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Fundraising Leadership, Certificate

Learn essential skills such as financial analysis, grant writing and strategies to cultivate donors through the lenses of diversity, ethics and social justice.

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About this Program

Fuel your mission and conquer the challenges in our increasingly complex nonprofit environment by earning a Certificate in Fundraising Leadership. Our specialized curriculum, the first of its kind in Washington State, meets the growing demand for effective fundraisers. With an emphasis on reflective practice, leadership and social justice, this program provides the essential difference between a good fundraiser and a great one.

Learning Outcomes

  • Foster and support a culture of philanthropy in an organization and among its constituencies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and effective fundraising strategies, practices and frameworks.
  • Implement research-based strategies to cultivate, honor, and retain individual donors.
  • Integrate financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting and reporting with an organization's fundraising program.
  • Secure, negotiate and manage grant awards from public and private funders. 

Transition to Semester Calendar

Enrollment for Fall 2027 is on a semester calendar. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

No Application Fee

We are committed to removing barriers to graduate education by waiving the application fee for all applicants.

Certificate Requirements 

The Certificate in Fundraising Leadership requires nine hours of graduate coursework.

Required Course:

  • Fundraising & Philanthropy (3 credits)

Choose two electives:

  • Grantwriting and Management (3 credits)
  • Communication Strategies (3 credits)
  • Social Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
  • Event Sustainability Operations (3 credits)

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Additional Events
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Designed For Working Professionals

  • Online/On-campus, hybrid model
  • Faculty are both scholars and successful professional fundraisers who combine emerging research on giving and philanthropy with effective practice. 
  • Continuing education credits and preparation for widely-recognized Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. 
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Learn to Lead for Lasting Impact

  • Instill and lead a culture of philanthropy. 
  • Execute successful campaigns that provide resources and engage stakeholders. 
  • Build and diversify your fundraising team. 
  • Fundraise with authenticity and equity in mind. 
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Admissions Information

Learn more about deadlines and application requirements. 

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Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Valerie Zerda

Admissions Counselor

Valerie Zerda