Courses

The Advancement Research Toolkit is a dynamic resource that offers subscribers full access to all courses, even new ones as they are added. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Continuing Education points are available for completing the courses.

“I wish the Advancement Research Toolkit had been available when I was starting out in fundraising. It covers so many different areas, and it’s a great product for training new staff and staff in transition to new roles, as well as board members. And I love the quizzes – they help reinforce what you have learned.”
Molly Ann Mrocynski
20 years’ experience as a fundraiser with such institutions as UCLA, Loyola Marymount University and Temple University

Current courses include:

Advancement Research*
Learn the fundamentals of researching individual, foundation and corporate donor prospects. Topics addressed include:

  • The mindset needed for effective research
  • Where to find biographical information
  • How to value stock holdings, private businesses, real estate data and other financial indicators
  • How to find your prospect’s giving history and interests, including foundations, board memberships and political contributions

Research Tools**
Don’t underestimate the value of free information. This course reveals what’s available, how the experts search databases, and why the local librarian is still one of your best friends. It also teaches you the ins and outs of using commercial database aggregators, such as Lexis-Nexis, Factiva and Dialog.

Prospect Management & Tracking**
Information is your ally, but only if you manage it. This course addresses how to effectively track and report donor data.

Ratings & Classification**
You’ve done the research, now you need to interpret it to prepare the most effective solicitation. This course teaches the truth about net worth, how to calculate assets and why not every wealthy person is a prospect.

Advanced Research Primer**
Learn brainstorming techniques and research tactics and strategies to help take your advancement office to the next level of effectiveness.

Glossary
The Glossary describes the common fundraising and research terms found through the course materials.

Index
The Advancement Research Toolkit includes a complete index to help you quickly find exactly the information you are searching for.

Additional Resources
By subscribing to the Toolkit, you also gain access to a wealth of additional resources and links to further enhance your advancement program’s success.

*Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.5 contact hours / CFRE Continuing Education points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

**Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.0 contact hours / CFRE Continuing Education points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

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