University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Fundraising & Development
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 13
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Fundraising & Development
About this Program
Advance your fundraising skills to assist nonprofit organizations secure vital funds for their missions! Nonprofit organizations across the United States vie for knowledgeable and skilled fundraisers, resulting in a steady demand and a strong job market. This online graduate certificate is designed to strengthen fundraising experience, knowledge and skills of professionals currently working or seeking employment in nonprofit organizations.
Our asynchronous format allows you to flex your studies around other important things in your life. There are no prescribed class times or meetings, providing you with maximum flexibility to complete this program.
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals working or aspiring to work in nonprofit organizations, particularly in roles related to fundraising, donor relations, and resource development. It also suits professionals from business backgrounds looking to transition into the nonprofit sector and leverage their skills for philanthropic purposes.
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What You’ll Learn
Nonprofit organizations across the United States vie for knowledgeable and skilled fundraisers, resulting in a steady demand and a strong job market. This graduate certificate is designed to strengthen fundraising experience, knowledge and skills of professionals currently working or seeking employment in nonprofit organizations. This program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of fundraising strategies, donor relations, grant writing, and effective resource mobilization, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.
Course Examples
- AAD 521 Nonprofit Board Governance
- AAD 625 Financial Management for the Arts - or - AAD 626 Financial Management for Fundraising
- AAD 640 Principles of Fundraising
- AAD 542 Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
- AAD 555 Fundraising: Identifying and Cultivating Individual Donors
- AAD 740 Fundraising Techniques
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Fundraising & Development program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- CV or resume
- Personal statement
- Compose a statement of purpose which explains why you wish to pursue your certificate in Fundraising and Development. - Writing sample (optional) Writing samples may include researched essays, marketing or fundraising materials, planning documents or journalistic work.
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Do I need to have a master's degree to enroll in this graduate certificate?
The only degree needed to enroll in a graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree.
Can I take this graduate certificate by itself?
Yes, graduate certificates can be taken by themselves. Our graduate certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain very specific skills and knowledge in a shorter amount of time than our degree programs in similar areas. Certificate programs can be useful to your career by itself, or when coupled with a degree-bearing program. This choice is completely up to the student.
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
Is financial aid available if this is the only program I enroll in?
Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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