn expert techniques for successful fundraising that involves seeking out donors who have a genuine need, interest, and passion for your cause. The Fundraising Academy presents a broad range of tips to enhance your fundraising presentation, utilizing technology and data analysis to create a motivating plan for your donors to invest. Discover the six pillars of fundraising and the methods to apply them in setting and achieving ambitious goals for your organization. Understand the distinction between your organization's mission and positioning statement, and learn how to focus on future objectives and seamlessly integrate them into your presentation.
This course, created by the reputable Fundraising Academy in collaboration with Madecraft, provides invaluable guidance on how to communicate your organization's message effectively to current and prospective donors. Gain a deep understanding of the critical factors that contribute to successful fundraising and learn how to harness the power of technology to create a compelling pitch. With a strong emphasis on the six pillars of fundraising, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to set and achieve ambitious goals for your organization. Enrich your fundraising toolkit and transform the way you approach donor engagement with this informative and expertly-designed training.
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals seeking expert techniques and insights on successful fundraising, focusing on donor engagement and leveraging technology for efficient communication of an organization's message.
This intensive workshop, led by experienced fundraiser Julia Pimsleur, aims to help entrepreneurs effectively raise Angel and Venture Capital (VC). As the CEO of Little Pim and Founder of Double Digit Academy, Julia shares her first-hand knowledge and tips on building a powerful pitch, understanding investor language, and navigating the financial landscape. The course is structured around three live presentations given by Julia, offering valuable insights on how to approach Angels and VCs and increasing the chances of successful fundraising.
The course also goes beyond fundraising, offering communication coaching from renowned public speaking coach, Bill Smartt. Regarded as one of the most effective communication coaches practicing today, Bill shares his expertise on perfecting your pitch. Additionally, learn to speak VC with guest speaker Mark Peter Davis, who captivates with candid discussions about the relationship between VCs and entrepreneurs. Throughout the course, you will complete personalized exercises for your business and gain access to various documents that were used during high-dollar investments. This course aims to not only improve your presentation skills but also save months of research, ultimately helping to get your business further, faster, and funded.
User review:
I have close to no background in business. To the credit of the speakers, this course was engaging and easy to follow. Everyone is clearly well-versed and informed about the subjects they cover. The course never leans too heavily on power point to convey information.
The first half of the course is a great introduction to fundraising and business in general. Many of the ideas discussed have application beyond the scope of fundraising.
Personally I found less to take from the latter half of the course, but that is not a criticism. It clearly progressed organically from the rest of the course and would be an excellent resource for anyone interested in fundraising and business. [7]... Read More
Israel Katzeek
Best for:
This course is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking insights on effectively raising Angel and Venture Capital, offering valuable guidance on building persuasive pitches, understanding investor language, and navigating the financial landscape from industry experts.
If your organization is new to fundraising or has been relying on a single source of income and wants to diversify, this comprehensive course offers you the tools and knowledge needed to boost the income of your non-profit, charity, cause, or crowdfunder successfully. Ideal for those just starting in fundraising or experienced professionals looking to broaden their skills, this course will educate you on the practicalities of various fundraising strategies and techniques, motivating you to start growing your income with confidence.
From cash collections, corporate fundraising, individual giving, donor care, Kickstarter, crowdfunding, grant applications, direct mail, e-mail, and telephone fundraising, this course covers every medium available to help you develop and excel in your fundraising approach. Designed as a hands-on guide, its creator Simon shares resources, guides, and years of experience to make your job easier, detailing the priorities for your first 100 days in fundraising and the best ways to invest your valuable time. With step-by-step instructions and up-to-date strategies, you'll be prepared to make a significant impact on your organization's income.
User review:
Another 5* course from Simon (I'd give it 6* because I'm referenced but that's not an option)
I enjoyed all of the courses because much like a book, you can access the parts relevant to what you're working on at the time you need it.
Simon has the ability to deliver what can be quite complex information in an understandable, clear and concise way. Regardless if you're an experienced or new fundraiser, this covers topics which can leave you reassured or inspired to get back to your role and put it into practice.
Another best-seller I'm sure. [8]... Read More
Nikki Bell
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals and organizations seeking a comprehensive understanding of diverse fundraising strategies and techniques to effectively grow their non-profit or charity's income, covering mediums such as cash collections, corporate fundraising, individual giving, crowdfunding, and grant applications.
Choosing the best fundraising course can be overwhelming due to the vast array of courses available. To help make your decision easier, consider the following aspects when selecting a course that best suits your needs and objectives:
Identify the specific fundraising area you want to enhance, such as raising contributions for charity, crowdfunding, or nonprofit growth.
Review the course outline to ensure it covers your focus area, caters to your level of expertise, and aligns with your fundraising goals.
Consider the instructor's background, experience, and credibility, as this can largely affect the quality of information and advice provided throughout the course.
Read reviews and testimonials from previous participants to gauge the overall effectiveness of the course.
Factor in the course length, mode of delivery (online, in-person, or hybrid), and any associated costs to determine if it fits within your budget and schedule.
By carefully evaluating each of these elements, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision about which fundraising course is the right fit for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of the courses listed in this article is designed to cater to various aspects of fundraising and will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in your mission. By exploring these courses, you will not only learn how to effectively raise contributions for your charity but also gain a solid foundation in fundraising and development, understand the importance of relationships in driving growth, and much more.
Taking the initiative to invest in your own growth through these courses will not only have a positive impact on your fundraising efforts but also on the development and success of your organization. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fundraiser, there's always room for improvement, and these courses are here to help you reach your full potential. So, go ahead and give your fundraising aspirations a boost by enrolling in one or more of these excellent courses and make a difference in the world through your efforts. The time is now; start changing lives today!
How much does a fundraising course cost?
The cost of a fundraising course varies depending on the platform and the course itself. For example, on Udemy, prices range from $14.99 to $29.99, while on Coursera, you have the option of a 7-day free trial and a subscription plan of $33.25 per month (annually) or $59 monthly. LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial and a subscription plan of $19.99 per month (annually) or $39.99 monthly.
How long do fundraising courses take?
The duration of fundraising courses can differ based on the content and the platform hosting the course. They can be as short as 45 minutes or as long as 16 hours. Generally, you can expect completion times ranging from 1 hour to over 2 hours for most courses.
What skills can I expect to gain from taking a fundraising course?
By taking a fundraising course, you can expect to gain knowledge and skills such as how to create effective fundraising strategies, make compelling fundraising appeals, build and maintain relationships with donors, and leverage various fundraising channels like social media, crowdfunding, and events. Additionally, you may learn about the legal and ethical aspects of fundraising, and how to measure the success of your fundraising campaigns.
