First Course in Fundraising

What You Will Learn
The AFP First Course in Fundraising offers a complete overview of the development function, featuring state-of-the-art information and techniques.  Targeted primarily for newer fundraising executives, this two-day program includes experimental techniques, such as case studies, and group and individual projects, which make the learning experience enjoyable and substantive.

Who Should Attend?
Executives new to the development field will learn how to organize and manage   fundraising programs, gain basic skills in a variety of techniques and prepare for a careeer in development.  Volunteers will find the First Course valuable preparation for gift solicitation. Trustees and CEOs will discover useful tools to shape the direction and clarify the expectations of the development office.

Valuable Desk Reference
Receive a 450-page participant manual, a valuable reference on fundraising as a   profession and on fundraising techniques.

Topics
Introduction to Fundraising & the Development Professional

Planning for Successful Fundraising

An Integrated Development Program

Annual Giving

Securing Major Gifts

Obtaining Grant Support

Board Members, CEOs & Volunteers

Managing Development Office Operations

Fundamentals of Fundraising

What You Will Learn
This 30 hour course, co-sponsored by  WNY Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Canisius College Center for Professional Development provides an overview of the many areas of fundraising.  Reconized professionals from education, health care, religious organizations and the arts will share tools and techniques to help participants become efffective fundraisers.  

Who Should Attend?
Fundraising Professionals who are experienced in one area and want to learn more, staff who are potential fundraisers, entry level fundraisers, individuals interested in exploring a career in fundraising, Board Members and Executive Directors who oversee fundraising  efforts.

Topics
Introduction to Philanthropy and Annual Giving

Ethical Case Studies Impacting Careers and Organizations

Direct Mail – Making It Work for Your Cause

Using the Web for Marketing, Research and E-Philanthropy

Special Events

Major Gifts: Research, Cultivation and Solicitation

The Nuts and Bolts of a Capital Campaign

Planned Giving: A How to Guide to Getting Started

The Critical Role of Board Members and Volunteers

Solicitation Workshop: The Buck Starts Here

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification

In every field, the professionals who receive the best positions and the most respect are those who have obtained the relevant certification. The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential provides you with a way to demonstrate your achievements, integrity and mastery of the philanthropic fundraising profession. It also signals to your employer, colleagues, the community and potential donors that you have the knowledge and skills to be an effective fundraising executive.

In today’s world, where the actions of more and more people in government and industry show an erosion of personal ethics, employers and donors want to know they are working with allies they can trust. The CFRE standard sends the message that you are committed to upholding the Donor Bill of Rights and a defined set of Accountability Standards. And it tells others you are committed to continuing your professional growth through ongoing education. That’s a lot of credibility to be gained from one programme.

How Do I Obtain Certification?

If you have worked for a minimum of five of the most recent eight years in positions where at least half of your time was spent in philanthropic fundraising, you are eligible to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

There are two steps to CFRE certification:  Completing an application and taking an examination. You must also agree to uphold the Donor Bill of Rights and adhere to the CFRE Accountability Standards.

Go to the Web site www.cfre.org as the first step in achieving certification and start your personal, online application.  Because it is a comprehensive application, you may want more than a day to complete it.  Once initiated, your application serves as a living record of experience, education, proven fundraising performance, commitment to continuing professional education and community service. 

Certification is as much about who you are, and what you’ve accomplished as it is a professional-level examination.  

If you are looking for the best day to begin, this is probably your day.  On the CFRE home page (www.cfre.org), go to Apply Online Now.  Fill out the application.  If you need to stop in the middle, don’t worry. Your next login takes you back to exactly where you left off.  Complete the application and then take the exam when you know the time is right.

For details visit CFRE International’s homepage at www.cfre.org. 

The CFRE Program is administered by CFRE International, an internationally recognized organization setting standards in philanthropy.  CFRE International and the CFRE credential is endorsed by eighteen professional associations in five countries.