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Certificate

Fundraising and Development

About the Fundraising and Development Program

NEW: The Fundraising and Development Certificate program is now 100% ONLINE and CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification approved. Join our wonderful nonprofit community now!

INFO SESSION:  Register for free for our online Fundraising and Development Info SessionOnce registered, you will be able to log into Canvas to watch the recording of our last info session, as well as find useful information and resources about the program, including a $60 discount code. 

WINTER CLASSES

 Free access to FDO, the Foundation Directory Online, included
All courses are CFRE Certification approved and can be taken on a stand-alone basis, or counted towards our Professional Certificate. 

For more information: FRDevProgram@ucsd.edu

 

Online, Live Online
Course options vary per quarter, please contact our Program Manager at FRDevProgram@ucsd.edu
9-12 Months
Varies by student and courses taken per quarter.
$2,550

Certificate Benefits

  • Build a strong foundation in communication and relationship-building skills
  • Gain a working knowledge of fundraising methods
  • Learn practical strategies and emerging trends for developing an annual giving program
  • Discover how to develop relationships with your donors and increase support for your organization
  • Develop practical skills which can be immediately utilized and applied to work environments
  • Build a new career in Fundraising and Development or advance in your current role
  • Networking opportunities with peers and instructors

The online Professional Certificate in Fundraising and Development is designed to best prepare you for a successful career in philanthropy. Nonprofit organizations make a stronger impact toward their causes when they are equipped with the right resources.

An emphasis on strengthening relationship-building skills pairs with foundational knowledge in a wide range of fundraising methods - from annual giving and donor relations to grant writing and corporate partnerships. Discover best practices in how to efficiently apply varied fundraising methods, marketing tools and technology. Experts help you to discern which methods best fit your needs, how to focus your resources, and then practically apply the appropriate tools.

Network with accomplished fundraising executives and build relationships that will positively impact your career and organization. Gain exposure to model programs and professionals through frequent guest speakers. With the ability to tailor your learning by selecting from a range of electives and specializations, you can ensure you master skills to meet the specific needs of your organization.

How to enroll in the certificate

  1. Submit your application (free). Click on the “Apply Now” button on the Fundraising & Development Certificate webpage (on the right side of the page) and complete the short application. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
  2. Upon acceptance, please pay the $95 certificate fee to confirm your enrollment. Log in to MyExtension, navigate to "My Applications" Then Click "Pay Certificate Fee".
  3. Enroll in one or more courses, you will pay for each course as you go (there is no lumpsum). We recommend starting with Introduction to Fundraising and Development  offered every quarter.

Once you have paid your certificate fee and successfully completed all program requirements, you will be able to obtain your printed Professional Certificate in Fundraising and Development.
The program can be completed in approximately one year, depending on the number of courses taken per quarter. All courses are CFRE-approved and can be taken on a stand-alone basis, or counted towards our Professional Certificate.
 

Fundraising and Development

Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Info Session

Free, Online

Required

Complete all four courses in any order - 8 units

Elective Options

Complete two courses of your choice - 4 units required

Career Services

1:1 virtual or in person Career Coaching - Graduates can schedule an appointment with our Career coach to get advice on resume building, applications, negotiation, interviewing, leveraging LinkedIn, etc. Please send an email to careeradvising@ucsd.edu.

Professional Associations - Non-profit Professional Associations such as AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), GPA (Grant Professionals Association), YNPN (Young Nonprofit Professionals Network), and AiP (Advisors in Philanthropy), offer terrific opportunities for career education, professional development and networking.

Connect with Students, Alumni and Instructors - Join our private group on LinkedIn.

The Career Channel - Brought to you by UCTV and UC San Diego Extended Studies, the Career Channel provides information, tools and experts to help those in career transition identify emerging areas of opportunity and develop plans for reskilling.

San Diego Workforce Partnership - Get help with your career research to find the priority sectors and priority jobs. The San Diego Workforce Partnership looks at all occupations in San Diego County to determine which pay best, have the most openings and are growing quickly. Find out more at SDWP - My Next Move.

UCSD Extended Studies Career Hub.

Conditions for Admission

UC San Diego Extended Studies programs are designed to best serve college-prepared working professionals.
This certificate is open to the community and to all adult learners with no pre-admission testing and no submission timeline.

CFRE Approved Program

The Program is now 100% online and is CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification exam approved.

All courses can be taken on a stand-alone basis, or counted towards our Professional Certificate.

  • 1 course is applicable for 20 points Category 1.B.
  • Full participation is application for 120 points Category 1.B. 

Transfer to Online MBA Program

Students who complete UC San Diego Extended Studies' Fundraising and Development Certificate are eligible to receive a 9-semester credit block applied towards Antioch University's online Master of Business Administration Program.

Learn More

Advisory Board

Jim Andreoni

Professor
UCSD, Department of Economics

Claudia Ehrlich, MBA, CAP

Office of Gift Planning & Founder AiP San Diego
UCSD Advancement

Martin Furey

Director, Program Development
San Diego American Indian Health Center

Anton Russell

Co-Executive Director
The Drawing Studio

Marta Serra-Garcia

Associate Professor of Economics and Strategy
UCSD Rady School of Management

Jeff Spitko

Director of Membership & Audience Management
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Lauren Welch, GPC

Development Director, President of GPA, San Diego Chapter
Urban Corps of San Diego County

Brian Zumbano

Vice President, Chief Development and Stewardship Officer
San Diego Foundation

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