Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising

2026 Course Offerings

The 4th Episcopal District – AME Church is partnering with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).

This program allows students the opportunity to earn a certificate in fundraising as they explore motivations for giving in the nonprofit sector. Each offerings class begins with a required two and half days in-person teaching sessions in, one follow up zoom call, and ends with a practical application project.

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The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising 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.

Learn about the ECRF Final Project

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.

Course Options:

  • Option 1: April 22-24, 2026 in Chicago, IL
  • Option 2: August 12-14, 2026 in Detroit, MI
  • Option 3: November 4-6, 2026 in Indianapolis, IN

Structure of program:

  • Start at 1 pm on Wednesday concluding with a group dinner. Thursday and Friday will include a continental breakfast starting at 8:00 am. Lunch will be provided on Thursday. Friday will conclude at 12 pm.
  • There will be a one hour follow up zoom call two weeks after the course concludes.
  • Asynchronous learning through the learning platform.

What’s Included:

  • Certificate Curriculum
  • Online learning platform
  • Hotel lodging Wednesday and Thursday night for those living 30 miles from the course site.
  • Continental breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday; group dinner on Wednesday; and lunch on Thursday.

What’s not included:

REGISTER TODAY

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Carlos Perkins at perkinc@iu.edu. For information regarding the certificate program and final project requirements, please visit www.lakeinstitute.org/ecrf.