Diploma in Fundraising - Virtual Delivery (Starting 25th March 2025)

25 March 2025 - 15 January 2026
09:30AM to 04:00PM

Individual Prices

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Package Type Available To Price
Individual Member Fee All Days Individual Members £2792
Non-Individual Member Fee All Days Non Individual Members £2950

The Diploma in Fundraising builds on your existing experience and skills to consolidate and expand your knowledge in all key aspects of fundraising.

Standard Content

Key dates and information

The Diploma course is equivalent to a Level 5 programme and is similar in level and assessment to the second year of a traditional full-time degree. 

This qualification focuses on developing in-depth knowledge of fundraising practice and contains some elements of leadership and strategy. It is designed for those whose roles are concerned with developing practice, leadership, and strategic approaches in fundraising. As a guide you have a minimum of 3 years fundraising experience with a minimum of 18 months in a paid position. You will also be actively engaged in a managerial or leadership role that includes fundraising. You will be employed in an organisation at present who will support you to complete the assessments for the course. 

The booking deadline for this qualification is 25 February 2025. Please contact us if you have any questions about this qualification.

Module 1 - Direct Response Fundraising

This unit examines the definition, evolution and role of direct response, individual giving behaviour, direct response planning, testing, fundraising media, e-fundraising, the online communications mix, best practice and cost structures and the characteristics of effective fundraising websites.

Pre-Course Work Begins 11 March 2025
Module 1 Session 1 25 March 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 1 Session 2 26 March 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 1 Tutorial 30 April 2025, 15:00-17:00
Assignment 1 Deadline 21 May 2025
Module 2 - Major Gift Fundraising and Legacy Giving

This unit looks at forms of major gifts, the principles of prospect research, the institutional readiness, systems and processes to support major gift fundraising. In addition to this the categories and characteristics of capital campaigns will also be studied. This will include use and content of feasibility studies and monitoring and evaluation as well as the current trends of legacy giving, legacy solicitation methods, joint promotions and the role of third-party partners.

Pre-Module Work Begins 10 June 2025
Module 2 Session 1 24 June 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 2 Session 2 25 June 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 2 Tutorial 16 July 2025, 15:00-17:00
Assignment 2 Deadline 6 August 2025
Module 3 - Corporate and Grant Fundraising

This unit explores the forms and motives of support, CSR, organisational giving behaviour and relationship development. It will look at the management of payroll giving in the overall fundraising mix, identification of needs appropriate for grant support and the difference between restricted and unrestricted funds. It will also examine reporting requirements and organisational behaviour.

Pre-Module Work Begins 19 August 2025
Module 3 Session 1 2 September 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 3 Session 2 3 September 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 3 Session 3 4 September 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 3 Tutorial 25 September 2025, 15:00-17:00
Assignment 3 Deadline 16 October 2025
Module 4 - Fundraising Management

This unit develops your understanding and skills. We will explore core issues for effective, evidence based and outcome/impact-orientated leadership. Areas such as motivation at work, performance appraisal retention of staff and leadership will be examined. The module also explores reasons, methods and characteristics of an effective appraisal systems, volunteer recruitment and retention. It also examines volunteer induction and training, key volunteer legislation, reasons for volunteer attrition and strategies to prevent this.

Pre-Module Work Begins 30 October 2025
Module 4 Session 1 11 November 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 4 Session 2 12 November 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 4 Session 3 13 November 2025, 9:30-12:00
Module 4 Tutorial 4 December 2025, 15:00-17:00
Assignment 4 Deadline 15 January 2026
Open Book Exam
Open Book Exam Prep Session 25 February 2026, 13:00-15:30
Open Book Exam 11 March 2026, 10:00-16:00

Course Textbook

You will need to purchase the course textbook Fundraising Management Analysis, Planning and Practice (4th Edition) by Adrian Sargeant, Jayne George Routledge, London.

The course textbook is not included in the fees.

Commitment

Pre-course work is required before the start of each module to ensure students are fully prepared for their teaching sessions. Each module is made up of teachings sessions and a tutorial via Zoom. Students are expected to attend all live teaching sessions and tutorials.

In addition to the teaching sessions and tutorials, there are approximately 400 hours of self-directed study to complete this qualification.

Meet your tutors

Haseeb Shabbir
Haseeb Shabbir
Haseeb is a Reader in Voluntary Sector Marketing whose research spans not for profit marketing, inclusive communications and advertising ethics.
Mark Carrigan
Mark Carrigan
Often working directly with global leaders and heads of state, Mark has supported organisations around the world since 2003 with combined funding goals exceeding $590 million.

You will need

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If you have any questions about this qualification, or would like a copy of the course handbook, please contact us.
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