Earn an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
Presbyterian College partners with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).
The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is designed for religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles. The ECRF cover four key topics and includes select required reading to be completed in advance and the completion of a final project.
The ECRF provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers for faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.
The ECRF utilizes faculty presentations, interactive discussion, selected readings, and a context-specific final project to address:
The Four Key Topics
- Nurturing Generous Congregations & Organizations
This foundational content surveys the changing landscape of religious giving with a focus on the organizational readiness of an institution to engage in effective fundraising. This section gives particular attention to the social dynamics and practices nurturing generosity.
- Nurturing Generous Donors
Experiential content in which participants first explore their own giving story and philosophy. This section then focuses on the art of donor care through highlighting research on donor profiles and motivations for giving.
- The Practice of Religious Fundraising
The spirituality of fundraising lays the foundation for this practical information with an emphasis on fundraising principles, practices, tools, and techniques.
- Integrating Religious Leadership and Fundraising
This final section will explore how the faith community talks about money, generosity, and the faithful use of possessions. While exploring this material, participants are encouraged to develop a theology of money reflective of their faith tradition.
This program allows students the opportunity to earn a certificate in fundraising as they explore motivations for giving in the nonprofit sector. The class begins with a required two and half days in-person teaching sessions, one follow up Zoom call, and ends with a practical application project.
Complete participation in this course qualifies for 22 Continuing Education Points toward the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) program.
Charlotte, NC Conference
September 15-17, 2025
The cost is $1350 with a $100 registration fee; this fee will be waived for PC alumni*. Continental breakfast will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday, and lunch will be provided on Tuesday. Hotel accommodations are not included in tuition costs.
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025
For more information about the in-person teaching sessions, please email Perrin Tribble Andersen at ptribble@presby.edu. For more information regarding the certificate program and final project requirements, please visit Lake Institute on Faith & Giving
*Spaces are limited, so sign up soon.