Certificate in Digital Fundraising

Prof. Jen Shang, Prof. Adrian Sargeant & Our Expert Tutor Team

Certificate in Digital Fundraising

The course is designed to provide you with a blend of cutting edge professional practice and the emerging science of digital fundraising. You will be exposed to both over the duration of the course. The first two weeks are about context; the digital fundraising environment and recent developments in the new science of philanthropic psychology. The class will then look in detail at how to approach each key form of digital fundraising in turn.

The class includes with a consideration of digital fundraising ethics, including the use of AI. And in the final week you will work on a digital fundraising practicum, putting together an upcoming digital fundraising campaign. You will receive help and guidance from the course team. We will be there to support you throughout your digital journey.

What makes this class distinctive is that it has the science of Philanthropic Psychology baked into its DNA. While you can find a good deal of digital training online, this is the only class you can take that offers an immersion in our emerging science. Our goal is not only to teach you best practice, it is also to put you at the cutting edge of that practice

The class is structured as follows:

Week 1: Introduction to Digital Fundraising

Week 2: Introducing Philanthropic Psychology

Week 3: Permission Based Email

Week 4: Website Design and Optimization

Week 5: Using Social Media

Week 6: Search Engine Marketing and Digital Advertising

Week 7: Donor Retention and Loyalty

Week 8: Doing the Right Thing in Digital Fundraising

Week 9-12: Practicum

You’ll devote 5 hours each week/each module. You can login at your convenience, reading, listening and commenting on discussion forums where you will discuss class examples, or critically evaluate those of your own.

You’ll share your assignments with other students, receiving expert instructor commentary throughout the nine weeks, in a completely safe environment and at a comfortable pace.

This class is accredited for 40 CFRE Continuing Education points.

Train your team

If you wish to train 3 or more people from the same organisation on any of our 4-8 week Certificate Courses, we offer a 10% discount on the total booking price. We also offer customised training for teams of more than 10 people. Please email Kate for more information: kate@philanthropy-institute.org.uk .

*If you wish to pay via invoice, please email Kate directly: kate@philanthropy-institute.org.uk

Any questions we haven’t answered above? Take a look at our FAQs for more information!

Your ROI:

Your charity’s return on this educational investment is likely to multiply many times and likely within a year. Commonly, charities that embrace PhilPsych training can double their donations within 12-18 months.

The Perfect Follow-Up

• If you already have a certificate from The Fundraising Standard, an 8-week online certificate program for newbie fundraisers just starting their careers.

This course will be available twice a year.

Courses Available Starting:

14th September 2026 - from £1,895 plus VAT

15th February 2027 - from £1,990 plus VAT

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Plus discounts available for groups. Please contact hereforyou@philanthropy-institute.org.uk for more information.

Terms and Conditions

View the Terms and Conditions (pdf).