Designing Your Journey in PhilPsych
Navigating an entirely new landscape can feel daunting at times, especially when that landscape is built upon a whole new science.
That’s why I’m here to help.
My name is Becky Carlino. I’m the Vice President of Development at Volunteers of America Massachusetts, where I lead our philanthropy efforts. I am also the Chief Love Officer at the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.
I’m here to help you find your way through the world of PhilPsych.
You may be wondering - what experience do I bring to help guide you?
Between 2020 and 2022, I earned my Certificates in Philanthropic Psychology and Fundraising Copywriting from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. Since then, I’ve had the joy of tutoring students in the Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting and serving as Chief Love Officer, where I care for our students in customised training programs. Nothing makes me happier than seeing love transforms lives within our community.
One of the most common questions we hear from those new to Philanthropic Psychology, or to the Institute itself, is: Which course should I take first?
The answer is… it depends. I will explain why in this blog.
What are you hoping to gain from your PhilPsych learning journey?
Are you seeking the latest and easy-to-apply innovations in fundraising that can truly transform people’s giving and sometimes even their lives?
Are you a fundraising director searching for powerful language to help reshape your organisation’s philanthropic culture?
Does your mission rely on building a compassionate community of supporters who are united by love for a cause, whether that’s animal welfare, the environment, or human rights?
Do you want to position fundraising as a respected scientific discipline, one that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with your colleagues in programs, marketing, and public policy?
Have you tried every traditional method to grow giving and are still looking for that next meaningful breakthrough, one that deepens relationships while reducing donor churn?
Or perhaps you’re simply feeling exhausted by fundraising practices that hit targets but somehow feel hollow, like running endlessly on a treadmill of goals without joy?
If you found yourself nodding along, the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology is the perfect place to begin. It offers an in-depth understanding of this emerging science and introduces a fresh vocabulary for rethinking your work.
The insights you’ll discover go far beyond raising funds, they shape how you communicate with your board, leadership team, donors, colleagues, and partners across your organisation. Many students describe it as completely transforming.
Once you’ve had that “aha” moment, you can deepen your understanding and confidence through more focused programs such as:
Certificate in Digital Fundraising
Certificate in Legacy Fundraising
Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting
These courses explore fewer PhilPsych concepts, but in specialised examples that are perfect for application. They’re designed to help you apply the science in tangible, practical ways within your specific fundraising context.
If, alternatively, you prefer a hands-on approach, you might start with one of these specialised courses first, dip your toe in, experiment with the concepts, and when you’re ready, dive deeper into the full Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology.
If you’re unsure where to begin, please reach out. I’m always just one email away at Becky@philanthropy-institute.org.uk, and I’d love to help you design your own unique learning journey in PhilPsych.