Our Story
Who We Are
Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education helps nonprofits elevate their fundraising and community impact with a proven, relationship-driven approach. Led by top nonprofit experts, our training prepares professionals to build lasting donor relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.
Our History
The Academies at National University, including Fundraising Academy and Harmony Academy, were founded to empower educators, parents, and nonprofit professionals on their unique career and academic journeys.
Since 2014, Fundraising Academy has been preparing thousands of nonprofit professionals to advance their careers and contribute positive societal change with value-rich fundraising resources and credit-bearing training programs.
Meet the Team
The Fundraising Academy team consists of industry experts who understand the effort fundraisers put forth every day. They bring real-world experience, trend-based insights, and proven strategies to help passionate fundraisers make a lasting impact in their communities.
Our Cause Champions
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As Director, Pearl leads the development of Fundraising Academy’s curriculum and education offerings, drives growth and strategy, and develops strategic partnerships with regional, national, and international organizations to equip fundraisers around the globe with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful impact. With 14 years in the philanthropy sector, Pearl has held roles in philanthropic advising, donor acquisition and stewardship, business development, strategic partnerships, program administration, and grantmaking. In her free time, you can catch Pearl trying to master latte art and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and senior dog.
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DeAndra leads the business development and marketing program at Fundraising Academy–advancing Cause Selling fundraising education. She oversees partnerships, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives to expand the Academy’s reach and revenue growth. With over twenty-five years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and management, DeAndra has held key roles at organizations like World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy, UC-Santa Cruz, American Farmland Trust, and Silicon Valley Urban Debate League.
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As Program Coordinator at Fundraising Academy, Jessie oversees our programs, including webinars, workshops, conferences, and customized cohorts. With experience spanning higher education, hospitality, biotech, and interior design, Jessie brings a diverse skill set and a dynamic perspective to her role as Program Coordinator. As a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, she is passionate about bringing her wisdom gained, creativity, and adaptability to the nonprofit sector.
Leaders Who Make Philanthropy Happen
Fundraising Academy’s trainers are shaping the future of the industry with sustainable strategies that help individuals, teams, and organizations be more effective in their roles.
Meredith Terrian
Trainer
Expertise: Nonprofit development and management; major gifts fundraising; campaign planning; strategic planning
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Meredith Terrian is an Instructor at National University’s Fundraising Academy, and co- host of “The Nonprofit Show” podcast, which boasts a viewership of over 20,000. She has worked exclusively in the nonprofit industry for 16 years as a front-line fundraiser and consultant guiding strategic planning, capital campaigns, and leadership development.
Meredith also serves as the Executive Vice President of Chapter Impact at Blue Star Families and is responsible for overseeing the entire national chapter network.
Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE, CFRM
Trainer
Expertise: Nonprofit management; grant distribution; endowment building; giving circles; donor advised funds
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Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE is a Trainer at Fundraising Academy since 2022 he enjoys moderating and presenting on webinars with FA and presenting at national conferences. He has over 15 years of nonprofit work and fundraising experience as a one-person development team to a Chief Development Officer. He became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2016, earned a Certificate of Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2017, and earned his Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from IU LFSOP in 2024. Muhi serves as the co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation, helping families distribute more than $22 million since 2017.
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE
Trainer
Expertise: Relationship cultivation; annual funds; portfolio management; affinity group giving; major gifts; stewardship
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LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, is a Trainer at National University’s Fundraising Academy who possesses over twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector which spans secondary education, Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU), Private Professional Schools, and Healthcare. Her roles have included program management, director of annual giving, manager, associate director of alumni engagement, and annual giving. She is a transformational servant leader whose mission is laser-focused on transitioning affinity into philanthropic support. LaShonda’s training repertoire includes the application of the cause-selling cycle to garner gifts at every level of the donor pyramid.
In addition to Fundraising Academy’s CULTIVATE, she has presented at Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conferences, RAISE, AFP Lead St. Louis, HBCU Symposium, Council of Advancement in Education (CASE) District 4, and several others.
Explore Our Training & Education
We offer fundraising training courses in a variety of flexible formats to meet the unique needs of today’s nonprofit professionals.
Fundraising
Essentials Certificate
Revolutionize your fundraising strategy with a flexible program designed to help you build stronger donor relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.
Webinars &
Workshops
Enhance your relationship-driven fundraising skills with practical strategies and tailored advice from engaging speakers.
Online
Learning Portal
Access no-cost, on-demand training resources and tools for building and retaining donor relationships.
Partner with Us
Fundraising Academy provides a comprehensive fundraising training program designed to empower your network of fundraisers. As a partner, you’ll gain access to:
Customized Cause Selling guides and exclusive training
A live, cohort-based fundraising certificate program
The innovative Cause Selling textbook
CFRE credit-eligible content
Partnering with us helps you build stronger donor relationships, reach new audiences, and increase revenue. Connect with us at fundraisingacademy@nu.edu to explore partnership training opportunities or collaborate on a customized program for your team.
Connect with Us
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