The Fundraising Operations Certificate consists of six online courses and a capstone course. These courses and the capstone provide you with a thorough understanding of fundraising operations functions. Please view the course requirements below for prerequisite information for the Fundraising Operations Capstone.
By completing the individual classes as part of the certificate program, participants have the opportunity:
In the capstone course, participants focus on management issues and fundraising operations specialties. In addition, participants work with an assigned mentor to complete a practicum project which may directly benefit their organization.
Once you have successfully completed all six online fundraising operations courses, you may apply for the capstone course. The capstone course includes a total of 12 hours of additional content presented through three class sessions and a final class session that provides participants the opportunity to present their practicum project to the lead instructor, fellow cohort participants and their mentor. The practicum project is an individual strategic project that requires a written paper and presentation submission.
Participants have five years from the time they complete the first course online fundraising operations to finish all six classes and apply for the capstone course.
Individual course pricing: $285 (discounts available for AASP, APRA and AFP members)
Capstone course pricing: $1,695 AASP APRA and AFP members: $1,440
Payment plan options are available for the Capstone course by request. Payment plans will not be granted after the start of the program. Contact the program coordinator for the required forms needed to request this option.
No refunds will be issued on or after the start date of the program. Fees will be refunded in-full when enrollments are canceled in writing ten (10) business days before the program start date. For enrollment cancellations submitted in writing less than two weeks before the program start date, a 20% processing fee will be deducted from the overall refund.
To begin the application process for the capstone course, the final step to earn the Fundraising Operations Certificate, please submit the following completed forms: the program application form, résumé or curriculum vitae, a personal statement and one professional letter of recommendation.
Once all required documents are received, completed files are reviewed after the application deadline. Decisions regarding admittance into the program are made by an admissions committee and applicants will receive an official decision letter within two weeks from the review period.
Applications received after the deadline are considered on a space-available basis, after the initial group of applicants has been considered.
For additional information regarding the application process, please contact our program coordinator at 713-348-6009 or email cpnl@rice.edu.
Completion of six online fundraising operations (see Course Requirements below) is required before applying to the Fundraising Operations Capstone - the final step to earning the certificate.
Please note that you may take any of the six online operations courses to advance your skill set without committing to the full certificate.
Participants must complete all of the six online courses listed below before applying for the capstone. Fundraising operations courses are available in the spring session.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
The six courses must be completed in the spring session prior to applying for the capstone course in the fall.
Please note, you may take any of the six online operations courses to advance your skillset without committing to the full certificate. You have five years from the time you complete the first course to finish all six classes and apply for the capstone to earn the certificate.
In the capstone course, participants focus on management issues and special topics in fundraising operations. This final step in the certificate program provides the opportunity to tie the components of the six required courses together while also offering additional content.
Learning Objectives:
The capstone course includes a total of 12 hours of additional content presented through three class sessions and a final class session that provides the opportunity for participants to present their practicum project to the lead instructor, fellow cohort participants and your mentor.
As part of the capstone, participants work with an assigned mentor to design and complete their practicum project that may directly benefit their nonprofit organization.
Join us for an upcoming free, online information session.
Secure your spot by using the form below.
Please email cpnl@rice.edu or call 713-348-6009 with any questions.
Joshua Birkholz, MA Principal, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Diane Crane, MA Senior Associate Vice President of Development, Oklahoma State University Foundation
Sherrie Dodson, MA Director, Prospect Development, Baylor University
Charles Headley, MS, MBA Executive Director of Development Services, Southern Methodist University
Lori Hood Lawson, MLSc CEO, Co-Founder, WorkingPhilanthropy.com
Ali R. McLane, MA Senior Associate, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Christina Pulawski, JD Principal, Christina Pulawski Consulting
Kelly Quin, MBA Senior Director of Constituent Strategy, Rice University
Angela Seaworth, MBA, ACFRE Former Director, Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Rice University
Clint W. Shipp, PhD Director of Advancement Services, Dallas Zoological Society
Jon Thorsen, MLIS Director of Advancement Services, The Nature Conservancy
David VanLone, MBA Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Sarah W. Williams, MPAff Lead Analyst and Consultant, Marts & Lundy