Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising

November 3-5, 2026

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is designed for 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. This offering of ECRF is sponsored by Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and held at Mercy by the Sea retreat center in Madison, CT. The ECRF covers four key topics and includes select required reading to be completed in advance and the completion of a final project.

Register today

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.

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.

Date and structure of program:

  • The class will meet beginning at noon on Tuesday, November 3 through noon on Thursday, November 5-, 2026
  • Location: Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center in Madison, CT
  • There will be one follow up zoom call, November 18, 4-5 pm Eastern.
  • Asynchronous learning through the learning platform.

Cost:

$1,350 plus Food & Accommodations

Commuter Rate: $1,424 ($1,350 tuition + $74 lunches & hospitality)
Overnight Rate: $1,660 ($1,350 tuition +$310 meals/accommodations for 2 nights: November 3-5)
Early Arrival Overnight Rate: ($1350 tuition + $465 meals/accommodations for 3 nights: November 2-5)

Arrival and Departure
Participants can arrive anytime between 9 am and noon. The program will begin at Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with lunch at noon. It will conclude after lunch on Thursday, November 14 at 1:00 pm. The program on Wednesday, November 13 will take place at Yale Divinity School and will conclude with a Community Eucharist and dinner. Shuttle services will be provided to and from Yale Divinity School.  

Refund Policy
Cancellations before September 3, 2026 receive a full refund, less a $50 cancellation fee.
Cancellations between September 3 and October 3, 2026 receive a 50% refund, less a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds are offered after October 3, 2024 except in cases of emergency and illness.

What’s Included:

  • 7 meals and accommodations at Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center in Madison, CT
  • Single rooms with private bathrooms
  • A visit to Yale Divinity School, including a Berkeley Community Eucharist and a meal
  • 2.5 days of onsite teaching, plus 1 follow up zoom call
  • Access to Pathwright, an online learning management system
  • ECRF binders
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Final project guidance for participants
  • Final certificate for those who complete the program
  • Beach access

What’s not included:

Register today

For more information about being added to the waitlist, please email Brandon Nappi, brandon.nappi@yale.edu. For information regarding the certificate program and final project requirements, please visit www.lakeinstitute.org/ecrf.