Diploma in Professional Fundraising
Course overview
Undertaking the FIA Diploma in Professional Fundraising shows a genuine commitment to your fundraising career.
Download the Course Brochure for details.
Course aim
This course helps develop fundraising management strategies through strategic thinking, creative approaches to fundraising, and nurturing donor relationships.
Students will also develop advanced problem-solving and communication skills through practical, hands-on case study activities and assessments with an organisational focus.
What you’ll learn
Assessments are designed to gauge your understanding of the coursework while allowing you to reflect on your organisation’s fundraising programs. If a particular program does not exist within your organisation, you are encouraged to research how other organisations approach it.
- Previous fundraising campaigns: If your organisation has experience with the fundraising program being assessed, previous campaigns will be useful in completing the task. If not, you are encouraged to review another organisation’s approach or seek insights from an industry colleague. Your tutor can also help guide you to a knowledgeable person if needed.
- Reports: While strategy documents are not required, you will need to include some reports such as an organisation’s annual report for certain assessments.
Targeted skills
- fundraising management strategies
- advanced problem-solving
- communication skills
Participant level
Intermediate
Who is this course for?
- early-career or aspirational fundraising managers with fundraising experience
- career fundraisers are keen to move in a new direction, progress their careers or enhance their professional standing
- charity and not-for-profit managers with responsibility for organisational fundraising
Prerequisite knowledge
- ability to manage time and study independently
- 3 years of full-time, paid fundraising experience (or other relevant professional experience)
Delivery
2 years (24 months) of eLearning access with tutor support. You can complete the course earlier depending on your availability.
- The Diploma is delivered via e-learning through the FIA Learning Hub, allowing fundraisers to begin their studies anytime
- All 4 modules must be completed within a 2-year (24 month) timeframe from enrolment in the first module
- FIA’s expert tutors provide guidance, assessment support, and feedback via video call /phone and email. Our new learning management system ensures your learning experience is positive and professional
Terms & Conditions
Please review the T&C's carefully before enrolling in this course.
Textbook
You will receive the course textbook in eBook format: Fundraising Management: Analysis, Planning, and Practice (4th Edition) by Adrian Sargeant and Jayne George. Further details will be sent to you by email.
Meet the tutors
Click here to read the tutor bios:
Guidelines for enrolment
Note: The FIA website provides access to both the Member Portal and the Learning Hub. These have separate logins — your username and password may be different for each.
New Staff Member
Please ask your organisation’s nominated contact to add you to the Member Portal or email members@fia.org.au. Your details will sync within two hours.
To Access the Learning Hub
Once you've been added to the Member Portal, click “Reset Password / New Staff Login” to activate your Learning Hub access.
If you require assistance, please email training@fia.org.au.
CFRE
Full participation in the Diploma in Professional Fundraising is applicable for up to 80 continuing education points in Category 1. B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
FIA Code
This course relates to the following aspects of the FIA Code of Conduct:
- FIA Code 2.0 Compliance, 3.0 Ethical conduct, 4.0 Conduct towards Donors, 5.0 Conduct towards Beneficiaries and 6.0 Conduct in Supplier relationships.