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Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

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  • Art of Fundraising

Art of Fundraising

Our founder, Dr. Henry Rosso, defined fundraising as “the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” This course goes beyond the specific tools and techniques of fundraising to teach the “amazing skills” of fundraising such as active listening, empathy, emotional intelligence, and additional others-focused skills that are central to connecting with donors and understanding their motivations.

Certificates: Fund Raising Leadership,

Course Dates
LocationDatesCostRegister
Online (Asynchronous)September 15, 2025 - October 12, 2025$1,040.00Register
Fort LauderdaleFebruary 05, 2026 - February 06, 2026$990.00Registration opening soon
IndianapolisJune 04, 2026 - June 05, 2026$990.00Registration opening soon

Course Details

Please review the attendance policy and cancellation/transfer policy before registering.

Schedule

The Art of Fundraising is offered in-person or online.

In-person Schedule

The in-person class is two days in length.

Day 1: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Day 2: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Day 1 Agenda
TimeActivity
8:30What is the art of fundraising?
Introductions & Expectations
Course Objectives
Discussion: What is the art of fundraising?
10:00Break
10:15Defining Empathy
What is empathy? What is not empathy?
Theory and research
11:45Lunch
1:00Self-Awareness for Fundraisers
The roles of fundraisers
Foundational elements of strong donor/fundraiser relationships
3:00Break
3:15Empathy Practice
Group activities designed to increase empathy
4:45Summarize and conclude
5:00Adjourn
Day 2 Agenda
TimeActivity
8:30The donor/fundraiser relationship
Relationship development process
10:00Break
10:15Addressing burnout, compassion fatigue, and self-care
Emotional labor
Setting boundaries
Dealing with difficult donors
11:45Lunch
1:00Developing empathy skills in others
Empathy in donor contact reports
Conflict resolution techniques
Bringing the team on board
3:00Break
3:15The art of fundraising in the field
Review and wrap up
Action planning
Final reflections
Certificates and celebration
5:00Adjourn

Online Schedule

The online course is four weeks in length.

Each week you’ll have a course module to complete. Each module consists of:

  • readings from a PDF study guide
  • viewing a pre-recorded narrated presentation
  • completing an 8-question quiz where you must score a 6 or higher
  • engaging in forum discussions with others
  • and submitting assignments.

More details about the online format and requirements may be viewed here.

Week 1: Empathy and the art of fundraising
What is empathy? What is not empathy?
Theory and research
Discussion: What is the art of fundraising?
Assignment: Listening exercise

Week 2: The donor/fundraiser relationship
The roles of fundraisers
Foundational elements of strong donor/fundraiser relationships
Relationship development process
Discussion: Roles and qualities of successful fundraisers
Assignment: Examine a donor relationship and apply the research

Week 3: The art of engagement
Engaging all donors
Discussion: strategies for a donor you’re “stuck” on
Assignment: Engagement opportunities

Week 4: Gratitude and fundraising
Expressions of gratitude and stewardship
Discussion: analysis of recent donor communication for gratitude
Assignment: course reflections

To be eligible for the Certificate of Achievement, all coursework must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday of week 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This is a firm deadline and late work will not be accepted.

Location

Please click on the city name for further details and recommended hotel accommodations. Registrants will receive complete course logistical information upon registration.

CFRE Education Points

Full participation in many of The Fund Raising School’s courses fulfill education point requirements for Category 1.B-Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

The Art of Fundraising qualifies for 13.5 CFRE Education Points/Hours.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE: Tuition payment is due before the class begins and may be paid by credit card or check. All cancellations and transfers are subject to an administrative fee of $275.

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