A newly expanded certificate program from The Fund Raising School (TFRS) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy helps fundraisers enhance their approach to planned giving. Recently, a group of 12 experienced professionals from across the country became the first to earn their Certificate in Planned Giving Management.
To earn the certificate, this group completed a curriculum that was expanded from a single-course into three-courses. The expansion of the curriculum was made possible by a generous gift of $25,000 from the Hibel Foundation to support the next generation of planned gift fundraisers through the certificate program. The Hibel Foundation was founded by former planned gift fundraiser, Andrew Hibel and his wife Elizabeth Hibel. Andrew is also a member of the Board of Visitors for the Lilly Family School.
The Certificate in Planned Giving Management is a comprehensive program designed to equip fundraising professionals with the expertise needed to develop and manage effective planned giving programs. “My team and I now have greater confidence in discussing various planned giving options with donors,” said Rev. Dr. Bob Yoder, CFRM, Director of Development, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. “The courses provided both the technical understanding and the practical tools needed to engage in these conversations more effectively.”
The certificate program covers a wide range of topics, from foundational principles to advanced strategies, ensuring participants gain a deep understanding of both the technical and nontechnical aspects of planned giving. “As a result of what I learned, we created a new donor handout, updated our website content, and enhanced the planned giving knowledge of the staff members I supervise,” said Yoder.
The program is ideal for nonprofit professionals, development officers, and anyone involved in fundraising who wants to expand their planned giving expertise and drive their organization’s fundraising success. “It’s especially valuable for organizations that have a single planned giving officer or are looking to establish a planned giving program from the ground up,” said De Andre Onyi, Gift Planning Fellow, University of Illinois Foundation. “The coursework provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of gift planning while also offering practical tools to manage the day-to-day realities of the role.”
The courses include:
- Planned Giving: Getting the Proper Start
- Planned Giving: Beyond the Basics
- Planned Giving: Building an Effective Program
Learn more about the Certificate in Planned Giving Management and how to apply.