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Certificate in Fundraising

Declare Candidacy

Transform passion into purpose to lead nonprofit growth and impact

This Professional Certificate is designed for those working in fundraising, marketing, finance, nonprofit management, and related fields who are interested in gaining a greater understanding of the various frameworks, tools, and strategies of the field. This certificate consists of three required courses and three electives. Students must receive a grade for a course to be used toward the credential. Virtual program completion will be available even after onsite activities resume.

 

Full participation in courses in this program is applicable for points in Category 1.B - Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

 

For more information about the Certificate in Fundraising, please contact Robert Lesko at rl10@nyu.edu.

Transform passion into purpose to lead nonprofit growth and impact

Format

Online

Requirements

6 courses

Estimated Total Certificate Cost

$4,200*

*Based on course prices for AY 24-25, subject to change.

A woman takes a businesscard from a man at a formal networking event full of professionals.

Why This Certificate?

Hone Fundraising Skills

Gain expertise in key fundraising strategies, including annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and donor relations. This program equips you with practical skills to succeed in the nonprofit sector and advance your organization’s mission.

 

Learn From Industry Experts

Benefit from instruction by seasoned professionals who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom. Their guidance ensures you’re learning the latest trends and best practices in fundraising.

 

Immediately Impact Your Career

The program’s hands-on approach and focus on actionable knowledge enable you to apply what you learn immediately to your current role. Whether you're seeking to enhance your existing fundraising efforts or pivot into a nonprofit career, this program provides tools for tangible results.

 

Benefit From Practical, Hands-On Learning

The program incorporates real-world projects and case studies, allowing you to apply fundraising strategies directly to practical scenarios. This experiential approach ensures you can immediately implement new skills and knowledge in your current job or future roles.

Enhance Career Credentials

An NYU certificate is recognized as a mark of academic excellence and professional achievement. Adding this credential to your résumé positions you as a competitive candidate in the nonprofit and fundraising sectors. Participation in this program also counts toward CFRE International certification.

What You'll Study

THREE REQUIRED COURSES
Fundraising Concepts and Practices

Learn theories and concepts of fundraising, from the basics to new ideas, with applications to practical cases and situations.

Fall 2025 Summer 2025
Writing for Fundraising: Grantwriting and Case Statements

Learn how to write effective grant proposals and case statements—necessities for increasing funding for your nonprofit.

Fall 2025 Summer 2025
Law, Ethics, and Board Governance in Nonprofit Organizations

Examine institutions, processes, and policies related to ethical behavior, legal compliance, and effective governance in the nonprofit sector.

Fall 2025
ELECTIVES

Please choose three courses.

Major Gifts for Nonprofit Organizations

Learn about the solicitation process and management tools, such as moves management, prospect research, and identification of major prospects.

Fall 2025
Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy

Examine the philosophy that motivates corporate and foundation giving, reviewing past and current trends and priorities.

Fall 2025
Philanthropy and Fiscal Management

Gain a basic overview of nonprofit financial management, including tax-exempt status, financial statement preparation, and reporting.
Planned Giving: Bequests, Gift Annuities, Trusts, Donor-Advised Funds, and Other Gift Vehicles

Discuss planned giving techniques and their benefits, tax and otherwise, to encourage donors to leave meaningful charitable legacies.

Fall 2025 Summer 2025
Digital Storytelling for Fundraising: Leveraging Emerging Technology for Impact

Learn to leverage digital platforms to effectively raise awareness about a cause, diversify fundraising, and innovate to become more relevant.

Fall 2025
Management for Nonprofit Organizations

As a nonprofit manager, learn how to get the most from every employee and how to identify and manage your top performers.

Fall 2025 Summer 2025
Strategies for Donor Analytics, Moves Management, and Prospect Research

As a nonprofit fundraising professional you inevitably amass an incredible amount of fundraising data but you may not know which data is...

Fall 2025 Summer 2025
Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging Success

In this course, professionals will explore how shifts in political and policy priorities, business, and philanthropy are shaping the next...

Summer 2025
Social Media and Email Fundraising: Building Resilient Digital Communities in Uncertain Times

A rapidly changing world demands new approaches to engaging the public, rallying volunteers, and inspiring support. Learn how to use the latest...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Certificate Specifics

The NYU SPS Certificate in Fundraising prepares students for a variety of roles in the nonprofit and fundraising sectors, including:

  • Fundraising Manager/Director - Oversee and manage fundraising campaigns, develop donor relations, and drive revenue for nonprofit organizations.

  • Development Officer - Lead efforts in cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and planning long-term fundraising strategies.

  • Major Gifts Officer - Focus on building and managing high-level donor relationships, securing large donations, and coordinating major gift campaigns.

  • Grant Writer - Research and write proposals for grants from foundations, corporations, and government sources to support nonprofit initiatives.

  • Planned Giving Officer - Specialize in managing bequests, legacy gifts, and other planned giving initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability for nonprofits.

  • Philanthropy Consultant - Provide strategic advice and fundraising expertise to organizations seeking to improve their fundraising efforts.

There is no required sequence for courses, however, it is suggested that students take one of the two required courses in the first semester. The required courses typically alternate being offered in the fall and spring semesters and elective offerings rotate throughout the academic year.

Courses are designed for working professionals. Expected time commitments vary by course and familiarity with course content but students generally report that they spend 2-4 hours per week on coursework outside of class time on average.

Contact sps.global.affairs@nyu.edu

General Certificate FAQ

It’s preferable if you do, but you can still declare candidacy even after taking a course. Declaring candidacy does not commit you to completing it, but you will receive a 10% discount on future NYU SPS continuing education courses.

 

Assuming the course is part of the certificate, yes, but only if the course was taken within an acceptable time frame. The academic department gives students a specific amount of time to complete a certificate. The start date would be adjusted to the first class to which we applied the discount.  

 

Yes, if a student declares candidacy for a certificate and achieves an average overall grade of B or higher in courses counting toward the certificate, they will be awarded a certificate badge upon completion, which will be shareable on their resume and LinkedIn profile.

 

No, continuing education courses and certificates do not qualify for financial aid. 

 

Most continuing education programs do not count as credit toward a degree.

 

Please contact sps.info@nyu.edu.