Fundraising Standard (10 March 2025)

For our friends in the USA, Canada and beyond, we are pleased to offer the Fundraising Standard our new and innovative introduction to fundraising.

The Standard is a 40 hour program of online learning designed to give participants a thorough introduction to the process of fundraising and get them started on their first fundraising campaign. It provides an introduction to the nonprofit sector and its associated fundraising ethics, before taking the lid off what we know about giving (who gives and why). You'll also receive a thorough grounding in the science and practice of communication design and how to raise substantively more money simply by avoiding common errors that nonprofits typically make and focusing instead on donor satisfaction and wellbeing.

As with all our courses, the Fundraising Standard will provide an introduction to the emerging science of philanthropic psychology and how those insights can be used to enhance the quality of the donor experience and build stronger, more meaningful and more loving, donor relationships.

Who Is It For?

The Fundraising Standard is positioned as an introduction to fundraising, for those new to the profession or those seeking a refresh of their knowledge and skills.

Our students on the Standard come from all over the world, but with a concentration in the United States and Canada.

Why Should I Take The Class?

1. It represents exceptional value for money – delivering 40 hours of learning for just $599 (£459).

2. You will benefit from insights from a world class faculty, including the world’s only Professor of Philanthropic Psychology and the world’s only (full) Professor of Fundraising. Our team have a successful track record of doubling giving and we’ll be sharing our latest insights and research.

3. You will interact weekly with our team and with your peers. There will be plenty of discussion forums where you can apply the course ideas and receive timely feedback to help guide your fundraising.

4. There is no need to log in on set dates and times. The course is constructed to be flexible. All we ask is that you keep up with the discussions in the relevant week of study so that you can share your ideas with others.

5. You can gain substantial CFRE credit. Successful completion of the course can provide 40 points in Category 1.B of the CFRE International application for both initial certification and recertification.

6. Courses run frequently throughout the year – so you can choose when you want to participate.

Course Outline:

• Week 1: Introduction to Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector
• Week 2: Fundraising Ethics
• Week 3: Who Gives and Why?
• Week 4: Donor Relationships and the Importance of Donor Retention/Loyalty
• Week 5: Designing A Compelling Case for Support
• Week 6: Communications Design and Donor Centricity
• Week 7: Individuals Fundraising
• Week 8: High Value Fundraising

Host or Publisher Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy