Top 10 Major Gifts Officer Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for major gifts officers because they demonstrate that the applicant has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field. Having certifications can help to differentiate a major gifts officer from other applicants, as well as give them an edge when competing for positions. Certifications also indicate that the applicant is dedicated to professional development and has taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications. By showing employers that they have taken the time and effort to become certified, major gifts officers can demonstrate their commitment to their profession and increase their chances of being hired.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Major Gifts Officers and explain how they can enhance a major gifts officer's career.

What are Major Gifts Officer Certifications?

Major gifts officer certification is a professional credential designed to help fundraising professionals build the skills and knowledge needed to successfully identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors. Major gifts officers engage in activities such as developing strategies for identifying potential major donors, designing prospecting plans, writing proposals and reports, coordinating special events, creating donor recognition programs, and providing donor stewardship. The certification provides a comprehensive set of resources and tools that enable major gifts officers to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. It includes instruction on topics such as relationship building, research techniques, solicitation strategies, presentation methods, stewardship principles, proposal writing methods, data analysis practices, and more. By obtaining certification in major gifts officer training and education programs, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to the profession while gaining valuable skills that are essential for success in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering major gifts officer certification, look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as donor research, prospect management, proposal writing, and fundraising strategy. Additionally, seek out certifications that provide opportunities to practice and refine your skills through simulations and role-playing exercises.

Related: What does a Major Gifts Officer do?

Top 10 Major Gifts Officer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Major Gifts Officers today.

1. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification for individuals in the field of fundraising. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of best practices and ethical principles in fundraising. The CFRE designation is awarded to fundraisers who have met rigorous standards set by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

To earn the CFRE credential, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in fundraising through a comprehensive application process. This includes providing documentation of their education, employment history, and professional accomplishments. Candidates must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as donor relations, financial management, legal compliance, and strategic planning.

The CFRE exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world. The exam fee is $350 USD for AFP members and $450 USD for non-members. Candidates can expect to spend several months preparing for the exam, including studying textbooks and taking practice tests.

2. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the nonprofit sector. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional development and excellence in their field.

The CNP program requires applicants to meet certain educational, experience, and ethical standards. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time paid work experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as fundraising, grant writing, budgeting, volunteer management, and strategic planning.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CNP certification process. During this time period, applicants must submit all necessary documents and take the required exam. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their CNP certification.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1,500 USD for the entire process including application fees and exam costs.

3. 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 advisors with specialized knowledge and skills related to philanthropic planning, enabling them to better serve their clients’ charitable giving needs.

The CAP® program consists of three courses that can be taken online or in-person. The courses cover topics such as donor motivations, tax considerations, and strategies for effective philanthropic planning. Each course must be completed within a year of starting the program.

To earn the CAP® designation, individuals must have at least three years of experience in financial services and pass an exam covering the material from all three courses. The exam fee is $395. Upon completion of the program and passing the exam, individuals will receive their Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certificate from The American College of Financial Services.

4. Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Fundraising Management

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Fundraising Management is a professional development program that provides fundraising professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become successful in their field. The certificate program consists of six courses totaling 30 hours of instruction, which can be completed online or through self-study.

The AFP Certificate Program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of fundraising management. It covers topics such as donor relations, major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, capital campaigns, grant writing and research. The program also provides an overview of legal and ethical issues related to fundraising.

It typically takes between three and four months to complete the program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. To get the certificate you must successfully complete all six courses within one year from the date you register for the first course.

The cost for the entire AFP Certificate Program is $1,395 USD for members ($1,595 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to all six courses as well as a digital copy of the AFP Fundraising Principles & Practice textbook.

5. Certified Grant Professional (GPC)

Certified Grant Professional (GPC) is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise of grant professionals who demonstrate knowledge and experience in grant research, writing, management, and related activities. It is offered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).

It takes approximately six months to complete the GPC program. To get certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam is composed of multiple choice questions on topics such as grant research, proposal writing, project management, and evaluation.

Applicants must also have at least two years of professional grant experience or have completed a GPCI-approved training program. The cost of certification depends on the applicant’s level of experience. For those with no prior grant experience, the cost is $495; for those with two or more years of experience, it is $295.

6. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize and validate the professional expertise of those working in the special events industry. The CSEP program is based on a body of knowledge that encompasses all aspects of planning and executing successful events.

The CSEP certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise through a combination of education, experience, and examination. To qualify for the CSEP designation, applicants must have at least three years of full-time event management experience, or five years of part-time experience, within the last seven years. They must also complete an approved educational program in event management or related fields, such as hospitality or business administration. Finally, they must pass an exam administered by ILEA.

The cost of obtaining the CSEP certification varies depending on the applicant's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for tuition fees, exam fees, and other associated costs.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you are able to meet all requirements and take the exam.

7. Certified Gift Planning Practitioner (CGPP)

Certified Gift Planning Practitioner (CGPP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of charitable gift planning. The CGPP program is administered by the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP).

The CGPP program consists of three levels: Certified, Advanced Certified, and Master Certified. To become certified, individuals must complete an online course that covers topics such as tax law, estate planning, philanthropy, and fundraising. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals must pass an online exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to be awarded the CGPP designation.

The cost for the CGPP program varies depending on the level of certification desired. For example, the cost for the Certified level is $395 USD; for Advanced Certified it is $495 USD; and for Master Certified it is $595 USD.

In addition to completing the course and passing the exam, applicants must also complete an application form and submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or clients attesting to their experience in gift planning.

8. Certified Major Gifts Officer (CMGO)

A Certified Major Gifts Officer (CMGO) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the area of major gifts fundraising. This certification is offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It requires applicants to demonstrate an understanding of effective major gift strategies and techniques, as well as knowledge of donor relations, solicitation and stewardship.

To become a CMGO, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in fundraising or development, with at least two years specifically dedicated to major gift fundraising; being an active AFP member; and completing 45 hours of continuing education within the past five years related to major gifts fundraising.

Once these criteria are met, applicants can apply for the CMGO exam by submitting an application form and fee ($225 USD). The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMGO designation from AFP.

9. Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Advanced Certificate in Fundraising Management

The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Advanced Certificate in Fundraising Management is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in fundraising management. This certification program is designed to provide experienced fundraising professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful campaigns, cultivate relationships with donors, and maximize fundraising results.

The CASE Advanced Certificate in Fundraising Management requires completion of three core courses: Fundraising Principles and Practices, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and Strategic Planning for Fundraising. These courses are offered online or in-person at various locations throughout the year. The program takes approximately 12 months to complete, depending on individual schedules.

To apply for the CASE Advanced Certificate in Fundraising Management, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience working in non-profit fundraising or related fields. Applicants must also submit a resume and two letters of recommendation from former employers or colleagues who can attest to their experience and qualifications.

The cost of the program varies depending on the location where courses are taken; however, it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD.

10. National Society of Fundraising Professionals (NSFP) Certificate in Major Gift Leadership

The National Society of Fundraising Professionals (NSFP) Certificate in Major Gift Leadership is a comprehensive training program designed to equip fundraising professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to successfully raise major gifts. The program consists of five core courses that are delivered over the course of six months.

The first four courses cover topics such as donor research, solicitation strategies, relationship building, and stewardship. The fifth and final course focuses on creating a major gift plan and setting goals. Upon completion of all five courses, participants receive the NSFP Certificate in Major Gift Leadership.

To get the certificate, participants must complete all five courses within six months and pass an assessment at the end of each course. Each course costs $250 per person or $1,000 for a group of four or more people.

In addition to completing all five courses and passing the assessments, participants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their understanding of major gift fundraising principles. This portfolio will be reviewed by NSFP faculty members who will determine if the participant has met all requirements for certification.

Once certified, participants receive ongoing access to NSFP’s online resources and networking opportunities with other certified major gift fundraisers from around the world.

Do You Really Need a Major Gifts Officer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. A Major Gifts Officer Certificate may be beneficial for those who are interested in pursuing a career in fundraising or development, as it can give you an edge over other candidates in the job market. It can also demonstrate your knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and techniques, which is increasingly important in today's competitive philanthropic landscape.

However, it's important to note that having a Major Gifts Officer Certificate does not guarantee success in the field. The certificate is just one part of a successful fundraising strategy; other skills such as networking, relationship-building, and communication are also essential for success. Additionally, many organizations have their own unique criteria for selecting major gifts officers; having a certificate may help you stand out from other candidates but won't necessarily guarantee you the job.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a Major Gifts Officer Certificate depends on your own personal goals and what you want to achieve in your career. If you feel that this certification would give you an advantage when applying for jobs or seeking promotions later on down the line, then it might be worth considering. However, if you are confident in your skillset and believe that a certificate is unnecessary for achieving your goals, then it isn't necessary to pursue one.

Related: Major Gifts Officer Resume Examples

FAQs About Major Gifts Officer Certifications

1. What is a Major Gifts Officer Certification?

Answer: A Major Gifts Officer Certification is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in soliciting major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. It is offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and requires passing an exam and completing a course.

2. How do I become certified as a Major Gifts Officer?

Answer: To become certified as a Major Gifts Officer, you must complete the AFP’s coursework and pass their certification exam. The coursework covers topics such as donor cultivation, solicitation strategies, planned giving, prospect research and more.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Major Gifts Officer?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Major Gifts Officer offers many benefits to fundraisers, including increased credibility with donors, recognition for expertise in major gift fundraising, and improved job opportunities within the sector. Additionally, it can help to develop skills for successful relationship building with prospects that leads to significant gifts for your organization or cause.

4. How long does my certification last?

Answer: Your certification lasts three years from the date you pass the exam. You will need to renew your certification every three years by taking additional continuing education classes or retaking the exam if needed.

5. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, there is an application fee of $75 when you apply for the AFP’s Certification program and an examination fee of $175 when you take the exam. Additionally, there may be costs associated with attending any required continuing education classes or events prior to renewal of your certification every three years.