Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising

April 22-24, 2026
DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532

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.

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.

Structure of program:

  • Start at 1 pm on Wednesday concluding at 5:15 pm. Thursday and Friday will include a continental breakfast starting at 9:00 am. Lunch will be provided on Thursday. Friday will conclude at 12 pm.
  • Meeting location is at DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532.
  • There will be a one hour follow up zoom call on Thursday, May 7 from 4-5 pm Eastern.
  • Asynchronous learning through the learning platform.

What’s Included:

  • Certificate Curriculum
  • Online learning platform
  • Limited hotel lodging Wednesday and Thursday night for those living 30 miles from the course site. Contact Anne Brock for more information, anmbrock@iu.edu.
  • Continental breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday and lunch on Thursday.

What’s not included:

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.