Fundraising is how nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, arts and cultural groups, charities, and other entities with a social purpose meet their budgetary needs. By building relationships with foundations, philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters, these organizations are able to pursue their important work without having to sell their products or services at a profit or otherwise compromise their mission.

While fundraising is different from the way private companies raise capital from investors in exchange for equity or dividends, it isn’t necessarily easier. Fundraising and development professionals rely on marketing just like any other business in order to connect with potential donors whose interests match their organization’s and goals. And just like a private company, the support of the board of directors is critical to maintain, as they are an important conduit to both funding opportunities and guidance in keeping the organization’s operations aligned with its mission.

If you have a talent for connecting with people, strong budget management skills, and want to make a difference in the world, a background in fundraising can be a gateway to a rewarding career. Nonprofit organizations of all kinds rely on fundraising experts including development directors, grantwriters, and donor relations staff to make their important work possible.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fundraisers earn a median annual salary of $57,970, and typically have an educational background in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. These jobs are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade, and, with charitable giving rebounding along with the economy, these professionals are needed more than ever.

Definitely. Successful nonprofit fundraising requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge, and Coursera offers a range of opportunities to learn them online on a flexible schedule. You can take individual courses on fundraising as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked schools like University of California Davis, The State University of New York at Buffalo, and University of Maryland College Park. And, because your tuition will be significantly lower than for on-campus students, learning about fundraising on Coursera can be a smart choice to help you manage your own budget.