What You Can Gain from Joining a Fundraising Group
How getting involved with a group can keep you inspired and passionate about fundraising
Learning and Development
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising supports fundraisers at every stage of their career, offering professional development that enhances knowledge, builds practical skills, and strengthens leadership capabilities.
Fundraising is a dynamic profession, and lifelong learning is essential to keep pace with evolving donor expectations, emerging technologies, and sector best practice.
Our learning offer is designed for all fundraisers, whether early-career professionals or experienced leaders, working in small charities or managing large teams. The training, events and qualifications available equip fundraisers with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel, fostering a community of learning and promoting professional standards that help individuals and organisations achieve greater impact. We provide a range of learning opportunities, including short courses, professional qualifications, leadership programmes, and on-demand learning to suit different needs and schedules.
If you require any further information on any of our courses, qualifications, or programmes, please contact learning@ciof.org.uk. Booking terms and conditions apply to all Chartered Institute learning.
Short Courses
Our short courses are flexible, expert-led sessions and masterclasses covering practical skills and current fundraising trends. With over 40 courses spanning specialist and general fundraising topics, participants can choose one- or two-day options, as well as half-day sessions for targeted skill development.
Short courses are suitable for fundraisers at all levels. Whether new to the profession or seeking to sharpen existing skills, these courses help build confidence through hands-on learning from sector experts. Participants gain practical tools that can be applied immediately while staying current with sector developments and best practice, ensuring fundraising remains effective and innovative.
The Certificate in Fundraising provides a solid foundation in essential fundraising skills, combining practical knowledge with sector best practice. The programme typically takes 12 months to complete, making it ideal for early-career fundraisers seeking a structured approach to mastering the fundamentals.
Completing the Certificate boosts confidence, enhances professional credibility, and equips learners with practical skills that can be applied immediately to support their organisation’s fundraising success.
Assessment includes a combination of written assignments and practical tasks demonstrating understanding and application of core fundraising principles.
All graduates are invited to a CIOF graduation ceremony and may use the post-nominal MCIOF(Cert).
The course content includes:
- The Fundraising Environment
- Fundraising Methods and Approaches
- Donor Motivation: Insights, Communication, and Psychology
- Planning Effective Fundraising
The course requires a commitment of six to eight hours per week. It can be undertaken via live virtual delivery, where learners engage with tutors and peers through Zoom teaching sessions and tutorials, or online, allowing learners to create their own study plan while observing assignment deadlines.
To undertake the qualification you must be actively fundraising or have supported fundraising for at least 12 months, having in-depth knowledge of at least one area of fundraising, and working in a supportive organisation. Learners must have a good command of written and spoken English and access to a computer with adequate internet speed.
Fees
| Delivery | Individual Member Fee | Non-individual Member Fee |
| Virtual delivery | £2,155 | £2,316 |
| Online | £1,774 | £1,943 |
The Diploma in Fundraising is an advanced programme designed to develop strategic thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex fundraising activities. Typically completed over 12–18 months, the Diploma is intended for experienced fundraisers and managers who want to lead fundraising strategy and drive organisational growth. Studying for the Diploma strengthens strategic knowledge and leadership capabilities, enabling participants to influence outcomes and make a tangible impact.
Assessment includes written assignments, case studies, and practical projects demonstrating the application of strategic fundraising skills in real-world scenarios.
Graduates are invited to a graduation ceremony and may use the post-nominal MCIOF(Dip).
Course content covers:
- Contemporary Issues in Fundraising
- Analytics, Trends, and Insight-Based Fundraising
- Evidence-Based Leadership and Management
- Strategic Development of Fundraising
The course requires a commitment of six to eight hours per week and is delivered either via live virtual sessions or online self-paced study, while assignment deadlines must still be observed.
Pre-requisites for the Diploma include being in a management or leadership role that involves strategy or developing fundraising practice, having a minimum of three years fundraising experience (including at least 18 months in a paid position), working in a supportive organisation, and having a good command of written and spoken English. Learners must also have access to a computer and adequate internet speed.
Fees
| Delivery | Individual Member Fee | Non-Individual Member Fee |
| Live virtual delivery | £2,792.00 | £2,950.00 |
| Online | £2,495.00 | £2,655.00 |
Leadership Programmes
Each leadership programme is unique, designed to meet different professional development needs and delivered by experienced sector leaders. Programmes are delivered online, with structured teaching sessions spread over several months to support learning and practical application.
The Future Leaders Programme equips emerging fundraising leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on managerial and strategic responsibilities.
Delivered online over five months, the programme features monthly full-day teaching sessions from 9.30 to 17.00 and encourages participants to reflect on their development objectives throughout.
This programme is ideal for fundraisers stepping into leadership roles or preparing to manage teams for the first time. Participants develop practical leadership skills, gain insights into effective team management, and build a professional network to support their growth.
Programme sessions include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Leadership Styles and Dealing with Politics
- Coaching
- Influencing and Negotiation
- Strategy and the Employee Life Cycle
Guest speakers may include current Directors of Fundraising from both small and large organisations, former Directors who have progressed to CEO roles, and recruitment consultants specialising in fundraising leadership.
Fees
| Individual Members | Non Individual Members |
| £1,372 | £1,567 |
This programme focuses on developing leadership capabilities specifically for women in fundraising, with an emphasis on influence, confidence, and strategic impact.
Designed for women aspiring to senior leadership positions or seeking to enhance their influence, the programme includes six group coaching sessions and two peer coaching calls, all attended virtually. Participants strengthen their leadership presence, expand their professional network, and gain practical tools to enhance career progression and organisational influence.
Programme sessions include:
- Increasing your confidence
- Personal Leadership Brand
- Influencing hotseats
- Tackling imposter feelings and self-doubt
- Increasing your impact in meetings
- Communicating with senior stakeholders.
Fees
| Individual Members | Non Individual Members |
| £1,320 | £1,540 |
This programme equips leaders with the knowledge and skills to build high-performing, resilient teams while fostering a positive organisational culture.
Delivered online over 4 sessions, it is designed for current managers and senior leaders responsible for leading teams and shaping organisational culture. Participants learn strategies for effective team management, enhancing engagement, and sustaining team performance, while also developing their own leadership capacity.
Programme sessions include:
- Purpose: Identifying key drivers to lead authentically and thrive
- Managing Energy to Stay in Flow: Knowing what to do—or not do—to maintain peak mental and physical performance
- Positive Mindset: Unlocking and maintaining a growth mindset to boost self-belief, manage overwhelm, and build lasting confidence
- Engaging: Mobilising people around a shared goal, speaking confidently, and taking small risks to step out of your comfort zone.
Fees
| Individual Members | Non Individual Members |
| £797 | £992 |
The Introduction to Fundraising course provides a practical introduction to fundraising, covering core principles, sector best practice, and the roles and responsibilities of fundraisers. Participants have full access to the content for 12 months and receive a PDF certificate upon completion.
Who it’s for? New fundraisers, staff supporting fundraising, or anyone seeking a refresher on the fundamentals.
Fees
| Course fee |
| £83 |
This course explains the legal, ethical, and strategic responsibilities of trustees in fundraising organisations. Learners will explore best practices in governance and develop understanding of trustee oversight in fundraising.
Who it’s for? Fundraisers working closely with boards or trustees, and charity staff responsible for governance compliance.
Fees
| Individual members | Non-individual members |
| £20 | £35 |
This course focuses on legacy fundraising, providing guidance on ethical engagement, communication, and best practice in encouraging supporters to leave gifts to charities in their wills.
Who it’s for? Fundraisers involved in legacy fundraising or planning to develop legacy programmes.
Fees
| Individual members | Non-individual members |
|
£20 |
£35 |
The Knowledge Hub is an exclusive on‑demand learning resource available to organisational members and their fundraising teams. It brings together expert‑led content and learning that is only accessible to organisational members, helping teams develop practical skills and strategic insight across a wide range of contemporary fundraising topics.
Courses available in the Knowledge Hub include:
- Responsible AI for Fundraising
- Introduction to Fundraising Ethics
- Data Literacy for Fundraisers
- Managing Vulnerabilities
- Supporter Experience Research
- Building a Fundraising‑Ready Organisation
- Ethical Recruitment of Fundraisers
Who it’s for? Organisational members and their fundraising teams who want to deepen expertise across strategic, ethical, and practical areas of fundraising.
Access is included as part of organisational membership.