Special and Capital Campaigns
BUSA-40931
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Fundraising campaigns are a cost-effective and exciting way to raise large sums of money in a relatively short period of time, while also significantly improving the visibility of an organization. This course covers the planning and management of capital and comprehensive campaigns as well as specific campaign-related topics, including the decision to conduct a campaign feasibility study and/or hire a campaign consultant, staffing a campaign, recruiting effective campaign leadership and other campaign volunteers, understanding the phases of a campaign, the gift pyramid, and securing and meeting challenge gifts.
Students will learn how to plan, launch, and successfully complete a fundraising campaign and will understand the role strategy plays every step of the way, including when identifying and qualifying donor prospects, assigning volunteers to prospects, deciding gift ask amounts, and in developing tailored asks. Other topics will include developing a compelling and urgent case for support, creating other promotional materials, working with the media to publicize the project and campaign, and ensuring that well-developed policies, procedures, and donor management software are in place to accept and record gifts and generate proper reports. Training and managing volunteers and keeping them motivated and on-track during the course of the campaign will be discussed. The course also covers time-sensitive campaigns, such as #givingtuesday.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will:
- Organize and plan a successful campaign and learn to revive a stalled campaign.
- Conduct feasibility studies to assess readiness for efficient budgeting.
- Evaluate and cultivate foundational campaign support.
- Conduct research on, build relationships with, and fully recognize campaign donors.
- Integrate capital campaigns into a successful development plan.
Full participation in Special and Capital Campaigns 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.
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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:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 11/11/2025
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.
