High School
Take courses in math, computer science, social studies, psychology, English, foreign language, writing, and public speaking. It is also helpful to join school clubs and volunteer as the organization's fund-raising chairperson.
Postsecondary Training
Most large organizations require or prefer applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in philanthropic studies, fund-raising, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Smaller organizations may accept applicants with an associate’s degree or even a high school diploma coupled with experience if the candidate has a passion for the cause and a proven ability to raise funds. Directors who have a master's degree and a strong track record of successful fund-raising will have the best job prospects.
Certification
Colleges and universities offer certificates in fund-raising and related areas. For example, the University of Nebraska, Omaha offers a graduate certificate in fund-raising management to students who complete the following 10, short classes:
- Understanding the Nonprofit Sector
- Fund-raising Intelligence
- Annual and Sustainable Gifts; Donor Retention, Acquisition, and Upgrading
- Planned & Major Giving
- Grant Writing, Reporting & Management
- Corporate Partnerships
- Donor Stewardship and Events
- Managing Volunteers
- Public Relations & Marketing
- Fund-raising Campaigns
Visit https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/public-administration/professional-programs for more information. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs.
Other Education or Training
The Association of Fund-raising Professionals (AFP) offers a Fundamentals of Fund-raising Course and other continuing education opportunities, including a Leadership Institute. Contact the AFP for more information. Additional courses, seminars, and workshops in fund-raising techniques, development, special events, public relations, publicity, promotion, writing, marketing, dealing with media, and presentation skills are provided by associations at the local, state, and national levels. Grant writing workshops are also especially helpful.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Volunteers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historic Preservationists
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors