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Online
Learning Portal

The Fundraising Academy Online Learning Portal provides no-cost, on-demand training for nonprofits and fundraising professionals to build and retain donor relationships using the relationship-driven Cause Selling approach. Sign up today to start your learning journey.

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Cause Selling Cycle

Explore and start applying the 8-step Cause Selling Cycle as soon as you log onto the portal.

On-Demand Webinars

Access upcoming and archived monthly webinars covering timely fundraising topics.

Supplemental Tools

Boost your fundraising abilities with daily tips, blogs, donor conversation questions, and more.

Accelerate Your Fundraising Skills

On-demand resources at your fingertips

Follow the video or step-by-step guide to get started in just minutes.

Quick Demo: How to Create Your Account

Step 1: Create Your Profile

Go to https://online.fundraising-academy.org/register, and select
Fundraising Academy under Primary Program of Interest.

Step 2: Choose Your Role

Select your role, work location,
and how you were referred to us.

Step 3: Access the Portal

Congratulations! Now you can explore our
no-cost fundraising resources.

Already have an account? Log in to find your next course, webinar, or worksheet.

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February 11, 2025
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Webinars and
Live Workshops

Upcoming Webinars and Live Workshops

Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education believes in the power of accessible, professional development. We offer webinars and live workshops featuring engaging speakers and practical insights on a variety of fundraising topics to enhance the knowledge of seasoned and emerging fundraisers.

Webinar Series
Managing Value-Driven Donor Objections with Confidence
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST / 2–3:30 p.m. EST
Sign Up
Webinar Series
March Webinar – Coming Soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PDT / 2–3:30 p.m. EDT
Stay Updated!

View Past Webinars and Workshop
Webinars

Tune into monthly, no-cost webinars to enhance your relationship-driven fundraising skills. Explore topics including planned giving, donor stewardship, and digital philanthropy to gain actionable tools you can apply immediately to your organization.

Access to upcoming and archived webinars on our Online Learning Portal. Log in or sign up at no cost.

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Sign Up
Live Workshops

Join interactive, live workshops — led by industry experts — to explore timely fundraising topics and gain the opportunity to ask questions, receive tailored coaching, and network with peers in real time.

Join our email list to stay informed about our next live workshop, new offerings, and more!

Join the List
CFRE Credits

Earn CFRE Education points for certification and recertification.

Led by Experts

Receive unique insights and mentoring from industry leaders who are shaping the future of fundraising.

Practical Application

Apply better, more effective strategies immediately after attending a webinar or live workshop.

Podcast Spotlight:

Strategies for Sustainable Leadership with DeAndra Hicks

Our very own DeAndra Hicks joins the latest episode of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed to share actionable strategies for today’s nonprofit leaders.

Tune in as she discusses how to navigate federal funding cuts, strengthen team morale during times of change, engage in creative community-building on a budget, and advance your mission through her five core leadership principles.

Stay in the Know

Sign up to receive news about our latest fundraising resources, professional training programs, upcoming webinars, and more.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
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Instructions for Phone input: Numbers only. e.g. 8885551212Phone
Country*
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State
Instructions for Zip Code input: International? Enter ‘00000’Zip Code*
Consent*
By submitting this form, I agree to the *
Terms & Conditions
By submitting this form, I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. I also consent and agree to receive email communications, pre-recorded messages, phone calls, and/or SMS/Text Messages – using automated technology – about educational opportunities from National University and/or its affiliates. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy or contact us for more details at dataprotection@nu.edu.

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jgrenz

February 23, 2019
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

DeAndra Hicks

Senior Manager

dhicks3@nu.edu

View Bio

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.

Jessie Puente, CMP

Program Manager

jpuente@nu.ed u

View Bio

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.

Bianca Embrey

Program and Business Development Coordinator

bembrey2@nu.edu

View Bio

Bianca serves as Program and Business Development Coordinator, supporting program growth, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives. She works closely with clients, vendors, and internal teams to strengthen relationships and ensure program success. With a background in nonprofit work, administration, and events, she brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to advancing organizational goals and creating meaningful community impact.

Katie Gomez

Interim Program Manager

kgomez@nu.edu

View Bio

As Interim Program Manager, Katie oversees programs, including webinars, workshops, conferences, and customized cohorts. With nearly fifteen years of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, event management, fundraising, and recreation, Katie has served in influential roles for Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego, San Diego Foundation, and multiple Federally Qualified Health Centers. A graduate of San Diego State University, she is passionate about equipping fundraisers with critical success tools and creating deep, meaningful connections within 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

View Bio

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

View Bio

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

View Bio

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.

Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE

Trainer

Expertise: Major and legacy giving; nonprofit management; fundraising education; diversity, equity, and inclusion

View Bio

Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, is a Trainer at National University’s Fundraising Academy and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He has held leadership roles across hospital, social service, and arts organizations, including executive director and development director, and has taught numerous fundraising courses throughout his career. Jack joined the Fundraising Academy at National University in 2019 and is passionate about advancing philanthropy and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector.

Jarrett R. Ransom, MBA

Trainer

Expertise: Strategic planning; fractional fundraising; nonprofit sustainability; leadership development

View Bio

Jarrett R. Ransom, MBA, is a Trainer for Fundraising Academy at National University and the President & CEO of The Rayvan Group, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Known as the Nonprofit Nerd®, she has worked with organizations nationwide to strengthen strategic plans, guide leadership transitions, and build long-term sustainability. Jarrett also hosts Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, a podcast highlighting leadership and best practices in the nonprofit sector, and frequently serves as an emcee for fundraising events that inspire community impact.

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.

Learn More

Webinars &
Workshops

Enhance your relationship-driven fundraising skills with practical strategies and tailored advice from engaging speakers.

Learn More

Online
Learning Portal

Access no-cost, on-demand training resources and tools for building and retaining donor relationships.

Sign Up / Log In

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

Sign up to receive news about our latest fundraising resources, professional training programs, upcoming webinars, and more.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Organization*
Instructions for Phone input: Numbers only. e.g. 8885551212Phone
Country*
State*
State
Instructions for Zip Code input: International? Enter ‘00000’Zip Code*
Consent*
By submitting this form, I agree to the *
Terms & Conditions
By submitting this form, I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. I also consent and agree to receive email communications, pre-recorded messages, phone calls, and/or SMS/Text Messages – using automated technology – about educational opportunities from National University and/or its affiliates. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy or contact us for more details at dataprotection@nu.edu.

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February 23, 2019
jgrenz

February 23, 2019
jgrenz

November 1, 2018
Sharpen Your Fundraising Skills. Elevate Your Impact.

Fundraising Academy is the premier educational hub for fundraising professionals, volunteers, and board members. We help you build your skills with our Cause Selling approach to relationship-driven fundraising. Prepare to make a greater, measurable impact with fundraising strategies and resources to enhance your cause, community, and the world.

Amplify Your Cause

Fundraising isn’t just about passion—it’s about action. We equip you with the skills to move from caring about a cause to making real change in your community.

Get Started

Cultivate:

Learn the art of building meaningful and aligned relationships with donors through our eight-step Cause Selling Cycle.

Champion:

Discover your personal fundraising philosophy and adopt proven strategies to achieve organizational goals with our fundraising training courses.

Deliver:

Feel confident in your ability to cultivate lasting relationships, advocate for your cause, and conduct successful campaigns.
NEW! Online Courses for Fundraising Professional Development

Advance your nonprofit fundraising skills with self-paced training that earns CFRE continuing education credit.

Choose the bundle that fits your goals:

Fundraising Fundamentals – Build a strong foundation with Cause Selling training, donor engagement strategies, ethical fundraising practices, and more. Perfect for those seeking online fundraising courses that support professional development.

Cause Selling: Relationship-Driven Fundraising – Master the eight-step Cause Selling Cycle, from prospecting to stewardship, while learning donor cultivation strategies that help you create lasting relationships.

Explore the Bundles
Flexible, Fundraising Training

Access nonprofit fundraising training courses in a range of flexible formats
and tailored to meet your unique needs.

Free Webinars

Monthly webinars to gain actionable insights and sharpen your fundraising skills with expert-led, topics.

Register

Live Workshops

Gain hands-on experience with our interactive workshops, where you’ll collaborate with peers to develop innovative strategies for your organization.

Register

Customized Trainings

Receive tailored training sessions for your organization’s unique needs.

Inquire Today!

Full participation in Fundraising Academy courses, workshops, and certificates is applicable for CFRE points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Upcoming Virtual Events

Check out our lineup of webinars and live workshops — led by expert trainers and infused with high-energy, interactive learning
Webinar
Managing Value-Driven Donor Objections with Confidence
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST / 2–3:30 p.m. EST
Sign Up
Webinar
March Webinar – Coming Soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PDT / 2–3:30 p.m. EDT
Stay Updated!

Featured Blog

How Culture and Cause Selling Shape the Donor Journey

By: Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE

Nonprofits that embed a culture of philanthropy across staff, board, and volunteers see stronger donor engagement and more meaningful, long-term giving. This blog walks through how Cause Selling guides prospects from first contact to stewardship, with gratitude, shared ownership, and relationship-driven fundraising at the center. Discover how aligning mission, messaging, and involvement at every touchpoint enhances the donor journey, deepens retention, and fosters sustainable growth.

Read the Full Blog

Personally Speaking…

“The ways I benefitted professionally from Fundraising Academy were manyfold. Most valuable was learning to refine my “ask” of potential funders. I was in biomedical sales for many years, so I had good sales skills going in. Learning how to use those skills and engage funders in a relationship was the major lesson I learned from Cause Selling.”

– Sue P.,

Fundraising Academy Graduate

“The Fundraising Essential Certificate provides valuable and practical content that reinforces best practices, strengthens my existing knowledge, and provides tools that support my immediate and long-term advancement in the nonprofit sector. “

– Niki B.,

Director of Philanthropy, A Step Beyond

“Fundraising Academy did not disappoint. The most meaningful tool I came away with was the application of six indicators as an objective method to help assess the viability of prospective donors. The thoughtful and systematic approach to qualifying prospects has been a game changer for me.”

– Lynne M.,

Fundraising Academy Graduate

Stay in the Know

Sign up to receive news about our latest fundraising resources, professional training programs, upcoming webinars, and more.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Organization*
Instructions for Phone input: Numbers only. e.g. 8885551212Phone
Country*
State*
State
Instructions for Zip Code input: International? Enter ‘00000’Zip Code*
Consent*
By submitting this form, I agree to the *
Terms & Conditions
By submitting this form, I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. I also consent and agree to receive email communications, pre-recorded messages, phone calls, and/or SMS/Text Messages – using automated technology – about educational opportunities from National University and/or its affiliates. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy or contact us for more details at dataprotection@nu.edu.

Δ
jgrenz

October 30, 2018