What Training Programs Does Advancement Resources Offer for Fundraisers?

Updated

Advancement Resources offers several professional education programs for fundraisers, ranging from an on-demand e-learning course for new frontline fundraisers to workshops on donor development, dean and faculty engagement, clinician engagement, coaching, and building individual giving programs. The right fit depends on your role and experience level: new frontline fundraisers should look at Launch, while deans, academic leaders, and clinicians have dedicated programs, and organizations starting or growing individual giving have a separate offering.

Launch: Essential Skills for Success in Fundraising

This is an on-demand, e-learning program aimed at new frontline fundraisers. According to the site, it includes 18 e-learning classes covering the basics of donor-centric fundraising.

The curriculum addresses two areas:

  • Professional qualities — resilience, curiosity, and time management
  • Core skills — getting a meeting, engaging donors, and deepening engagement, with targeted practice built in

Because it is on-demand and e-learning, it suits new fundraisers who need foundational training without a fixed workshop schedule. The site does not list pricing or enrollment terms, so check directly before planning around it.

The Art and Science of Donor Development

This program focuses on the conversation side of fundraising. Per the site, it helps participants:

  • Adapt conversations to different donor personalities
  • Turn questions into fundraising opportunities
  • Measure and communicate the return on philanthropic investment

This is a better fit for fundraisers who already meet with donors and want to improve how they read donor personalities and frame the case for support.

Programs for Specific Roles

Advancement Resources also offers programs built for particular audiences rather than general fundraising staff:

Program Intended audience What it covers
Professional Fundraising for Deans and Academic Leaders Deans and faculty Designed to change behavior and build strong partnerships; supports an organization-wide culture shift
Clinician Engagement Clinicians and their organizations Implementation tools and onsite support; phased program design for sustainability; scalable for organizations of every size
Coaching Services Fundraising professionals Experienced expert coaches, virtual delivery, communication and support throughout the engagement
Transforming Your Organization With Individual Giving Organizations starting or growing individual giving The psychology of donor motivation; success stories of starting individual giving programs

How to Choose

  • New to frontline fundraising: Start with Launch for the 18-class foundation.
  • Already meeting donors: The Art and Science of Donor Development targets conversation and donor-personality skills.
  • Dean, faculty, or academic leader: Professional Fundraising for Deans and Academic Leaders is built specifically for that role.
  • Clinical setting: Clinician Engagement adds implementation tools and onsite support.
  • Want one-to-one guidance: Coaching Services provides virtual coaching.
  • Building an individual giving program from scratch: Transforming Your Organization With Individual Giving covers donor motivation and program startup.

The site also notes that Advancement Resources has been acquired by Huron, and lists upcoming workshops you can register for. For current schedules, pricing, and availability, contact Advancement Resources directly at [email protected] or +1 319 398 3376.