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    Fundraising Courses Online

    Master fundraising techniques for non-profit organizations. Learn to develop fundraising strategies, manage campaigns, and engage donors.

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    Explore the Fundraising Course Catalog

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Nonprofit Law

      Skills you'll gain: Fundraising, Non-Profit Accounting, Philanthropy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Governance, Compliance Management, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Lobbying, Labor Law, Accountability, Tax Laws, Advocacy, Organizational Structure

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      13 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University at Buffalo

      Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations

      Skills you'll gain: Governance, Peer Review, Consulting, Non-Profit Accounting, Performance Measurement, Meeting Facilitation, Leadership and Management, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Report Writing, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Leadership Development, Organizational Change, Philanthropy, Change Management, Public Administration

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      251 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Social Entrepreneurship

      Skills you'll gain: Project Scoping, Entrepreneurship, Feasibility Studies, Needs Assessment, Socioeconomics, Customer Analysis, Community Development, Target Audience, Stakeholder Management, Competitive Analysis, Business Operations, Cost Estimation, Market Opportunities, New Business Development, Ideation, Business Research, Financial Planning

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      399 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      Coursera Project Network

      NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas

      Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Engagement, Grant Writing, Resource Allocation, Strategic Decision-Making, Proposal Development, Resource Management, Business Strategy, Business Modeling, Value Propositions, Social Work

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      19 reviews

      Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs

      Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurial Finance, Sales Presentation, Entrepreneurship, Capital Markets, Finance, Fundraising, Private Equity, Business Valuation, Contract Negotiation, Financial Modeling, Investments, Due Diligence, Business Planning, Cash Flows, Presentations, Storytelling

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      475 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Budgeting and Scheduling Projects

      Skills you'll gain: Cost Estimation, Project Controls, Project Schedules, Estimation, Quality Management, Milestones (Project Management), Project Planning, Project Management, Scheduling, Work Breakdown Structure, Budgeting, Resource Allocation, Resource Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.2K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of London

      How to Finance and Grow Your Startup – Without VC

      Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurial Finance, Business Modeling, Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Customer Analysis, Growth Strategies, Business Development, Financial Modeling, Customer Acquisition Management, New Business Development, Market Analysis, Revenue Management, Business Strategy, Cash Flows, Strategic Partnership

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      469 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Create Social Media Ad Campaign using Canva

      Skills you'll gain: Social Media Campaigns, Advertising Campaigns, Social Media, Storytelling, Marketing Materials, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Marketing Design, User Accounts

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      33 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • E

      ESSEC Business School

      La Philanthropie : Comprendre et Agir

      Skills you'll gain: Philanthropy, Fundraising, Social Justice, Innovation, Corporate Sustainability, Tax, Program Evaluation, Public Policies, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Sciences, Strategic Decision-Making, Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Sociology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      129 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • H

      HEC Paris

      Entrepreneurship Strategy: From Ideation to Exit

      Skills you'll gain: Ideation, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Creativity, B2B Sales, Sales, Business Planning, Business Strategy, Business Development, Self-Awareness, Global Marketing, Human Resources, Fundraising and Crowdsourcing, Financial Analysis, Cash Management, Recruitment, Team Building

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Giving 2.0: The MOOC

      Skills you'll gain: Philanthropy, Fundraising, Resource Utilization, Program Evaluation, Empathy, Lifelong Learning, Collaboration, Strategic Decision-Making, Social Media, Planning, Innovation, Research

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      195 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organizations

      Skills you'll gain: Fundraising, Business Management, Organizational Strategy, Event Management, Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Planning, Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Business Strategies, Growth Strategies, Customer Engagement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      722 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Fundraising learners also search

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    1234…12

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular fundraising courses

    • Introduction to Nonprofit Law: University of Pennsylvania
    • Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations: University at Buffalo
    • Social Entrepreneurship: University of Pennsylvania
    • NGO Startup Analysis with Nonprofit Business Model Canvas: Coursera Project Network
    • New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs: University of Maryland, College Park
    • Budgeting and Scheduling Projects: University of California, Irvine
    • How to Finance and Grow Your Startup – Without VC: University of London
    • Create Social Media Ad Campaign using Canva: Coursera Project Network
    • La Philanthropie : Comprendre et Agir: ESSEC Business School
    • Entrepreneurship Strategy: From Ideation to Exit: HEC Paris

    Skills you can learn in Finance

    Investment (23)
    Market (economics) (20)
    Stock (18)
    Financial Statement (14)
    Financial Accounting (13)
    Modeling (13)
    Corporate Finance (11)
    Financial Analysis (11)
    Trading (11)
    Evaluation (10)
    Financial Markets (10)
    Pricing (10)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Fundraising

    Fundraising is how nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, arts and cultural groups, charities, and other entities with a social purpose meet their budgetary needs. By building relationships with foundations, philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters, these organizations are able to pursue their important work without having to sell their products or services at a profit or otherwise compromise their mission.

    While fundraising is different from the way private companies raise capital from investors in exchange for equity or dividends, it isn’t necessarily easier. Fundraising and development professionals rely on marketing just like any other business in order to connect with potential donors whose interests match their organization’s and goals. And just like a private company, the support of the board of directors is critical to maintain, as they are an important conduit to both funding opportunities and guidance in keeping the organization’s operations aligned with its mission.‎

    If you have a talent for connecting with people, strong budget management skills, and want to make a difference in the world, a background in fundraising can be a gateway to a rewarding career. Nonprofit organizations of all kinds rely on fundraising experts including development directors, grantwriters, and donor relations staff to make their important work possible.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fundraisers earn a median annual salary of $57,970, and typically have an educational background in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. These jobs are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade, and, with charitable giving rebounding along with the economy, these professionals are needed more than ever.‎

    Definitely. Successful nonprofit fundraising requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge, and Coursera offers a range of opportunities to learn them online on a flexible schedule. You can take individual courses on fundraising as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked schools like University of California Davis, The State University of New York at Buffalo, and University of Maryland College Park. And, because your tuition will be significantly lower than for on-campus students, learning about fundraising on Coursera can be a smart choice to help you manage your own budget.‎

    While you don't necessarily need any special skills or experience to study fundraising, a background volunteering or working for a nonprofit can be helpful. A background working in fields like education, business, or public relations may also be beneficial. Many people who focused on humanities courses at the high school and college level, such as philosophy, gender studies, English, or art history, find themselves gravitating towards learning about fundraising and development. Any experience with research, social media, writing, and event planning can also help prepare you for both learning fundraising and possibly turning that education into a career.‎

    Working in fundraising or development means you should be a good manager, both of projects and people. That means you'll also need to be a good communicator, with both superb written and verbal skills. Because you'll be asking people to give money, you must be assertive, even when dealing with such a sensitive topic. People who work in fundraising are motivated and especially dedicated to the cause for which they are raising money. You must also be able to multitask. In addition to managing a particular fundraiser or group of people working on a fundraiser, you may need to write grants, cultivate new donor relationships, execute social media campaigns, plan events, seek corporate sponsorships, and more.‎

    There is no one specific path towards a career in fundraising, but there are several subjects you can study that can help you get there. Communications, public relations, English, and journalism are always beneficial. You can also prepare yourself for a role in fundraising by learning more about business, finance, sales, marketing, and advertising.‎

    Nonprofits are the top employers for people who have a background in fundraising. This might include religious, civic, or professional organizations. Educational institutions, ranging from private preschools to colleges and universities may also depend on fundraising. Health care institutions, hospitals, and social assistance programs may hire people with a background in fundraising and development. You may even find yourself working at a museum or theater.‎

    Online Fundraising courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Fundraising skills. Choose from a wide range of Fundraising courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Fundraising, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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