This certification could increase your credibility and earning potential.
You’ve probably heard the acronym CFRE thrown around. But what does it mean for you and your career? Whether you’re new to the sector, or someone looking to invest in their career, becoming a CFRE is an invaluable step in your professional development.
So what is CFRE anyway?
CFRE, or Certified Fund Raising Executive, is a credential held by over 8,200 fundraising professionals worldwide. It acknowledges expertise in ethical fundraising practices and high standards of performance. Achieving CFRE certification involves meeting experience requirements, ongoing education, and passing a comprehensive exam covering fundraising principles, donor relations, and ethics.
Why should you care? The benefits of CFRE
Here’s some stats straight from the source (the 2023 CFRE Certificant Survey):
- 82% of CFREs say the credential helped them increase their salary.
- 94% of CFREs say earning the credential gave them enhanced credibility with employers and clients.
- 98% of CFREs say the sense of personal achievement provided by CFRE certification has been valuable to their career.
But there’s more…
The benefits are clear on both the individual, and collective level.
Having your knowledge, skills and practice corroborated by a third party is a huge advantage. With CFRE, there’s no need to pay multiple organisations to prove yourself over and over, as it’s the world’s only internationally recognised certification for fundraising professionals.
Since you maintain your credential through recertification every three years, you can rest assured knowing you’ll always be up to date on best practices. Certifications like these are also something prospective employers smile at, so becoming a CFRE can open up career opportunities and increase your earning potential.
Additionally, organisations that invest and prioritise in professional development for their staff have a higher retention rate and strengthen their credibility. Retaining talented fundraising professionals is crucial for nonprofit organisations, given that there are challenges and costs associated with high staff turnover.
How to become a CFRE
The application process operates on a points system, ensuring that you meet the requirements in the areas of Education, Professional Practice, and Professional Performance.
View the full list of requirements and application process on the CFRE website.
Choose your own adventure!
Since CFRE International offers no direct education, you can participate in programs you feel will benefit you most. Points can be earned through a combination of approved activities and projects.
Here’s more information on the specifics in each category.
You’re then scheduled for an exam covering areas essential to fundraising professionals.
There are many resources available to support your study such as a reading list, study guide and test content outline.
You’re probably closer than you think…
There are so many ways to earn points towards your certification. CFRE International has a searchable database of approved providers and programs to make things easier.
Stuck on where to start?
You can start straightaway! Now that you know the benefits, let us help you kickstart your CFRE journey. Change&Co offers a variety of training programs tailored for individuals at all stages of their fundraising career. Take a look at our two CFRE approved courses below:
Fundraising Communications Mastery
The six-month, hands-on experience with one-on-one mentoring and personalised tuition will hone your copywriting skills and make you a master of magnificent fundraising. Graduates are eligible for 9 CFRE points in Category 1.B – Education when complete.
Fundraising Commuincations Essentials
Our comprehensive on-demand course will teach you the core fundraising content skills you need to get started. You’ll also Gain 8.75 points in Category 1.B – Education for initial certification and/or recertification upon course completion.
