Click here to learn more about available financial resources.
About the Fundraising and Development Program
The Fundraising and Development Certificate program is 100% ONLINE and CFRE Certification approved. Join our wonderful nonprofit community now!
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INFO SESSION
Register for free for our online Fundraising and Development Info Session! Once 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 2026 CLASSES (Study Anywhere, Anytime – Online Asynchronous)
- Introduction to Fundraising and Development, 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- Annual Giving, 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- Donor Relations and Stewardship, 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- Major Gifts and Planned Giving, 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- Grant Writing for Nonprofits, 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- Corporate Relations and Partnership, 02/02/26 - 03/13/26
- Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations, live online, one Zoom session per week on Mondays, 6–9pm PT - 01/26/26 - 03/09/26
All courses are CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) Certification approved and can be taken on a stand-alone basis, or counted towards our Professional Certificate.
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
You pay for each course separately; no upfront lump sum payment required.
Certificate Benefits
Build Your Career in Fundraising & Development and Gain the skills to make a greater impact:
- Advance in your current role or launch a new career in philanthropy
- Strengthen communication & relationship-building
- Master fundraising methods
- Apply practical strategies you can use right away
- Network with fundraising leaders, and peers
- Access to dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events and tutorials.
How to enroll in the certificate
- Submit your application (free). Click on the “Apply Now” button at the top of this page and complete the short application.
- Upon acceptance, please pay the $125 certificate fee to confirm your enrollment. Log in to MyExtension, navigate to "My Applications" and then click "Pay Certificate Fee".
For more information: FRDevProgram@ucsd.edu
Fundraising and Development
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Required
Complete all in any order – Multiple courses per quarter allowed
Elective Options
Complete two courses of your choice - 4 units required
Additional Sessions of Interest
Not required for certificate completion
Student Resources & Benefits
Career Services
One-on-One Career Coaching
Students who complete the Fundraising and Development Certificate 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.
Private LinkedIn Group
Connect with Students, Alumni and Instructors by joining our private group on LinkedIn.
Nonprofit Community
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.
Visit us at AFP ICON National Conference in San Diego (April 26-28, 2026) - Booth 1031 (Ground Level)
Financial Resources
Workforce Funding Assistance
UC San Diego Extended Studies is proud to be an approved training provider for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you're a displaced or disadvantaged worker, you may qualify for federal assistance to help fund your education. To explore available funding and determine your eligibility, please reach out to San Diego Workforce Partnership (workforce.org/career-centers) or EDD (www.edd.ca.gov).
Once you're approved, we're here to help finalize your paperwork, please email us at unex-workforce@ucsd.edu, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Veterans Education Benefits
The Fundraising and Development Certificate program is approved for Veterans' funding. Eligible students may apply VA Education Benefits through UC San Diego Extended Studies. For assistance with applying your benefits to this program, please visit the Veteran Benefits page or contact us at unex-veterans@ucsd.edu.
Transfer to CFRE and MBA
UC San Diego Extended Studies is CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification exam approved provider.
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 applicable for 120 points Category 1.B.
Academic Credit Transfer
UC San Diego Extended Studies is widely recognized for its academic rigor and high-quality professional programs. Each course carries academic credits, reflecting successful completion of university-level coursework aligned with current industry standards.
Courses may be transferable to other professional, undergraduate, or graduate programs, subject to approval by the receiving institution. UC San Diego Extended Studies currently has an articulation agreement in place with Antioch University: students who complete UC San Diego Extended Studies' Fundraising and Development Certificate are eligible to receive a 9-semester credit block applied to Antioch University's Self-Designed Concentration.
Visit The Virtual Career Hub Today To Unlock Your Benefits!
It's your one-stop shop for professional development and completely free.
Advisory Board
Jim Andreoni
Professor
UC San Diego, Department of Economics
Claudia Ehrlich, MBA, CAP
Senior Director of Development
UC San Diego School of Physical Sciences
Martin Furey
Grant Director
OpSam Health
Marta Serra-Garcia
Associate Professor of Economics and Strategy
UC San Diego Rady School of Management
Jeff Spitko
Senior Director, Integrated Fundraising
San Diego Foundation
Lauren Welch, GPC
Partnership Director
Workshops for Warriors
Hannah Berger
Fundraising Consultant
The Philanthropy Coach
Ellen Bussing
Senior Fundraising Consultant
Ellen E. Bussing Fundraising Counsel
Ethan Cox
Development Director
The Loft Cinema
Rajah Gainey
Director of Philanthropy
Justin in Time for Foster Youth
Sandy Rees
Fundraising Coach, Mentor
Get Fully Funded
Julie Ripoll
Executive Director
Alliance Francaise
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