Fundraising and Development Foundations

Ends soon! Grow on your schedule with big savings on Coursera Plus. Save 40% for 3 months.

Fundraising and Development Foundations

This course is part of Fundraising and Development Specialization

Instructor: Angela Joens

28,228 already enrolled

Included with Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

339 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

339 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

94%

Most learners liked this course

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Fundraising and Development Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

In this course, you will gain an introduction to the basic terminology and concepts in the field, along with an overview of the development cycle from identification and cultivation through stewardship and recognition. You will learn how to develop a case for support, identify and assess prospective donors, match a donor’s interests and needs with your organization’s mission and goals, recognize planned giving benefits to your donors, structure a successful solicitation, and respond to ethical dilemmas. You’ll also examine career opportunities in the field, along with contemporary issues and trends confronting today’s fundraising managers. Throughout the course you’ll gain hands-on practice developing an array of written products for your fundraising and development portfolio.

In this module, you will be able to discuss fundraising terminology and be confident interacting with others in the field. You will be able to describe the ethical principles that guide development and fundraising and build a foundation in the development process. You will be able to describe and distinguish between several different types of campaigns, and various ways you can raise money.

What's included

7 videos3 readings3 assignments

7 videosTotal 60 minutes

Course Introduction Foundations of Fundraising and Development3 minutes
History and Impact of Philanthropy in the US5 minutes
Terminology of Fundraising and Philanthropy11 minutes
Ethics and Guiding Principles of Confidentiality10 minutes
Types of Donors & Why People Give8 minutes
The Development Process11 minutes
Campaigns and Opportunities13 minutes

3 readingsTotal 50 minutes

A Note From UC Davis10 minutes
Ethical Fundraising & Transparency: What Nonprofits Must Get Right20 minutes
The Science of Fundraising: What Drives People to Give20 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes
Terminology of Fundraising & Ethical Fundraising15 minutes
Types of Donors & The Development Process15 minutes

In this module, you will be able to define and describe the components of an effective case statement, and be able to distinguish between an organizations vision, goals, and objectives. You will be able to create variations on your case statement, and identify potential prospects for your organization. You will be able to discuss annual giving campaigns and be able to plan and build a base of support for your organization's fundraising programs.

What's included

7 videos1 reading2 assignments2 discussion prompts

7 videosTotal 60 minutes

Introduction to Case for Support, Prospect Identification, and Annual Giving1 minute
Case for Support (Part 1)9 minutes
Case for Support (Part 2)7 minutes
Prospect Identification & Building Constituents (Part 1)11 minutes
Prospect Identification & Building Constituents (Part 2)12 minutes
The Annual Fund: Building a Base of Support (Part 1)12 minutes
The Annual Fund: Building a Base of Support (Part 2)8 minutes

1 readingTotal 30 minutes

Readings30 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 2 Quiz15 minutes
Case For Support - AI Graded Assignment45 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 75 minutes

Critique a Case for Support (Activity)30 minutes
Prospective Donors45 minutes

In this module, you will be able to differentiate between major gifts and planned giving. You will be given an overview of the major gift process and then be able to discuss how to cultivate and solicit major donors. You will be able to identify how to establish a planned giving program and potential prospects. You will identify the role that foundation and corporate support plays in a development program and be able to describe the basics of the grant writing process.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment4 discussion prompts

8 videosTotal 71 minutes

Introduction to Major Gift, Planned Giving, Foundations and Corporate Giving Programs1 minute
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 1)12 minutes
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 2)9 minutes
Major Gift Development Programs (Part 3)8 minutes
Planned Giving Programs (Part 1)12 minutes
Planned Giving Programs (Part 2)11 minutes
Foundation and Corporate Giving (Part 1)7 minutes
Foundation and Corporate Giving (Part 2)10 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Readings10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

4 discussion promptsTotal 150 minutes

Curious Chameleon Infographic30 minutes
Appeal Letter Critique (Activity)45 minutes
Securing an Appointment (Activity)45 minutes
Women and Philanthropy30 minutes

In this module, you will be able to describe the four pillars of a donor relations program. You will be able to differentiate the various types of fundraising campaigns and identify the essential building blocks for running a successful fundraising campaign. You will be able to write a proposal letter to solicit funds for a charity event that your organization is hosting.

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments2 discussion prompts

8 videosTotal 71 minutes

Introduction to Donor Relations and Fundraising Campaigns1 minute
Stewardship and Recognition Programs (Part 1)13 minutes
Stewardship and Recognition Programs (Part 2)13 minutes
Campaigns: Overview & Pre-planning (Part 1)11 minutes
Campaigns: Overview & Pre-planning (Part 2)11 minutes
Campaigns: Opening & Closing a Campaign (Part 1)11 minutes
Campaigns: Opening & Closing a Campaign (Part 2)10 minutes
Foundations of Fundraising and Development Course Summary2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Readings10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes
Proposal Letter - AI Graded Assignment90 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 30 minutes

Thanking a Donor15 minutes
Self-Reflection15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(99 ratings)

Angela Joens

University of California, Davis

1 Course28,228 learners

Offered by

University of California, Davis

Explore more from Business Strategy

University of California, Davis
Fundraising and Development
Specialization
Status: Free trial
John Wiley & Sons
Philanthropy, Ethics, and the Foundations of Fundraising
Course
Status: Free trial
John Wiley & Sons
Organizational Capacity and Donor Engagement Strategies
Course
Status: Free trial
John Wiley & Sons
Strategic Fundraising: Donors, Gifts & Partnerships
Course
Status: Free trial

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
75.88%
4 stars
18.82%
3 stars
3.52%
2 stars
0.29%
1 star
1.47%

Showing 3 of 339

5.0

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2019

I have learned a lot from this course. The assignments are extremely useful. Thank you

5.0

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

I feel like this course clearly explains the basics of fundraising and development and does a great job of testing your knowledge through practical assignments.

5.0

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2024

This course is a must-take for development professionals interested in fund raising. Very insightful and engaging!

View more reviews

Break down barriers to learning with big savings
Get Coursera Plus
Start with easy savings for hard-working teams
Save 30% today

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.