Fundraising For A New Era

A practical, flexible online program that helps nonprofit leaders build confidence, strengthen donor relationships, and fundraise more effectively in today’s changing landscape.

Icon of a calendar with two rings at the top

12 or 16 weeks

A clock with a checkmark inside, indicating completion or success.

31 Contact Hours

Offered by Growth By Design through Winona State University

Silhouette of a graduation cap with a tassel

3.1 CEUs

Fundraising Certificate Badge

Is This Program a Fit for You?

If you’re navigating donor fatigue, shifting expectations, or the pressure to keep fundraising moving with limited time and capacity, you’re in the right place.

This program is designed for nonprofit professionals who want a clearer, more sustainable way to fundraise — and a learning environment that respects the realities of a busy role.

Woman learning on her laptop

What You’ll Learn

You’ll build practical skills you can apply immediately, including how to:

  • Strengthen donor relationships

  • Develop compelling grant proposals

  • Create case statements that resonate

  • Design and execute annual campaigns

  • Use emotional intelligence to reduce stress and improve donor engagement

You’ll also complete a full fund development plan you can use right away.

Interested in Enrolling?

The next cohort is forming now. Share your information and someone from our team will reach out to answer your questions and help you decide if this program is the right fit!

Why This Program Is Different

Fundraising is relational work. Your mindset, self‑awareness, and relationship with money shape every conversation and every ask.

This program weaves emotional intelligence into the curriculum so you can show up with more clarity, confidence, and presence in your fundraising practice.

It’s a blend of skill‑building and personal development that supports both your results and your leadership.

Fundraising for a new Era participant on laptop

How the Program Works

A flexible online structure designed for busy nonprofit professionals:

  • Weekly online modules you can complete on your own schedule

  • Bi-weekly facilitated sessions with seasoned fundraising experts

  • A collaborative capstone project where you develop a full fund development plan with instructor feedback

Program Details

16 weeks · 23 contact hours · Fully online · 3–4 hours per week

The Curriculum

A seven‑module learning experience that blends strategy, mindset, and practical tools:

Module 1: Concepts in Fundraising

Learn the core principles that shape effective donor relations, stewardship, and grant writing.

Module 2: The Case for Support

Create a clear, compelling case that aligns your vision and inspires donor action.

Module 3: Emotional Intelligence & Self‑Awareness

Explore how mindset and self‑awareness strengthen your approach to fundraising relationships.

Module 4: Designing Your Annual Campaign

Plan and execute annual fundraising campaigns with clarity, intention, and practical structure.

Module 5: The Fundraising Team

Understand how to build strong teams through clear roles, engagement, and supportive leadership.

Module 6: Technical Skills

Gain confidence using fundraising software, data, reporting tools, and emerging technologies.

Module 7: Ethics & Professionalism

Learn the ethical standards and professional practices that support responsible fundraising.

Woman on laptop in office
Woman taking growth for a new era course on computer

Credentials You’ll Earn

Upon completion, you’ll receive:

  • 2.3 Continuing Education Credits through Winona State University

  • A WSU Digital Badge

  • 23 CFRE credits for initial certification or recertification

These credentials make the program a meaningful professional investment.

Modern Fundraising course guide

Want To Explore First?

Modern Fundraising in 2026

A practical, 2–3 page guide to the trends and shifts shaping today’s fundraising landscape.

Download the Guide
Download the Guide

What Participants Say

“The strategies are easy to put into action, and the encouragement renewed my confidence and excitement for fundraising.”

— Former Participant

“This course completely changed how I think about fundraising…and strengthened our donor engagement.”

— Former Participant

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most participants spend 3–4 hours per week.

  • No. The course is designed for nonprofit professionals at all levels.

  • Weekly modules keep you on track even if you miss one.

  • Yes. All modules and sessions are virtual.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Yes. You’ll develop a full fund development plan as your capstone.

Meet the Team

A woman with shoulder-length red hair smiling, wearing a blue top, black cardigan, and a silver necklace, outdoors with trees and a brick wall in the background.
A smiling middle-aged woman with blonde hair, wearing glasses, hoop earrings, and a necklace, against a dark textured background.

Kristi Ackley, Course Designer & Primary Instructor

Amy Allen, Primary Course Facilitator & Instructor

Portrait of a woman with curly hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a colorful patterned blouse, against a dark blue background.
A smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing a colorful patterned blouse and jewelry, standing indoors with blurred background.

Amy Nord, Course Developer

Anne Rodenberg, Course Instructor & Alternate Facilitator

A woman with short brown hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors in front of a wooden fence, wearing a black blazer and a red top with buttons.
A smiling woman with blonde hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, wearing a purple polo shirt with a Winona State logo.

Nicole Navratil, Course Instructor

Julie Kiehne, Winona State University Workforce Development Rep