Course Overview
This specialized course equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills needed to plan and implement effective fundraising campaigns within nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Students will explore fundraising methods, campaign crafting, and diverse grant funding opportunities, preparing them to strategically mobilize resources and support an organization's mission.
Course Details
Format: This course is delivered online in an asynchronous format, allowing participants to learn and complete coursework at their own pace.
Duration: 4 weeks
Course Date: February 1 - February 28, 2027
Weekly Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week
Cost: $375
- Course materials are provided online. Printed course materials are also available for an additional $99 per course.
Available Discounts
- Current Trent University Undergraduate students qualify for a 40% discount. Contact microcredential@trentu.ca for details.
- Trent University alumni receive a 10% discount. Contact alumni@trentu.ca for details.
Only one discount may be applied per registration.
Credential Earned: Digital Badge
Course Instructor: Carey McMaster, Capacity Building Specialist
Part of a Larger Credential
This micro-credential is one of nine courses that make up the Nonprofit Management Essentials Milestone-Badge. Complete all nine courses to earn the Milestone-Badge and develop well-rounded expertise in nonprofit leadership and management.
Interested in pursuing the full program? Learn more about the Milestone-Badge and its nine-course pathway, or register for the full program.
Registration
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Note for Trent University Staff
Permanent OPSEU employees at Trent University are now eligible for tuition waivers for Trent University micro-credential courses. Please do not register or pay through this page. Visit Support → Human Resources / Payroll / Waivers → Micro-Credential - Staff for waiver and registration instructions.
Funding Opportunities
Participants may be eligible for financial assistance through OSAP or the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, which provides funding support for employers investing in employee training.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze donor diversity by exploring demographics, giving patterns, and motivations, enabling tailored fundraising strategies to engage diverse donor segments effectively.
- Survey the spectrum of fundraising methods available to NPOs, including traditional and innovative approaches, and their respective strengths and applications.
- Develop skills in crafting a winning fundraising campaign, from strategic planning to execution, incorporating best practices for messaging, donor stewardship, and campaign evaluation.
- Explore diverse sources of grants available to NPOs, including government, corporate, foundation grants, and other funding opportunities, and strategies for securing and leveraging these resources.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Understanding Donor Diversity - Exploring Demographics & Giving Patterns
- Analysis of donor demographics (age, income, interests)
- Understanding donor motivations and giving behaviors
- Tailoring fundraising strategies to diverse donor segments
Lesson 2: Discovering the Spectrum of Fundraising Methods
- Overview of fundraising methods (individual giving, major gifts, events)
- Pros and cons of different fundraising approaches
- Integrating online and offline fundraising strategies
Lesson 3: Crafting a Winning Fundraising Campaign
- Strategic planning for fundraising campaigns
- Developing compelling campaign narratives and messaging
- Donor cultivation, stewardship, and retention strategies
- Evaluating campaign success and measuring impact
Lesson 4: Unveiling the Wealth - Exploring Diverse Sources of Grants
- Overview of grant funding landscape for NPOs
- Government grants, corporate sponsorships, and foundation funding
- Writing effective grant proposals and applications
- Managing grant relationships and reporting requirements
View the full course curriculum.
Assessment Requirements
This course is graded on a Complete/Incomplete basis. To earn the micro-credential, participants must successfully complete:
- Active participation in online discussions
- Lesson-based assessments, such as quizzes, reflections, or case studies
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites are required. Familiarity with basic business principles and not-for-profit organizations is helpful but not necessary.
Tax Receipt Information
Students may be eligible to receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate if their micro-credential meets Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a qualifying educational program that provides at least 12 hours of instruction within a calendar month.
- Pay a minimum course fee of $150.
- Not receive a grant, reimbursement, benefit, or allowance for the program from an arm’s length party that would make the program ineligible under CRA guidelines.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a verified digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and professional profiles.