High School

Take courses in math, computer science, social studies, psychology, English, writing, and public speaking. It is also helpful to join school clubs and volunteer as the organizations fund-raising chairperson.

Postsecondary Training

Most large organizations require or prefer applicants to have a minimum of a bachelors degree in philanthropic studies, fund-raising, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Smaller organizations may accept applicants with an associate’s degree or even a high school diploma coupled with experience if the candidate has a passion for the cause and a proven ability to raise funds. Directors who have a masters degree and a strong track record of successful fund-raising will have the best job prospects. 

Certification 

Colleges and universities offer certificates in fundraising and related areas. For example, the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a Fundraising Certificate Series that consists of 13 individual programs, each covering a specific aspect of the fundraising field. The programs include: 

• Annual Strategies
• Asking for Major Gifts
• Budgeting for your Fundraising Program
• Donor Motivation
• Grant Writing Essentials
• How to Write a Development Plan and Manage a Development Office
• Laying the Foundation for Fund Development
• Measuring Social Impact
• Nonprofit Messaging that Drives Giving
• Nonprofit Prospect Management & Research Techniques
• Transformational Nonprofit Leadership
• Planned Giving and Capital Campaigns
• Researching, Cultivating and Appreciating Foundations & Corporate

Other Education or Training

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers a Fundamentals of Fundraising Course and other continuing education opportunities, including a Leadership Academy. Contact the AFP for more information. Additional courses, seminars, and workshops in fund-raising techniques, development, special events, public relations, publicity, promotion, writing, marketing, dealing with media, and presentation skills are provided by associations at the local, state, and national levels. Grant writing workshops are also especially helpful.

Certification or Licensing

Voluntary certification is available to individuals working in fund-raising. The most recognized credential is the certified fund raising executive (CFRE) designation. A CFRE designation helps illustrate an individual’s knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field. To qualify for the CFRE exam, individuals must fulfill a number of requirements in the education, professional practice and professional performance areas. To learn more about how to apply for the CFRE exam, visit https://www.cfre.org/certification.

There are no licensing requirements for directors of fund-raising.

Experience requirements vary. Smaller nonprofits generally require less experience than larger organizations. Smaller organizations, may, for example, only require one or two years experience in the development office. Larger organizations may require three to five years of experience. Experience requirements are often waived when an individual has demonstrated the ability to raise funds.

Employers generally prefer candidates who have worked in public relations, journalism, communications, fund-raising, and development, the not-for-profit world, or a related field. 

Directors of fund-raising must be organized, detail-oriented, articulate people with strong communications and leadership skills. They need to be comfortable speaking in public both one-on-on one and in front of large groups. The ability to write not only well, but also creatively, is essential. Directors should be passionate, people oriented, and enjoy interacting with others. Mathematical acumen is also important.