Fundraising Certificate in Digital Fundraising

Diploma Description

Over the last three years, growth in overall philanthropic giving has only been 5%, whereas online giving has grown by 32%*. Given the increased adoption of virtual learning, work, and socializing, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online giving and communications is expected to continue. As such, there is increasing importance for nonprofit organizations to create awareness about, generate support for, and deliver their programs online through digital fundraising and storytelling.

Digital fundraising enables nonprofit organizations to inspire, engage, and catalyze new and existing supporters. Organizations need to craft compelling stories and content, and develop thoughtful and data driven strategies for delivering messaging to the right audience on the right platform. Professionals who are able to develop and execute such digital storytelling and fundraising plans can apply these highly sought after skills to a broad range of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and social enterprises.

The Certificate in Digital Fundraising will provide a strong foundation in digital storytelling and fundraising. Explore a variety of best practices, strategies, platforms, tools, and techniques to inspire, engage, and activate stakeholders—including donors, funders, program beneficiaries, and other partners. Through lectures, primary and secondary research, and exposure to case studies drawn from relevant organizations, gain the skills needed to be able to develop and execute integrated digital fundraising and marketing strategic plans, as well as plans for individual channels (e.g., social media, website, email). Each course will include an applied project and feature tools to help organizations make data-driven decisions.

The program is designed with one required course and a choice of three electives. Students have up to 3 years to complete program requirements. Courses include synchronous sessions scheduled for evenings and weekends Eastern Time. Students are required to attend at least 80% of the synchronous sessions in each course.

Those beginning the program this year will complete the program virtually. Courses within this program are applicable for use towards CFRE initial certification and/or recertification. See individual courses for more details.

Hear from program faculty who discuss trends and best practices in digital fundraising.

For more information about the Certificate in Digital Fundraising, please contact Robert Lesko at rl10@nyu.edu.

*Blackbaud Institute’s Charitable Giving Report: Using 2020 Data to Transform Your Strategy

 

You'll Walk Away With

  • An understanding of how to effectively develop your organization's story and share it through your digital storytelling and fundraising ecosystem to inspire and activate supporters
  • Knowledge of current digital storytelling and fundraising trends, best practices, tools, and platforms to catalyze direct support and mobilize movements
  • Exposure to best-in-class digital storytelling and fundraising case studies, presented by sector leaders
  • Experience with developing an organization's integrated digital fundraising and marketing strategy, and strategies and for each digital channel (e.g., website, email, social media, and virtual and in-person events)

Earn a 10% DISCOUNT* on courses by declaring your candidacy for the Certificate in Digital Fundraising.

 

Program Curriculum

COURSES THAT GIVE YOU THE SKILLS AND TRAINING YOU NEED TO START YOUR NEW CAREER

Program Curriculum

COURSES THAT PROVIDE FOUNDATIONAL INFORMATION IN THE FIELD WITH OPTIONS TO SPECIALIZE IN AN AREA RELEVANT TO YOUR NEEDS

REQUIRED COURSE

All Courses Required

Digital Storytelling, Innovation, and Fundraising

Learn to leverage digital platforms to effectively raise awareness about a cause, diversify fundraising, and innovate to become more relevant.

2023 Spring
2 sections

ELECTIVES

Complete 3

Social Media Marketing Analytics

Gain an understanding of the key principles of marketing analytics as applied to social media.

2023 Spring
+ 1 more semester
3 sections

Virtual Events: Best Practices for Effective Digital Fundraising

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the events industry, complicating in-person gatherings and necessitating a shift to virtual events. Yet, as...

2023 Summer
1 section

Social Media and Email Fundraising: Building and Deploying Multi-Channel Campaigns

A rapidly changing world demands new approaches for engaging the public, rallying volunteers, and inspiring support. Learn how to use the latest...

2023 Spring
1 section

Developing High-Impact Websites for Nonprofits

As competition for attention increases and attention span decreases, nonprofits find themselves competing against large marketing machines and...

General Admission Requirements

For those who have completed some college Completion of 32 credits with at least 2 years work experience OR 60 credits with no work experience required