Donor Relations and Stewardship
BUSA-40930
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For every new donor making a gift to a charity, one stops giving. Research suggests poor retention among donors is attributed to limited gift acknowledgment and a lack of consistent efforts to communicate measurable results.
Donor Relations and Stewardship examines how charities can improve relationships for retained and upgraded giving and expand mission impact. The course explores the four key pillars of donor relations including gift acceptance, acknowledgement, recognition and stewardship viewed through the lens of Penelope Burk’s Donor Centered Fundraising.
The course also explores communication and relationship building strategies to support improved resonance and engagement with key stakeholders.
The process of moves management, the tracking and recording of steps in major donor cultivation, is also discussed.
Students are provided an experiential look at the benefits of gratitude, an evidence based fundraising practice, along with tools to support communication, recognition and stewardship plans.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understanding of donor relations, and the importance of stewardship in the donor cycle
- Demonstration of key theories and principles of donor experience
- Application of the four pillars of donor relations
Donor Centered Fundraising 2nd
by Penelope Burk
ISBN / ASIN: 9780968797853
Enter code UCSDstudent at checkout to get a $30 off reserved to UCSD students: DONOR CENTERED FUNDRAISING - Cygnus Applied Research (cygresearch.com)
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.
Course Information
This course can be taken on a stand-alone basis or counted towards the Professional Certificate in Fundraising and Development.
Click here for more information about the financial resources available.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
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:
Donor Centered Fundraising 2nd
by Penelope Burk
ISBN / ASIN: 9780968797853
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/29/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Margaret Cole
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.
