Question 1

What is fundraising, and why is it important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

Fundraising is how nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, arts and cultural groups, charities, and other entities with a social purpose meet their budgetary needs. By building relationships with foundations, philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters, these organizations are able to pursue their important work without having to sell their products or services at a profit or otherwise compromise their mission.

While fundraising is different from the way private companies raise capital from investors in exchange for equity or dividends, it isn’t necessarily easier. Fundraising and development professionals rely on marketing just like any other business in order to connect with potential donors whose interests match their organization’s and goals. And just like a private company, the support of the board of directors is critical to maintain, as they are an important conduit to both funding opportunities and guidance in keeping the organization’s operations aligned with its mission.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in fundraising?

Accepted Answer

If you have a talent for connecting with people, strong budget management skills, and want to make a difference in the world, a background in fundraising can be a gateway to a rewarding career. Nonprofit organizations of all kinds rely on fundraising experts including development directors, grantwriters, and donor relations staff to make their important work possible.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fundraisers earn a median annual salary of $57,970, and typically have an educational background in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. These jobs are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade, and, with charitable giving rebounding along with the economy, these professionals are needed more than ever.

Question 3

Can I learn about fundraising by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. Successful nonprofit fundraising requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge, and Coursera offers a range of opportunities to learn them online on a flexible schedule. You can take individual courses on fundraising as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked schools like University of California Davis, The State University of New York at Buffalo, and University of Maryland College Park. And, because your tuition will be significantly lower than for on-campus students, learning about fundraising on Coursera can be a smart choice to help you manage your own budget.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn about fundraising?

Accepted Answer

While you don't necessarily need any special skills or experience to study fundraising, a background volunteering or working for a nonprofit can be helpful. A background working in fields like education, business, or public relations may also be beneficial. Many people who focused on humanities courses at the high school and college level, such as philosophy, gender studies, English, or art history, find themselves gravitating towards learning about fundraising and development. Any experience with research, social media, writing, and event planning can also help prepare you for both learning fundraising and possibly turning that education into a career.

Question 5

What kind of people are best suited for roles in fundraising?

Accepted Answer

Working in fundraising or development means you should be a good manager, both of projects and people. That means you'll also need to be a good communicator, with both superb written and verbal skills. Because you'll be asking people to give money, you must be assertive, even when dealing with such a sensitive topic. People who work in fundraising are motivated and especially dedicated to the cause for which they are raising money. You must also be able to multitask. In addition to managing a particular fundraiser or group of people working on a fundraiser, you may need to write grants, cultivate new donor relationships, execute social media campaigns, plan events, seek corporate sponsorships, and more.

Question 6

What topics can I study that are related to fundraising?

Accepted Answer

There is no one specific path towards a career in fundraising, but there are several subjects you can study that can help you get there. Communications, public relations, English, and journalism are always beneficial. You can also prepare yourself for a role in fundraising by learning more about business, finance, sales, marketing, and advertising.

Question 7

What types of places hire people with a background in fundraising?

Accepted Answer

Nonprofits are the top employers for people who have a background in fundraising. This might include religious, civic, or professional organizations. Educational institutions, ranging from private preschools to colleges and universities may also depend on fundraising. Health care institutions, hospitals, and social assistance programs may hire people with a background in fundraising and development. You may even find yourself working at a museum or theater.

Question 8

What are the benefits of taking an online Fundraising course?

Accepted Answer

Online Fundraising courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Fundraising skills. Choose from a wide range of Fundraising courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 9

What Fundraising courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Fundraising, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Fundraising Course Catalog

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Compensation, Expenses and Quotas

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Social Business Model and Planning for Social Innovation

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fundraising

What is fundraising, and why is it important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in fundraising?‎

Can I learn about fundraising by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn about fundraising?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in fundraising?‎

What topics can I study that are related to fundraising?‎

What types of places hire people with a background in fundraising?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Fundraising course?‎

What Fundraising courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore