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Fundraising Leadership, Certificate

Learn essential skills such as financial analysis, grant writing and strategies to cultivate donors through the lenses of diversity, ethics and social justice.

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About this Program

Fuel your mission and conquer the challenges in our increasingly complex nonprofit environment by earning a Certificate in Fundraising Leadership. Our specialized curriculum, the first of its kind in Washington State, meets the growing demand for effective fundraisers. With an emphasis on reflective practice, leadership and social justice, this program provides the essential difference between a good fundraiser and a great one.

Learning Outcomes

  • Foster and support a culture of philanthropy in an organization and among its constituencies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and effective fundraising strategies, practices and frameworks.
  • Implement research-based strategies to cultivate, honor, and retain individual donors.
  • Integrate financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting and reporting with an organization's fundraising program.
  • Secure, negotiate and manage grant awards from public and private funders. 

Certificate Requirements 

The Certificate in Fundraising Leadership requires 12 hours of graduate coursework.

NPLR 5600: FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP, 3 CREDITS, FALL QUARTER 

Fundraising is most effective when leaders foster and support a culture of philanthropy across an organization and its constituencies. Students will learn to analyze trends, assess opportunities, develop effective and ethical strategies, integrate fundraising into the larger strategic vision of the organization, and inspire others to action. 

NPLR 5610: INDIVIDUAL GIVING, 3 CREDITS, SPRING QUARTER 

How do we inspire individuals to give? This course combines the latest research on the psychological, sociological and diverse cultural influences on giving with proven practices in the field so that students learn to broaden and sustain their donor support. Students will learn to plan, prospect, ask, track and recognize annual giving and major gifts. 

NPLR 5620: FINANCIAL ANALYSIS, 3 CREDITS, SPRING QUARTER 

Financial position, robustness, and flexibility are all areas that are vitally important for effective nonprofit leadership. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the nonprofit capital cycle, the drivers of financial strength, and skills of financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting. 

NPLR 5640: GRANT WRITING & GRANT MANAGEMENT, 3 CREDITS, WINTER QUARTER 

Foundation, corporate and public grants constitute a significant portion of funding in the sector. Students will learn to identify foundation, corporate and government grant opportunities, design strong programs and evaluations, develop compelling proposals, negotiate contracts, and develop and sustain relationships with funders. 

Explore the Catalog

See the Graduate Catalog for full course descriptions.   

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Designed For Working Professionals

  • Online/On-campus model (3 Saturdays each quarter) 
  • Faculty are both scholars and successful professional fundraisers who combine emerging research on giving and philanthropy with effective practice. 
  • Continuing education credits and preparation for widely-recognized Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. 
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Learn to Lead for Lasting Impact

  • Instill and lead a culture of philanthropy. 
  • Execute successful campaigns that provide resources and engage stakeholders. 
  • Build and diversify your fundraising team. 
  • Fundraise with authenticity and equity in mind. 
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Admissions Information

Learn more about deadlines and application requirements. 

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Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Ashley Miller

Senior Admissions Counselor

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