Fundraising and Development Foundations

This course is part of Fundraising and Development Specialization

Instructor: Angela Joens

Access provided by Charotar University of Science and Technology

28,237 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

340 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

340 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Fundraising and Development Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this course, you will gain an introduction to the basic terminology and concepts in the field, along with an overview of the development cycle from identification and cultivation through stewardship and recognition. You will learn how to develop a case for support, identify and assess prospective donors, match a donor’s interests and needs with your organization’s mission and goals, recognize planned giving benefits to your donors, structure a successful solicitation, and respond to ethical dilemmas. You’ll also examine career opportunities in the field, along with contemporary issues and trends confronting today’s fundraising managers. Throughout the course you’ll gain hands-on practice developing an array of written products for your fundraising and development portfolio.

In this module, you will be able to discuss fundraising terminology and be confident interacting with others in the field. You will be able to describe the ethical principles that guide development and fundraising and build a foundation in the development process. You will be able to describe and distinguish between several different types of campaigns, and various ways you can raise money.

What's included

7 videos3 readings3 assignments

7 videosTotal 60 minutes

Course Introduction Foundations of Fundraising and Development3 minutes
History and Impact of Philanthropy in the US5 minutes
Terminology of Fundraising and Philanthropy11 minutes
Ethics and Guiding Principles of Confidentiality10 minutes
Types of Donors & Why People Give8 minutes
The Development Process11 minutes
Campaigns and Opportunities13 minutes

3 readingsTotal 50 minutes

A Note From UC Davis10 minutes
Ethical Fundraising & Transparency: What Nonprofits Must Get Right20 minutes
The Science of Fundraising: What Drives People to Give20 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes
Terminology of Fundraising & Ethical Fundraising15 minutes
Types of Donors & The Development Process15 minutes

In this module, you will be able to define and describe the components of an effective case statement, and be able to distinguish between an organizations vision, goals, and objectives. You will be able to create variations on your case statement, and identify potential prospects for your organization. You will be able to discuss annual giving campaigns and be able to plan and build a base of support for your organization's fundraising programs.

What's included

7 videos1 reading2 assignments2 discussion prompts

7 videosTotal 60 minutes

Introduction to Case for Support, Prospect Identification, and Annual Giving1 minute
Case for Support (Part 1)9 minutes
Case for Support (Part 2)7 minutes
Prospect Identification & Building Constituents (Part 1)11 minutes
Prospect Identification & Building Constituents (Part 2)12 minutes
The Annual Fund: Building a Base of Support (Part 1)12 minutes
The Annual Fund: Building a Base of Support (Part 2)8 minutes

1 readingTotal 30 minutes

Readings30 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 2 Quiz15 minutes
Case For Support - AI Graded Assignment45 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 75 minutes

Critique a Case for Support (Activity)30 minutes
Prospective Donors45 minutes

In this module, you will be able to differentiate between major gifts and planned giving. You will be given an overview of the major gift process and then be able to discuss how to cultivate and solicit major donors. You will be able to identify how to establish a planned giving program and potential prospects. You will identify the role that foundation and corporate support plays in a development program and be able to describe the basics of the grant writing process.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment4 discussion prompts

8 videosTotal 71 minutes

Introduction to Major Gift, Planned Giving, Foundations and Corporate Giving Programs1 minute
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 1)12 minutes
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 2)9 minutes
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 3)8 minutes
Planned Giving Programs (Part 1)12 minutes
Planned Giving Programs (Part 2)11 minutes
Foundation and Corporate Giving (Part 1)7 minutes
Foundation and Corporate Giving (Part 2)10 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Readings10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

4 discussion promptsTotal 150 minutes

Curious Chameleon Infographic30 minutes
Appeal Letter Critique (Activity)45 minutes
Securing an Appointment (Activity)45 minutes
Women and Philanthropy30 minutes

In this module, you will be able to describe the four pillars of a donor relations program. You will be able to differentiate the various types of fundraising campaigns and identify the essential building blocks for running a successful fundraising campaign. You will be able to write a proposal letter to solicit funds for a charity event that your organization is hosting.

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments2 discussion prompts

8 videosTotal 71 minutes

Introduction to Donor Relations and Fundraising Campaigns1 minute
Stewardship and Recognition Programs (Part 1)13 minutes
Stewardship and Recognition Programs (Part 2)13 minutes
Campaigns: Overview & Pre-planning (Part 1)11 minutes
Campaigns: Overview & Pre-planning (Part 2)11 minutes
Campaigns: Opening & Closing a Campaign (Part 1)11 minutes
Campaigns: Opening & Closing a Campaign (Part 2)10 minutes
Foundations of Fundraising and Development Course Summary2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Readings10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes
Proposal Letter - AI Graded Assignment90 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 30 minutes

Thanking a Donor15 minutes
Self-Reflection15 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(99 ratings)

Angela Joens

University of California, Davis

1 Course28,237 learners

Offered by

University of California, Davis

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5.0

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2019

I have learned a lot from this course. The assignments are extremely useful. Thank you

5.0

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

I feel like this course clearly explains the basics of fundraising and development and does a great job of testing your knowledge through practical assignments.

5.0

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024

This course is a must-take for development professionals interested in fund raising. Very insightful and engaging!

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