Fundamentals of Fundraising

NEW this Fall - To give you the best of this training, we have added 3 hours of hybrid, to cover introductions and Module 1.

Fundamentals of Fundraising is a course perfect for those new to the fundraising profession or working towards their CFRE designation. Completing this course earns you 16 CFRE credits!

You’ll learn from top experts in the field – Ed Sluga, CFRE and Marla Smith, CFRE – and gain practical expertise to help you raise funds for great causes and meet the challenges of non-profit organizations. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other wonderful fundraising professionals!

7 modules include:

1. Overview of Fundraising
2. Developing an Integrated Fundraising Program
3. Marketing for Ongoing Success
4. Building and Sustaining Relationships
5. Securing the Gift
6. Volunteers: Partners in Fundraising
7. Management and Accountability

Completing Fundamentals of Fundraising earns you 16 CFRE credits!

Event Details

Date: (Virtual) Thursday September 25: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Date: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday September 28, 2025
Time: 7:30 am-5:30pm each day

Location: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel + Conference Centre, 3063 South Service Road, Burlington Room

Cost: $625 for members, $725 for non-members (bursaries available)

Light breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea and snacks included each day, plus free parking!

Bursaries available at $300 each. today!

INSTRUCTORS

Ed Sluga, CFRE, is the President and Co-Founder of PGgrowth Inc. Ed is one of Canada’s most experienced Planned Giving professionals. An innovator and thought leader in the sector for over 25 years, Ed has helped hundreds of organizations develop and benefit from long-term, sustainable, and proactive fundraising and Planned Giving programs. Ed is the co-author of along with Peter Barrow, host of the PGgrowth Planned Giving podcast, Professor with the Humber College Fundraising Management Program and a regular presenter of the AFP Fundraising Fundamentals Course.

Marla Smith,is a passionate and experienced fundraising professional, holding the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and serving as an AFP Certified Facilitator. With over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, she is committed to advancing impactful causes through ethical and thoughtful fundraising practices. As Director of Foundation & Communications for Pathstone Foundation, Marla drives mental health services in Niagara. A dedicated advocate, she volunteers as a Board Member with the AFP Foundation for Canada and chairs National Philanthropy Day.

Host or Publisher AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter