CERTIFICATE IN DONOR CULTIVATION
Fundraising isn’t just about asking—it’s about understanding. This certificate helps you cultivate support that lasts. You'll explore what motivates people to give, how identity and emotion play into donor decisions, and how to move donors from first-time supporters to long-term advocates. Whether you're new to fundraising or looking to sharpen your skills, this certificate gives you the insight and tools to lead donor cultivation with confidence and purpose.
Through the 9 courses included in this certificate, you’ll learn how to connect with donors on a deeper level, boost engagement, and build a fundraising approach rooted in motivation, identity, and action.
Explore how unconscious factors like identity, motivation, and decision-making shape every donor interaction—and how to meet your donors where they are.
Understand the three phases of donor cultivation and how to use beliefs, emotions, and action tendencies (BEATs) to build lasting relationships.
Learn how your donors’ social identities—and your own—affect giving behavior, and how to nurture the all-important "advocate" identity.
Use regulatory focus theory and goal-setting strategies to stay motivated, avoid decision fatigue, and lead cultivation efforts with clarity and intention.
Learn how to motivate donors and build lasting relationships that go beyond the gift.
Each certificate includes nine bite-sized, 15-minute courses packed with video lessons, reflection exercises, knowledge checks, and interactive activities. Even better? They're fully mobile-friendly, so you can learn anytime, anywhere—right from your phone or tablet.
Incorporating 9 micro-learning courses, learning checks, and a reflective workbook.
Checking your savvy on 5 related leadership competencies.
Complete the coursework for both a brag-worthy certificate of completion plus 3 CFRE points.
Thousands of nonprofit professionals have completed courses and certificates on the Merit® Nonprofit Professional Development platform. Here are just a few of their thoughts.
I’ve taken fundraising trainings before—this one actually explained why donors give. Total game-changer.
- Rachel L., Baltimore, MD
I finally feel confident talking to donors. This course helped me understand their mindset and mine.
-David M., Boulder, CO
From motivation to identity to strategy—this course nailed it. I refer back to it often.
- Tamika S., Atlanta, GA
Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, sign up now to connect, engage, and grow donor support like never before.
Merit® is a signature product of the Nonprofit Help Center, a company founded in 2018 by Dr. Emilie Socash. The Nonprofit Help Center team helps nonprofits and the people who power them go from mission impossible to mission unstoppable with a just-for-nonprofits suite of capacity-building solutions, fixing what's holding them back.
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