Civic Space Park and the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus
Nonprofit Management Institute

Upcoming courses

NMI 106: Optimizing Nonprofit Resource Fund Development (January 2025)

Session details

Changes in the global economy have focused our attention on the need for philanthropy and fund development more than ever. This courses focuses on the basics of the fund development process and how to create a plan that will result in effective fundraising strategies for staff and volunteers – even in tough economic times.

Learning Objectives:

  • Distinguish between primary sources of philanthropy and types of gifts/giving.
  • Discuss the factors that encourage donors and volunteers to engage with your organization.
  • Apply the Donor Bill of Rights and AFP Code of Ethics to your fundraising program.
  • Develop a compelling case statement and an effective elevator pitch for your organization.
  • Apply specific strategies to enhance your organization’s development strategy.
  • Develop solicitation and stewardship strategies for specific donors.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis of your organization.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of development programs and propose specific changes for implementation.

This course will consist of article reading, discussion questions, authentic assessments, and self-tests to enhance learning and build upon prior knowledge.

NMI courses are taught using the Canvas learning management system and include a variety of multimedia tools and resources. To ensure you can successfully access the multimedia tools in your courses, we recommend you use a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop. Mobile devices are not recommended. Courses are best accessed using a high-speed Internet connection and a modern web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome or Safari.

Early Bird special: $349 (ends two weeks before course start date, retail $379). 

Program description

Program dates

to

Delivery method

Online

Time commitment

20 hours (10 hours per week, 2 weeks per course)

Cost

$379

Ask any nonprofit leader what one of their greatest organizational challenges is and they will resoundingly answer, “Fundraising!” Recent changes in the global economy have created scarcer financial resources and focused even greater attention on the need for philanthropic giving and funding development for nonprofit organizations.

This course teaches you the basics of the fund development process, how to cultivate charitable giving resources and create a plan that will result in effective fundraising strategies for your organization – even in the toughest of economic times.

This course is required for:

Fundraising and Sustainable Financial Management Certificate

Nonprofit Management Certificate


Knowledge Specialist

John Scola
Knowledge Specialist, Nonprofit Management Institute

John Scola has nearly 40 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is highly respected for his exceptional abilities and integrity. He has a solid track record of success working with a wide spectrum of nonprofit agencies including foundations, universities, healthcare, social service, faith-based and education organizations.

Known as a leader who drives results with his head and his heart, his breadth of experience includes: organizational development, capital campaigns, international fundraising, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations and annual giving. In addition, he has extensive volunteer leadership training and management experience and has worked with a variety of organizations in the areas of board and staff development and strategic planning.

John graduated with a B.A. in economics from the University of Dallas where he later served on their Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and has earned designation as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) as well as Master Teacher through the Faculty Training Academy of the AFP. He was also the recipient of the AFP’s Greater Arizona Chapter Outstanding Executive Award in 2002.

Other sessions for this program

Title Date Course delivery
NMI 106: Optimizing Nonprofit Resource Fund Development (June 2025) to Online

More NMI offerings

Program Date Course delivery Qualifies for certificate(s)
NMI 111: Impactful Board Governance (September 2025) to Online Nonprofit Management Certificate, Fundraising and Sustainable Financial Management Certificate
NMI 106: Optimizing Nonprofit Resource Fund Development (September 2025) to Online Nonprofit Management Certificate, Fundraising and Sustainable Financial Management Certificate
NMI 105: High Impact Leadership (September 2025) to Online Nonprofit Management Certificate, Nonprofit Marketing and Strategic Communications Certificate, Nonprofit Operations and Program Impact Certificate
NMI 227: Strategic Planning Boot Camp (October 2025) to Online Fundraising and Sustainable Financial Management Certificate, Nonprofit Operations and Program Impact Certificate
NMI 112: Emerging Marketing & Social Media Strategies (October 2025) to Online Nonprofit Management Certificate, Nonprofit Marketing and Strategic Communications Certificate