Certificate in Professional Fundraising - Online Program

Boston University's certificate in Professional Fundraising, available on campus or online through the Center for Professional Education, it is an ideal course of study for individuals looking to enter the field of fundraising or advance their current professional knowledge as well as for volunteer leaders who wish to better understand the development process.

Designed and taught by senior philanthropy officers with distinguished careers in development, the Professional Fundraising Program provides the up-to-date knowledge you need for success in today's burgeoning and increasingly specialised philanthropic environment and also serves as excellent preparation for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) exam.

Whether you study on-campus or online, you will examine the key components of a comprehensive development program, building a portfolio of items representing the following areas:

Strategic Planning
Annual Giving
Major and Leadership Gifts
Planned and Estate Giving
Corporations and Foundations
Capital Campaigns
Prospect Research
Technology-enabled Fundraising
Volunteer Leadership Management
Special Events
Stewardship
Management & Accountability

Program Details:

View the classroom-based curriculum.
View the online curriculum.

Program Dates:

The Classroom Professional Fundraising Program is offered on Saturdays each September and January.

The online program is offered in September, January and May.

Requirements:

Students entering the Professional Fundraising Program should have strong communication skills.
While a bachelor's degree is not required, we recommend either a bachelor's degree, or significant related work experience.

CFRE Certification

This program is approved by the CFRE to award continuing education credits:

Full participation in Boston University's Professional Fundraising Program entitles you to 72 points (36 for online) in Category 1.B-Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.