Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising 2024

Event Description

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF), an intensive program with a practical application project, provides the research, tools and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in parishes and faith-based organizations. The focus of ECRF is on the cultural, organizational and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions that in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.

Offered through the Hellenic College Holy Cross Office of Vocation & Ministry in collaboration with the GOA Department of Stewardship with support from Leadership 100.

The program is scheduled for September 30 through November 18, 2024.

Who should attend

Religious leaders in parishes, faith-based organizations, and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles.

Typical titles of attendees include:

• Clergy
• Laity
• Organization executives and board members
• Development leaders and professionals at faith-based organizations

Dates and Requirements

1. Weekly Online Class Participation and Peer Group Gathering

The class will be held online over 8 weeks (September 30 - November 18, 2024), meeting live two (2) times each week:

On Mondays, there will be an interactive “plenary” session from 4 to 5:30 pm EST.

Additionally, there will be a one hour weekly facilitated peer group gathering. There are multiple slots available for you to choose from. You will select one of the below peer group options at the time of registration:

• Wednesdays at 11 am EST
• Wednesdays at 2 PM EST
• Wednesdays at 4 PM EST

In total, you can expect 5-6 hours each week for synchronous and asynchronous lessons.

2. Required readings

● Scott, A, ed. Good and Faithful Servant: Stewardship in the Orthodox Church. Chapters 1, 8, and 12

● Robinson, K. (2014). Imagining Abundance.

pp. 70-71 "Donors are Subjects, Not Objects" discussed during Week 3 Plenary

Chapter 2 (and the book as a whole) discussed during Week 4 Peer Group

● Maimonides, M. “Laws Concerning Gifts to the Poor.” PDF accompanying the asynchronous work and Week 4 Peer Group

● Nouwen, H. (2011). A Spirituality of Fundraising.

accompanying the asynchronous work and Week 5 plenary

● Freeman, H. (2015). Unlacing the Heart: Connecting with What Really Matters.

Chapter 5 "Steak and Asparagus with Margaret" PDF to prepare for Week 6 Peer Group

3. Final Project

Learn more about the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising.

Program Fee

$1,300 Early Bird Rate through August 20, 2024

$1,550 Full Program Rate on or after September August 21, 2024

A deposit of $300 is required for all attendees. The program fee covers all course materials and trainings.

Financial Aid Available

While the $300 deposit is required for all attendees, financial aid of up to $1,000 is available by application. If you are planning to apply for a scholarship, do NOT pay the $300 deposit yet; apply for a scholarship first and then pay the deposit once you’ve received notification about your scholarship status. We will notify scholarship applicants of the decision within two business days. To request aid, please fill out this application form.

Host or Publisher OVM in collaboration with GOA Dept. of Stewardship