Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising

September 30 – November 18, 2024
Closed cohort for Hellenic College Holy Cross

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is an eight-week online course with a practical application project.

It provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving. Offered through the Hellenic College Holy Cross Office of Vocation & Ministry in collaboration with the GOA Department of Stewardship with support from Leadership 100.

Who should attend:

Religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles.

Participant Feedback

“100% worth the time.  The variety of students, priests and lay, and from across the country was a big bonus.”

ECRF provided “a better understanding of how theology can inform fundraising.”

“I raised $10,000 using the skills from the course.”

ECRF offered “a totally new way of thinking about fundraising, development, and stewardship as well as confidence that I can actually make things happen.”

I gained “a complete change of my personal views on fundraising, allowing me to get “past myself” and see it as a wonderful ministry that can be done with integrity to achieve great things for God’s people.”

Date and structure of program:

  • The online learning platform opens Monday, September 23; the first plenary session is Monday, September 30.
  • The class will meet live online two (2) times each week, both via Zoom:
    – Mondays (September 30 – November 18): Interactive 90 minute plenary session at 4:00-5:30 pm Eastern Time.
    – Weekly facilitated one-hour peer group on Wednesdays, specific time chosen at registration.
  • Asynchronous learning through the learning platform.
  • In total, you can expect about four hours each week for synchronous and asynchronous lessons.

Cost:

  • $1,300 Early Bird Rate through September 5, 2024
  • $1,550 Full Program Rate on or after September 6, 2024
  • Full payment due by September 10
  • While a $300 deposit is required for all participants, financial aid of $1,000 is available. If you plan to apply for a scholarship, complete the scholarship application (due September 5) prior to registering for the course. Instructions for course registration will follow scholarship approval. 
  • Scholarship recipients are expected to fully participate in the course and implement a project for local context after the conclusion of the course.

What’s Included:

  • Certificate Curriculum
  • Online learning platform

What’s not included:

Scott, A, ed. Good and Faithful Servant: Stewardship in the Orthodox Church. (Chapters 1, 8, and 12)
Robinson, K. (2014). Imagining Abundance. (pgs. 70-71 “Donors are Subjects, Not Objects” discussed during Week 3 Plenary. Chapter 2 (and the book as a whole) discussed during Week 4 Peer Group.)
Maimonides, M. “Laws Concerning Gifts to the Poor.” PDF (accompanying the asynchronous work and Week 4 Peer Group)
Nouwen, H. (2011). A Spirituality of Fundraising. (accompanying the asynchronous work and Week 5 plenary)
Freeman, H. (2015). Unlacing the Heart: Connecting with What Really Matters. (Chapter 5 “Steak and Asparagus with Margaret” PDF to prepare for Week 6 Peer Group)

Register today

Please contact Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at LakeInstitute@iu.edu or 317-278-8998 with any questions.