Annual Giving Certification
Save $100 when you register by Friday, August 25th!
AGN’s Annual Giving Certification program is a 12-week training course for new professionals and rising leaders in the field of educational fundraising. Led by industry experts, participants follow a curriculum and engage in a structured and collaborative learning experience. Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed a firm understanding of the core concepts and best practices of annual giving and how to apply them at their own organizations.
- The program begins with an introductory class and an individual needs assessment.
- Each participant is paired with a dedicated advisor who works with them one-on-one throughout the program to guide their learning experience, assess their progress, and provide feedback.
- Every module is taught online and incorporates classes, work assignments, and meetings. Advisor approval is required to complete each module and move on to the next one.
- Upon successfully finishing the program, candidates – and their sponsors – receive an evaluation and a certificate of completion.
- The cost per registrant is $5,995. Space is limited, but AGN Members receive priority registration and a 20% discount. Some financial assistance may be available for very small organizations.
Course Schedule/Other Information
The course is organized into 6 learning modules which are spaced 2 weeks apart. Each module begins with a live online class followed by an assignment which participants work on independently and/or with colleagues. Participants receive one-on-one coaching and training materials throughout the program and must obtain approval from their advisor before going on to the next module.
Orientation
September 19th at 1:00pm ET
Meet your colleagues in the cohort and learn about the structure and expectations of the program.
Module 1: Introduction to Annual Giving
September 21st at 1:00pm ET
Learn about the important role that annual giving plays within educational institutions, ways to think about prospective donor populations, tools for soliciting gifts, and methods for evaluating your efforts. Then take part in an individual needs assessment and meet with your advisor to discuss how to get the most of the program modules that lie ahead.
Module 2: Segmentation
October 19th at 1:00pm ET
Learn how to segment donor populations based on their relationship with the institution, gift potential, or individual interests, and how to develop personalized communications and appeals that will inspire them to give. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your advisor to discuss key takeaways.
Module 3: Planning
November 2nd at 1:00pm ET
Learn how to create an effective plan for your annual giving program including setting goals, developing calendars, integrating efforts, and communicating your activities to others. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your advisor to discuss key takeaways.
Module 4: Analysis
November 16th at 1:00pm ET
Learn how to calculate key performance metrics, interpret outcomes and trends, incorporate external feedback and information, and translate key findings into actionable strategies. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your advisor to discuss key takeaways.
Module 5: Collaboration
November 30th at 1:00pm ET
Learn about the various organizational structures of annual giving and advancement programs, where to look for internal and external partners, why collaboration is important and how to improve it. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your advisor to discuss key takeaways.
Module 6: Engagement
December 14th at 1:00pm ET
Learn how to engage donors through various communications, volunteer opportunities, events and other activities, and how to measure and evaluate your efforts. Then complete an assignment that applies what you learned to your own work and meet with your advisor to discuss key takeaways.
Final Review & Evaluation
Meet with your advisor to review lessons learned as the final step in your certification.
For more information, please email us at [email protected] or call 888.407.5064