Top 11 Fundraising Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a fundraising coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate competency and knowledge in the field. Certifications show employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn and grow their skills, as well as to stay up-to-date on best practices. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for networking with professionals in the field, which can lead to job referrals or even career advancement. Additionally, certifications also provide a baseline of expectations for employers when evaluating applicants’ qualifications. By having certifications, fundraising coordinators can stand out from other candidates and be seen as more qualified for certain positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Fundraising Coordinators and explains how they can help to advance a fundraising coordinator's career.

What are Fundraising Coordinator Certifications?

Fundraising coordinator certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in fundraising. The certification program helps participants understand the fundamentals of fundraising, such as legal requirements, ethical considerations, donor cultivation and stewardship, strategic planning, marketing and communications, financial management, and more. This comprehensive learning experience is designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to effectively plan and execute successful fundraising campaigns.

The certification program provides participants with valuable insight into the complexities of fundraising activities. By completing various coursework related to these topics, participants are able to gain a better understanding of how the fundraising process works and how to maximize their efforts for maximum impact. Additionally, by obtaining a professional certification in this field, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to their profession and increase their desirability as potential candidates for job opportunities that require an understanding of fundraising principles. Ultimately, obtaining a professional certification in fundraising coordination can give individuals an edge when it comes to seeking out employment opportunities or advancing in their current organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a fundraising coordinator certification, be sure to research the credentialing body and find out if their certifications are widely recognized in your industry. Additionally, you should inquire about any continuing education requirements or other ongoing requirements for maintaining the certification.

Related: What does a Fundraising Coordinator do?

Top 11 Fundraising Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Fundraising Coordinators today.

1. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification program for fundraising professionals. It is the only globally recognized credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in philanthropy, fundraising, and related activities. The CFRE designation is designed to recognize those who possess the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

The CFRE certification process consists of two parts: an initial application and a certification exam. The initial application requires applicants to demonstrate their professional experience in fundraising as well as their education in the field. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors. Once the application is approved, applicants are eligible to take the certification exam.

The CFRE exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as donor relations, financial management, volunteer management, marketing and communications, legal compliance, strategic planning, research and evaluation, ethics and accountability. Candidates have four hours to complete the exam.

It typically takes six months or more to complete the entire process from submitting an application to taking the exam. It costs $750 USD for members of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) or $900 USD for non-members to apply for CFRE certification.

2. Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM)

Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The CFRM designation is the only globally recognized credential for fundraising managers. It demonstrates that a person has achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of fundraising management.

The CFRM program requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in fundraising and/or nonprofit management, as well as completing an online course and passing an exam. The course covers topics such as donor relations, grant writing, financial management, legal issues, board relations, and more.

The CFRM program takes approximately six months to complete. During that time, applicants must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once they have passed the exam, they will be awarded their certification.

The cost of the CFRM program varies depending on whether you are an AFP member or non-member. For AFP members, it costs $1,295; for non-members it costs $1,495.

3. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nonprofit professionals. The CNP certification is offered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, an organization dedicated to advancing the leadership capacity of nonprofits through education, training, and credentialing.

The CNP certification requires completion of a comprehensive course of study that covers core topics in nonprofit management, fundraising, marketing, financial management, legal issues, and volunteer management. This coursework can be completed online or in person at approved training institutions. Once the coursework has been completed, applicants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost for the CNP certification varies depending on whether you take the online or in-person courses. The online courses typically cost around $1,000 while in-person courses can range from $2,000-$3,000. The exam fee is an additional $250.

In total it takes approximately 6 months to complete the CNP certification program if you are taking all of your classes online. If you are taking in-person classes it will take longer as there may be fewer classes available and they may be scheduled further apart.

4. Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP)

The Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP) is a professional credential for individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise to effectively manage fundraising operations. It is awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), an international professional association for fundraisers. The CFP is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of fundraising, and it provides a framework for professional development and growth.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements for the CFP credential. In order to qualify, applicants must have at least three years of full-time paid experience in fundraising or related activities, such as grant writing or donor relations. They must also complete an approved course in fundraising principles and strategies, pass an exam, and submit a portfolio that demonstrates their skills and experience.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Fundraising Professional, interested individuals should visit AFP’s website for more information about eligibility requirements, courses, exams, and portfolios. Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply online through AFP’s website. The cost of applying for the CFP credential is $225 USD.

5. Certified Grant Writer (CGW)

A Certified Grant Writer (CGW) is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to write grant proposals for non-profit organizations. The CGW certification is designed to ensure that grant writers have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively develop, write, and submit successful grant proposals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Grant Writer. To get certified, you must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as research, proposal writing, budgeting, and evaluation. After completing the training program, you must pass an exam administered by the certifying organization.

The cost of becoming a Certified Grant Writer varies depending on the certifying organization. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 or more to become certified. This cost includes the training program fees as well as any exam fees associated with the certification process.

In addition to the initial certification fee, some organizations may require annual renewal fees in order to maintain your CGW status.

6. Certified Philanthropy Professional (CPP)

Certified Philanthropy Professional (CPP) is a professional credential for individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies and knowledge necessary for successful philanthropic work. The CPP is awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), an international organization with more than 30,000 members in over 200 countries. The CPP designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, and other areas of philanthropy.

To become certified as a CPP, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time professional experience in the field of philanthropy or related fields; having completed at least 150 hours of approved education and training in the field; and having passed the AFP’s certification examination.

The AFP offers two types of certification examinations: a written exam and an oral exam. Both exams are designed to test applicants’ knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices involved in effective philanthropy management. Applicants must pass both exams to be awarded the CPP designation.

The cost for taking the CPP certification examination varies depending on whether you take it online or in person, but typically ranges from $150 to $300 USD. Once you have passed both exams, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining your CPP status which is currently set at $75 USD per year.

Overall, it can take up to one year to become certified as a CPP depending on how quickly you complete all requirements such as education courses and passing both exams.

7. Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) is a professional designation program offered by the American College of Financial Services. It is designed to provide financial advisors with advanced knowledge and tools to help their clients make informed decisions about charitable giving. The CAP® program consists of three courses, each of which can be completed in approximately two weeks.

The first course covers the fundamentals of philanthropic planning, including understanding donor motivations, legal and tax considerations, and other important topics. The second course focuses on developing a comprehensive philanthropic plan that includes both short-term and long-term goals. The third course explores the impact of different types of giving vehicles and strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of charitable donations.

To become a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, you must complete all three courses within one year and pass an exam at the end of each course. You will also need to have at least three years of experience as a financial advisor or related field.

The cost for the CAP® program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person, but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

8. Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Institute of Fundraising

The Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Institute of Fundraising is a professional qualification for those working in fundraising and related roles. It is designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to be successful in their profession.

The Certificate takes 12-18 months to complete and consists of three core modules: Fundraising Principles and Practice, Financial Management and Governance, and Strategic Planning. Each module contains a series of activities which must be completed before certification can be awarded.

To get the Certificate, you must first become an Institute of Fundraising member. You then need to register for the Certificate course online or by post. Once registered, you will have access to study materials online or via hard copy, as well as support from your tutor throughout the course.

The cost of the Certificate depends on whether you are an Institute of Fundraising member or not. For members, it costs £595 plus VAT for all three modules; for non-members it costs £895 plus VAT.

9. Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the National Center for Nonprofit Management

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the National Center for Nonprofit Management (NCNM) is a professional development program for nonprofit professionals and volunteers. The program provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit management and leadership, with an emphasis on practical skills. It is designed to help participants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful nonprofit organizations.

The certificate program consists of five courses that can be taken online or in-person at NCNM's headquarters in Washington, DC. Each course covers a different aspect of nonprofit management, such as fundraising, financial management, volunteer management, grant writing, and strategic planning. The courses are taught by experienced practitioners and academics who have expertise in the field of nonprofit management.

The entire certificate program takes approximately one year to complete. Participants must complete all five courses within two years in order to receive the certificate.

To get started with the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, applicants must submit an application form and provide proof of their academic qualifications or work experience related to nonprofit management. Applicants must also pay a nonrefundable application fee of $50 USD.

Once accepted into the program, participants will be required to pay tuition fees for each course they take. Tuition fees vary depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person; however, most courses cost between $400-$700 USD per course. Additional costs may apply if you choose to take any additional elective courses offered by NCNM as part of your certificate program.

10. Certificate in Grant Writing from the Grantsmanship Center

The Certificate in Grant Writing from the Grantsmanship Center is a comprehensive online training program designed to help individuals learn how to write successful grant proposals. The program is divided into four modules, each focusing on a different aspect of grant writing: Introduction to Grant Writing, Planning and Researching for Successful Proposals, Writing Winning Proposals, and Post-Award Management. Each module includes video lectures, activities, quizzes, and other resources.

The program takes approximately 16 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate in Grant Writing from the Grantsmanship Center.

To get the Certificate in Grant Writing from the Grantsmanship Center, you must first register for the program through their website. Once registered, you will gain access to all of the course materials and resources needed to complete the program.

The cost of the Certificate in Grant Writing from the Grantsmanship Center is $395 USD.

11. Certificate in Social Media for Nonprofits from Hootsuite Academy

The Certificate in Social Media for Nonprofits from Hootsuite Academy is an online course designed to help nonprofit organizations use social media effectively. The program covers topics such as how to build a social media strategy, how to create content, and how to measure success. It also includes best practices for using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and other popular social networks.

The program consists of five modules that take approximately 10 hours to complete. Participants can access the modules at their own pace and will receive a certificate upon completion.

To get the Certificate in Social Media for Nonprofits from Hootsuite Academy, participants must first register on the Hootsuite Academy website. Once registered, they can access the course materials and complete each module at their own pace. Upon successful completion of all five modules, participants will receive a digital certificate of completion from Hootsuite Academy.

The cost for the Certificate in Social Media for Nonprofits from Hootsuite Academy is $99 USD.

Do You Really Need a Fundraising Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need a certificate to become a fundraising coordinator. While there are some organizations that offer certification in fundraising or philanthropy, they usually require specific experience and education in order to qualify. However, having a certificate may help you stand out from other candidates who may not have one.

In addition to formal training, many employers will accept skills and knowledge that can be obtained through volunteering, internships or self-study. Having a strong understanding of the principles of fundraising, including budgeting and donor relations, is essential for any successful fundraiser. Additionally, having excellent communication skills, being organized and detail-oriented, and having the ability to think strategically are all important qualities of an effective fundraising coordinator.

Overall, obtaining a certificate is not necessary for becoming a successful fundraising coordinator; however it can be beneficial in helping you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your level of expertise.

Related: Fundraising Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Fundraising Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Fundraising Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Fundraising Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to coordinate fundraising efforts for organizations and non-profits. The certification covers topics such as budgeting, donor relations, event planning, and project management.

2. How do I become certified as a Fundraising Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as a Fundraising Coordinator, you must complete an approved course of study or program related to fundraising coordination, as well as pass an exam administered by a certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can help increase your job opportunities and salary potential in the field of fundraising coordination. It also demonstrates your expertise in the field and may give you an edge when competing for jobs or promotions. Additionally, some employers may require certification before they will hire you for certain positions.

4. Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require ongoing continuing education in order to maintain your certification status. This could include attending conferences or seminars, taking online courses, or participating in other activities related to fundraising coordination.

5. Are there any prerequisites for earning a Fundraising Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, no formal prerequisites are required to earn a Fundraising Coordinator Certification; however some certifying bodies may have specific requirements such as having prior experience in the field or passing an entrance exam before enrolling in their program.