Virtual Fundraising Training Course

Virtual Fundraising Training Course

Applications due on July 31, 2025. Apply here.  

This eight-week virtual training course, Developing Annual Sustainability, is offered through The Fund Raising School, the first and preeminent fundraising education program, powered by leading-edge, research-informed curricula. This course will teach participants to develop a broad, enduring base of supporters and meet their fundraising goals from one year to the next. The course will be tailored for higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and will include content relevant to current and emerging trends in African philanthropy. This free online course will be offered to selected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate potential to apply fundraising knowledge in higher education. To keep the peer interaction and course experience interactive and effective, this course will be limited to 30 selected participants. The course will be led by experts from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropyand the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at the University of Witwatersrand, with guest speakers from African higher education institutions. 

Participants will learn how to: 

• Determine which strategies to use and when to use them 

• Manage their time effectively 

• Make a convincing case for support 

• Create gift range charts for planning 

• Get volunteers actively involved with fundraising 

• Use the annual fund to support a total development program 

Participants will receive: 

• An easy-to-use, comprehensive study guide to use for future reference 

• Checklists for organizing special events 

• Training exercises to use the workplace 

• Planning tools for direct mail programs 

• Tips from individuals involved in HEI fundraising in Africa 

Participants will complete regular assignments, such as written tasks, quizzes, and discussion board posts.  

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in this eight-week online course free of charge. The tentative course date is from mid-October to mid-December 2025. Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a certificate from The Fund Raising School. Course completion also qualifies for Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) International education points/hours. 

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered, all applicants must: 

• Be highly self-motivated, independent learners currently working in higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants’ current responsibilities should be related to advancement, resource mobilization, and/or fund raising. The following profiles are specifically encouraged to apply: 

• Academics or researchers who want to raise resources for their research and student mobility 

• Researchers and fundraisers in advancement offices, development and fundraising departments, heads of departments, students of fundraising, or related offices 

• Finance and legal officers who deal mainly with donor agreements 

• Other roles with demonstrated involvement in institutional advancement/fundraising or alumni relations 

• Hold a master's degree or equivalent in any field 

• Be able to speak, read, and write in English 

• Commitment to ongoing presence in the online course to earn the certificate of completion 

• Be comfortable with virtual learning technology 

Timeline: 

• Application submission deadline: July 31, 2025 

• Notification of award selection: by August 31, 2025  

• Course registration: by October 1, 2025 

• Participation in the eight-week online course: mid-October to mid-December 2025 

Application Requirements: 

• Completed application form 

• CV/Resume highlighting relevant experience (1–2 pages) 

• A statement of fundraising goals and interests, and reasons for applying to this course (max. 300 words) 

• A description of how this training course aligns with the applicant’s role in the university (max. 300 words)   

• A copy of the applicant’s diploma from the highest level of education attained  

Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Please submit your application materials through this online form.  Please direct any questions to Dennis Kilama, Research Assistant and doctoral candidate (kidenn@iu.edu). 

About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy 
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook. 

About The Fund Raising School 

For 50 years, The Fund Raising School (TFRS) has been at the forefront of helping thousands of fundraising professionals around the world achieve new levels of success. We teach the how and why of philanthropy, the current issues, and the art and science of fundraising. The depth and breadth of TFRS curriculum have been proven effective for participants with varying levels of fundraising experience. TFRS participants leave the training with practical skills needed to make a difference, as well as a deep understanding and ability to better articulate the powerful role their organization can play in making the world a better place. 

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