Certificate Courses
Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology
Prof. Jen Shang provides an overview of the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology course
Prof. Jen Shang
Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology
Be among the first to learn the new science of philanthropic psychology
Learned all you can learn from sector conferences and events? Looking to make a deeper connection with your donors and supporters? Wanting to apply the latest insights from psychology to inform your communications and build a world class donor experience?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions the new Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology is definitely for you.
We’ll teach you a new perspective on the role of fundraising, growing the love of others to grow giving. You’ll explore the concepts of identity and wellbeing and look at how to tangibly shift the nature of the donor experience simply by changing words in communication.
As we’ll demonstrate, in fundraising copy, words are not just words. They are the keys to unlocking a love of others and as a consequence, growing giving.
This is NOT a course in behavioural economics. Behavioural economics cares about how to get donors to take actions. Philanthropic psychology, by contrast, focuses on how those actions make people feel. Our research has shown that when people feel their giving is meaningful and overtime transformative to their sense of who they are, they give more and they give for longer.
So, the growth in giving delivered by philanthropic psychology is sustainable and powerful improvements in loyalty/retention will result. We believe when a donor journey can genuinely be designed using these principles, it can develop people into stronger supporters and increase the likelihood of a legacy/bequest.
Philanthropic Psychology for Fundraisers is an 8-week course consisting of 40 hours of university style learning, hosted online by Professor Jen Shang who pioneered the field of philanthropic psychology during her time at Indiana University and Prof. Adrian Sargeant who held the first Hartsook Chair in Fundraising at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Exceptional fundraising is no longer built on instinct alone. Understanding why people give and how to build meaningful donor relationships grounded in evidence and psychology is becoming an essential skill for modern fundraisers.
This course gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to stand out in an increasingly competitive sector.
What you’ll gain
By joining, you’ll receive:
40 hours of university-style learning designed specifically for fundraising professionals
40 CFRE Continuing Education points* for participants who successfully complete the final assignment
Expert teaching from Professor Jen Shang, pioneer of philanthropic psychology
Engaging video lectures, assigned readings and guided learning activities
Interactive discussion forums to exchange ideas and learn alongside peers from across the sector
Self-test quizzes to reinforce and apply your learning as you progress
Personal tutor guidance and support throughout the course
Access to leading research and evidence shaping the future of fundraising
Opportunities to reflect on and strengthen your own fundraising practice
A graded final assignment with personalised feedback to help you apply your learning in real-world contexts (for those who wish to gain their certificate)
A recognised certificate of completion to demonstrate your professional development
Whether you’re a fundraiser looking to deepen your expertise or are wanting to transform how your team approaches and engages with fundraising, this course will help you build the insight and confidence needed to create stronger donor relationships, communicate more effectively and raise more funds ethically and sustainably.
How it works
The course is delivered fully online through our dedicated learning platform
Study is completely self-paced, allowing you to learn around work and personal commitments
There are no live sessions, so you can access the materials whenever it suits you
New modules are released weekly over an 8-week teaching period
Each module includes video content, readings, discussion forums and quizzes
We recommend allowing approximately 5 hours per module to complete the learning activities
Following the teaching period, you’ll have an additional 8 weeks to catch up on any missed modules and complete your assignment (for those pursuing certification)
All course materials, discussions and assessments are managed through the online portal for easy access throughout the programme
There are no entry requirements or previous qualifications required to join the course
Is this the course you’ve been searching for?
If you’re ready to strengthen your fundraising practice with evidence-based insight and learn from one of the leading voices in philanthropic psychology, we’d love to welcome you onto the course.
Book your place online today.
This class is accredited for 40 CFRE Continuing Education points*.
*Full participation in Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology is applicable for 40 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
**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!
“This course is the best thing I’ve done for myself professionally, pretty much ever. Transformational.”
- Lisa Sargent
“This course has been one of the best investments of my professional career.”
- Tim Sarrantonio
“It was hard work but also a lot of fun, with some surprising insights along the way.”
- Sarah Lundberg, CFRE
“Thank you so much for all your support and coaching throughout this course. It was eye opening and transformational! I appreciate you!”
“To everyone who wants to advance their knowledge in fundraising and drive deeper in the souls and hearts of our supporters, this is just the course where you’ll learn it all”
Course Outline
Week 1: What is Philanthropic Psychology and what value can the study of it offer fundraisers?
Week 2: How can we define love in giving?
Week 3: Who are your donors? How does people’s sense of who they are drive giving?
Week 4: How does giving contribute to donors’ personal sense of wellbeing and how can we boost this?
Week 5: What is the best way to talk to your donors in order to grow their capacity to love others?
Week 6: How can you translate this knowledge into the design of a donor journey for your organisation, including thank-you communications, newsletters, upgrades and appeals?
Week 7: How can you double, triple and quadruple giving as a consequence?
Week 8: How does this way of thinking make a difference in how you think about your role as a fundraiser.
Courses Available Starting
14th September 2026
from £1747 plus VAT
Terms and Conditions
View the Terms and Conditions (pdf).
“It was one of the best educational experiences I’ve had in my decades-long career. I learned a lot. While the course is not inexpensive, it’s a fantastic value.”
“This is the best course I’ve ever done.”
“It’s been a challenging but super fun course and I feel I’ve put my mind, skills and knowledge to good use and also learned a lot! What a combo!”