Fundraising Academy FAQs

Is Fundraising Academy free?

Fundraising Academy offers many no-cost resources, including access to our Online Learning Portal, webinars, and blogs. Additional offerings, like the Fundraising Essentials Certificate and customized cohorts, are available at a low cost.

Do you offer customized training in Fundraising Development?

Yes! We provide tailored training packages designed to support new development teams in advancing their individual giving goals. For more information, see the Cohort section below.

Do you offer in-person training?

Yes, we offer in-person components as part of our customized training packages and regularly participate in conference sessions across the U.S.

How do I receive CFRE credits after watching a Fundraising Academy webinar on the Online Learning Portal?

To receive CFRE credits:

·   Watch the webinar in full.

·   A pop-up will appear showing your progress and providing access to the CFRE tracker.

·   If the pop-up doesn’t appear, go to My Progress > Completed on the Online Learning Portal and select webinars marked 100% complete. You’ll see an option to download the CFRE tracker to submit for credit.

Is there a refund policy?

Yes. We at the Academies at National University want all our students to have a positive and rewarding learning experience. If a student is not completely satisfied with a course, we offer a refund policy to ensure satisfaction. 

To be eligible for a refund, the student must submit a written request, including a valid reason, within 9 calendar days of registering for the course. Additionally, the student must not have attempted more than 25% of the course. 

To request a refund, please email academieshelp@nu.edu and include your full name, email address, and course name. Your reason for requesting a refund will be carefully reviewed, and we reserve the right to refuse a refund if we determine the request to be invalid. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are approved for a refund, we will issue a refund to your original method of payment within 60 days of the refund approval.  

We value our students’ feedback and strive to continuously improve our courses and services. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our refund policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do CFRE points expire?

No, CFRE points do not expire.

Can I download and save information from certificate courses?

Yes! You’re welcome to download materials for personal use. We just ask that they not be shared externally.

How many CFRE education points are needed for CFRE recertification?

To recertify, you’ll need:

·   45 education points

·   30 professional practice points

·   40 professional performance points

Learn more on the CFRE website.

How many team members are required for a customized training package?

We can accommodate teams from 2 to 50 members.

If my team has fewer than 20 members, can we combine with another organization?

Yes! Let us know your preferred partner organization, and we’ll help coordinate.

How long does a cohort last?

Cohorts range from one week to four months, depending on your team’s needs.

How much does a cohort cost?

Cohort pricing varies. Please email Fundraising Academy at fundraisingacademy@nu.edu for current pricing options.

Does a partner have a financial obligation?

Yes. Fundraising Academy partners are organizations that work with us to enhance their fundraising teams. They develop programs in collaboration with us and pay fees for services provided.

Can I use the Cause Selling textbook as required reading at my organization or in my classroom?

Cause Selling The Sanford Way: A Guide to Relationship-Driven Fundraising may only be used as a required reading text through programming distributed directly by Fundraising Academy.

Can I achieve my CFRE through Fundraising Academy?

While we don’t issue CFRE credentials directly, you can earn CFRE points by participating in our webinars, certificate, and live trainings. We provide a CFRE tracker to help you submit your points.

What is Cause Selling?

Cause Selling is a relationship-driven, collaborative approach to fundraising. It blends systems from the for-profit world with a focus on long-term connections between the donor and the organization.

What are the steps of the Cause Selling Cycle?

1. Prospecting 

2. Pre-Approach 

3. Approach 

4. Need Discovery 

5. Presentation 

6. Handling Objections 

7. The Ask 

8. Stewardship 

Do I have to go through each Cause Selling step in order?

Each step of the Cause Selling Cycle can be accessed without going in order. Each donor is unique, and you may be at a different point in your journey with each donor. We do recommend following the Cause Selling Cycle while cultivating your donors to ensure you haven’t missed critical steps that will set you up for a successful Ask.

How much does the program cost?

Many of our offerings—including the Online Learning Portal and monthly webinars—are offered at no-cost. Some programs, such as individual workshops and certificate courses are offered at a low cost.

How do I find workshops near me?

Visit our News & Updates page to see upcoming training opportunities.

How do I partner with Fundraising Academy?

Fundraising Academy partners support our mission by expanding training opportunities to a wider network of fundraisers. To learn more about partnering with Fundraising Academy, check out our website and fill out the form or email us at fundraisingacademy@nu.edu.

How do I become an instructor?

Fundraising Academy instructors are fundraising professionals committed to inclusive, safe learning environments. To learn more about becoming a Certified Cause Selling Trainer, email fundraisingacademy@nu.edu.