Introduction to Fundraising and Development
BUSA-40984
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Do you need the basics of fundraising under your belt or a refresher in the fundamentals of development?
This course introduces the fundraising process, fundraising as a career, and standards of professional practice. With expert guidance, you will explore the structure of a non-profit and learn the roles of the board, staff and volunteers. See step-by-step what goes into developing and executing a fundraising plan and review different giving methods, volunteer management and related ethical considerations.
Get skills in strategic planning, marketing and public relations and learn about working with different consultants. From special project campaigns to fundraising technology, you will learn it all. Get your start today.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will:
- Gain a working knowledge of career goals and the methods used to make an impact in the non-profit sector.
- Develop confidence in decision making through peer support and review of case studies.
- Increase the understanding of the value of a fundraising plan.
- Learn how to develop pieces of a fundraising plan.
- Gain knowledge from veteran fundraisers and hear about the current industry climate.
- Learn how to help fund a program/organization.
Full participation in Introduction to Fundraising and Development is applicable for 20 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Course Overview
Jessie Bustamante teaches Introduction to Fundraising and Development, one of the required courses in the Fundraising and Development Certificate
About Jessie BustamanteThis course can be taken on a stand-alone basis, or counted towards our Professional Certificate in Fundraising and Development.
Register for our free online info session
For more information, contact the Program Manager at FRDevProgram@ucsd.edu.
Course Information
10% discount reserved for UCSD students:
You may purchase a discounted printed version of the textbook via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
UCSD students can get a discounted digital copy of the required textbook here: Wiley: University of California San Diego Direct to Student Website--Tempel
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:
Achieving Excellence in Fundraising 5th
by Shaker, Tempel, Nathan, Stancykiewicz
ISBN / ASIN: 9781119763758
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 2/3/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Jessie Bustamante
Jessie Bustamante is the Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Washington State. In this role Jessie supports 16 Club CEOs to expand fundraising, strengthen brand recognition, and increase access to high quality youth development programs. She is deeply motivated by the belief that every young person deserves a safe and inspiring place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Previously Jessie served as Chief Advancement Officer at ACCEL, an organization in Phoenix, Arizona that supports individuals who have severe and profound disabilities and special needs. Her leadership in fundraising, marketing, communications, and external affairs helped accelerate impact and strengthen community partnerships. She has also held leadership and philanthropy roles at the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and Moishe House.
Jessie is a connector and strategist who thrives on bold goals and transformational philanthropy. She is passionate about developing more skilled and confident fundraisers because strong missions deserve strong support.
Outside of her professional work Jessie proudly serves on the board of Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary which provides care and adoption services for senior dogs. In her free time you can find her volunteering with local dog rescues. She lives in Seattle with her husband Luis and their two pups Hope and Hulk.
Jessie has been recognized as a Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, a Women in Business honoree, and a Titan 100 honoree in 2025, celebrating her leadership and impact within the nonprofit sector and the communities she serves.