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Course

Donor Relations and Stewardship

BUSA-40930

This course teaches nonprofits how to strengthen donor relationships, improve retention, and increase giving. Students explore gift acceptance, acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship, as well as communication strategies, moves management, gratitude practices, and AI tools to enhance engagement and support mission impact. 

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:

  • Analyze the impact of abundance and scarcity mindsets on fundraising outcomes
  • Demonstrate the practice and benefits of gratitude and thankfulness in donor relations
  • Identify and evaluate key principles and theories of the donor experience
  • Explain and apply the process of moves management in major donor cultivation
  • Explore and utilize AI tools to support fundraising efforts
  • Apply and assess best practices in communication, recognition, and stewardship in nonprofit fundraising  
Certified Fund Raising Executive 2026 Logo

Full participation in Donor Relations and Stewardship is applicable for 20 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Ready to register for the next session? Scroll down to the "Course Sessions" area, click on the course bar to explore details like the instructor's bio, required textbook, and refund deadline, then select "Add to Cart" to secure your spot!

Course Information

Online
2.00 units
$425.00
Notes: Required Textbook: 
Donor Centered Fundraising 2nd by Penelope Burk
ISBN / ASIN: 9780968797853 
The textbook can be purchased through the UC San Diego Bookstore or any other online retailer.

Enter code UCSDstudent at checkout to get a $30 off reserved to UC San Diego students: DONOR CENTERED FUNDRAISING - Cygnus Applied Research (cygresearch.com)

This course can be taken on a stand-alone basis or counted towards the Professional Certificate in Fundraising and Development.

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This course applies to these programs

Fundraising and Development

Course sessions

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Section ID:

196397

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 5/12/2026

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: Margaret Cole

Margaret Cole
Peggy Cole has over 35 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, including in the areas of fund development, non-profit start-up and management, program development, volunteer training, coalition-building, and teaching.  She has a deep understanding of the issues of poverty, homelessness, immigration, health care, intellectual and developmental disability, and illiteracy.
 
Since 2004, Peggy has led efforts in Southeast Michigan that have raised millions of dollars in support for non-profit organizations.  Her fund development work has included the management of five capital and endowment campaigns; major gift work; event planning; annual fund work; grant writing; and communications.
 
Currently, Peggy serves as the Director of Development with the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, MI. From 1987 to 2003, she worked in the field of community-based adult education in Chicago – building, directing, and securing funding for literacy and ESL programs in shelters for the homeless and community centers across the city. 
 
One of Peggy’s greatest strengths is her ability to bring people together to work toward common goals that build a more inclusive, just and equitable society.  She enjoys building meaningful relationships with private donors, foundations, and corporations.  Helping individuals find deeper meaning in their lives through philanthropy, volunteerism, and community involvement brings her great joy and satisfaction, as does teaching.
 
Peggy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and history from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s Degree in Latin American Studies from The University of Chicago. 
 
 
Full Bio