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Mastery certificate course Q&A: Cynthia Kralik

Nov 10 2025

Is our training worth it? Hear directly how we deliver

Since we launched this CFRE-endorsed course back in 2020, more than 70 students have invested in improving their fundraising communications and copywriting skills, nurturing their career development and raising more money for the causes they’re passionate about.

We interviewed Cynthia Kralik, CEO of Ready Set and a Mastery course participant, about her experience during the program.

Cynthia Kralik, CEO of ReadySet

Why did you register for the course?

I knew of Change&Co’s reputation in the field of fundraising communications and that I would surely benefit from a more structured and informed approach to our charity’s comms in general.

What aspects of the Mastery course did you enjoy the most?

Dominique’s online sessions were both evidence-based/theoretical and highly practical. The range of examples she used throughout to illustrate the impact of effective fundraising communications was truly valuable and helped support the theoretical aspect.

How valuable were the homework tasks and one-on-one sessions?

Having a task to do after each session helped bring to life what Dominique shared. It also helped me reflect on how best to enhance our own messaging. Having access to Dominique’s expertise one-on-one was a real value-add to the program, as it meant we could focus on unpacking comms we’d used before or were planning to use.

How do you approach your fundraising communications after completing the Mastery course?

The program’s very practical and easy-to-follow guidelines have provided me with clear reference points to structure our comms. Going back to these for each comms we draft has made it easier and provided confidence that what we are drafting is effective.

What’s the most important thing you learned?

A range of learnings actually – insights into donor mindsets, tried and tested models of comms that lead to results, and that whilst there are guidelines and models to follow, that there is more than one-size fits all. The key learning, though, is that authenticity is crucial at all times, as that will earn the trust of your donors.

What would you say to someone considering signing up?

Doing this course will result in a real return on investment of your time! Fundraising communication is nuanced, and this course illustrates the various elements needed to master this in a very comprehensive and practical way.

Can you speak to the benefit of the scholarship as a small organisation with minimal training budgets?

Thank you for asking this question! I was blown away to have been the recipient of this scholarship. The opportunity of a scholarship in itself highlighted Dominique’s generosity. As someone leading a very small charity with an extraordinarily tight budget, the scholarship gave me access to a program that I would otherwise not have been able to do. The impact not only on me, but on our charity, is huge and has set us up to manage our comms more strategically and with greater effect.

You can learn more about how Ready Set supports those facing vulnerability and disadvantage on their journey to employment here.

Keen to join us?

The next intake of our Fundraising Communications Mastery certificate course kicks off on 19 February 2026. We couldn’t be more excited!

Whether you’re a newbie to the sector or one of your team would benefit from upskilling, this hands-on, CFRE-accredited program can transform your or your organisation’s fundraising copy in just six months.

Register before 29 Nov to save up to $1000 with our Super Early Bird offer!

Interested in a scholarship?

We also have two full scholarship places available for small charity fundraisers. Applications are open until 29 November 2025.

Not eligible? Not to worry!

We understand that finding the budget for training can be tough. So, we offer a range of payment plans to make it a bit easier. Now you can become a master of fundraising copy in a way that works for you!

To discuss payment options or chat about the Mastery certificate course, please reach out to info@changeand.co