Fundraising for Small Nonprofits
Your organization is doing exceptional work. You are passionate about your mission. The potential is great, if only more funding were available. Effective fundraising practices can be adapted to meet the unique realities of smaller nonprofits. Efficiently use your time and existing resources – including board members and other volunteers – to achieve your fundraising goals.
Certificates: Non Certificate Course,
| Location | Dates | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | July 10, 2025 - July 11, 2025 | $199.00 | Register |
| Online (Asynchronous) | September 22, 2025 - October 12, 2025 | $199.00 | Register |
Course Details
Please review the attendance policy and cancellation/transfer policy before registering.
Schedule
The course is offered in the following two formats:
In-person
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.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 | Introductions and Expectations |
| 9:15 | Today’s Philanthropic Landscape |
| 10:15 | Break |
| 10:30 | The Fundraising Cycle / The Six Rights of Fundraising The Right Reason: Case for Support Mission Statements |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:15 | The Right Gift Gift Range Charts Fundraising Readiness Assessment |
| 3:00 | Break |
| 3:15 | The Right Person Staff, Board of Directors, Volunteers Developing Constituencies |
| 5:00 | Adjourn |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 | Review and Reflect |
| 9:00 | The Right Amount: Ability Qualifying Prospective Donors The Right Time |
| 10:15 | Break |
| 10:30 | Making the Philanthropic Request |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:15 | Overview of Other Fundraising Opportunities Philanthropic Foundations Corporate Giving Special Events Online Giving Major Gifts Planned Giving |
| 3:00 | Break |
| 3:15 | Action Plan Develop an individualized checklist/plan to guide your organization’s fundraising efforts |
| 4:30 | Course Wrap Up & Reflections |
| 5:00 | Adjourn |
Online (Asynchronous) Schedule
The asynchronous online course is three 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 a 10-question quiz where you must score a 7 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: Philanthropic Landscape & The Six Rights of Fundraising
Lesson overview
Mini lecture Quiz
Assignment: Case for Support
Discussion: Fundraising challenges and opportunities
Week 2: The Six Rights: Right Person, Right Gift
Lesson overview
Mini lecture Quiz
Assignment: Fundraising Readiness Assessment
Discussion: Constituencies
Optional: Gift Range Chart
Week 3: The Six Rights: Right Amount, Right Time
Lesson overview
Mini lecture Quiz
Assignment: Making the Philanthropic Request
Discussion: Other Fundraising Opportunities
Optional: Action Plan
To be eligible for the Certificate of Achievement, all coursework must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday of week 3 at 11:59 pm ET. This is a firm deadline and late work will not be accepted.
Location
The location next to each course date indicates if the course is being held in-person (e.g. city name) or online.
For in-person classes, please click on the city name for further details and recommended hotel accommodations.
Registrants for in-person and online dates 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.
Fundraising for Small Nonprofits 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.
You’ll learn how to
- Build a convincing case for financial support
- Select the donors and markets best suited to your nonprofit
- Choose the right fundraising vehicles for your organization
- Inspire the leadership potential of volunteers
- Create a fundraising process that works, but is attainable with limited resources
What you’ll receive
- A comprehensive, easy-to-use study guide with models for future reference
- A chance to network with other professionals dealing with similar challenges
- Hands-on experience in planning special events
- Interactive training on how to ask for support