Principles & Techniques of Fundraising

Maximize your fundraising success through this timeless course that teaches the tried-and-true practical skills of effective fundraising. Strengthen your fundraising abilities by learning proven fund development tools, and draft a specific fundraising plan to grow your organization. This course serves as the foundation for the rest of the curriculum. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a digital copy of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, fifth edition, the go-to reference for fundraising principles, concepts, and techniques.

Certificates:

When and where

LocationDatePriceRegistration
June 5, 2023–July 30, 2023$1,745Register
June 20, 2023–June 23, 2023$1,695Full. Please email tfrs@iupui.edu to be added to the wait list.
July 10, 2023–July 13, 2023$1,695Register
July 17, 2023–July 20, 2023$1,695Register
July 31, 2023–August 3, 2023$1,695Register
August 8, 2023–August 31, 2023$1,695Register
August 14, 2023–August 17, 2023$1,695Register
September 18, 2023–November 12, 2023$1,745Register
September 18, 2023–September 21, 2023$1,695Register
September 25, 2023–September 28, 2023$1,695Register
October 9, 2023–October 12, 2023$1,695Register
October 16, 2023–October 19, 2023$1,695Register
November 6, 2023–November 9, 2023$1,695Register
November 13, 2023–November 16, 2023$1,695Register
December 11, 2023–December 14, 2023$1,695Register

Course Details

Principles & Techniques of Fundraising is offered in the following three formats:

In-person Schedule
The in-person class is four days in length.

Day 1: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Day 2: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Day 3: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Day 4: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Online (Asynchronous) Schedule
The asynchronous online course is eight weeks in length.

Each week you'll have a course module to complete. Each module consists of:

  • readings from a PDF study guide
  • viewing a pre-recorded narrated presentation
  • completing a 10-question quiz where you must score a 7 or higher
  • engaging in forum discussions with others
  • and submitting assignments.

More details about the online format and requirements may be viewed here.

Virtual (Live) Schedule
The live, virtual class is held over eight sessions from 2pm to 5pm Eastern and hosted using the Zoom platform.

More details about the virtual format and requirements may be viewed here.

View the in-person class agenda.

View the online course agenda.

View the virtual course agenda.

The location next to each course date indicates if the course is being held in-person (e.g. city name) or online.

For in-person classes, please click on the city name for further details and recommended hotel accommodations.

Registrants for in-person, online, and virtual dates will receive complete course logistical information upon registration.

Full participation in many of The Fund Raising School’s courses fulfill education point requirements for Category 1.B-Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Principles & Techniques of Fundraising qualifies for 27.0 CFRE Education Points/Hours.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE: Tuition payment is due before the class begins and may be paid by credit card, check, or purchase order. All cancellations and transfers are subject to an administrative fee of $275.

The baseline course for all of The Fund Raising School courses.

Our trademark course—the definitive training program for fundraisers

Recognized internationally, Principles & Techniques provides you with the foundation and inspiration to achieve your organization's financial goals. This course presents the total framework for operating an accomplished fund development program. In just four days you will gain A-through-Z knowledge and skills that are essential for fundraising success.

You’ll learn how to

  • Identify and validate prospective donors
  • Manage the fundraising process
  • Use research to match a donor’s interests and needs with your nonprofit’s mission and goals
  • Build an annual fund donor base that keeps on giving
  • Manage the process of raising money
  • Recognize planned giving benefits to your donors and to your nonprofit
  • Structure a successful solicitation
  • Respond to challenges and ethical dilemmas with professional skill

What you’ll receive

  • An easy-to-use, comprehensive study guide to use for future reference
  • Now included: a digital copy of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, fifth edition
  • Gift club ideas
  • Board strengths inventory
  • Donor evaluation forms
  • Invaluable bibliography from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
  • Formulas for establishing best-practice benchmarks
  • A chance to network and build long-lasting, cross-mentoring relationships with other professionals
 Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, Fifth Edition

The Fundraising Cube

The Fundraising Cube is a colorful desktop reminder of The Fund Raising School’s internationally-regarded fundraising management process. This handy reference is a source of pride for alumni.

 The Fund Raising School