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Diploma in Fundraising Online

  • 14 April 2027 12:00am to 12 April 2028 12:00am
  • COU-10008
  • Qualification

The Diploma in Fundraising is a professionally recognised qualification for managers and leaders. Through four integrated modules, you’ll build the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage sustainable development and lead effectively. Whether you are from a small or large organisation, you'll be empowered to lead with vision and apply innovative fundraising techniques in your planning. The Diploma sits at Level 5 which is equivalent in level and assesment to the second year of a traditional full time degree.

Course Fees

 

Non-Individual Member Fee
  • £2,655.00
Individual Member Fee
  • £2,495.00

Please note: The booking deadline for this qualification is 7 April 2027.

Course modules
Module 1: Contemporary Issues in Fundraising

In the first module of the Diploma, you are expected to engage in an in-depth exploration and appraisal of contemporary issues in fundraising practice. You will critically examine and analyse relevant data, research, and literature to support informed proposals for development or change based on a selected contemporary issue. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing academic and practitioner insights to enhance understanding and decision-making, equipping you to contribute to growth within your organisations.   

Module 2: Analytics, Trends and Insight-Based Fundraising

In the second module of the diploma, you will explore how access to and understanding of pertinent research can be leveraged to create evidence-based strategies for enhancing fundraising performance. You employ critical thinking to identify the strengths and weakness of various information sources and types, before outlining how this knowledge can be applied in developing solutions. 

The module will also examine the role and value of digital and A.I. tools in analysis and content generation by addressing the implications of emerging A.I. practices for data collection, interrogation, content creation, in a sector already self-reporting to be under prepared to take advantage of technological advances. 

Module 3: Evidence Based Leadership and Management

In this module, you are expected to demonstrate an evidence based approach to leadership and management in fundraising practice with a focus on the intersection between communication, leadership and team dynamics. A critical analysis of the implications for professional contexts, including ethical issues, impact, and effectiveness in relation to personal development and fundraising practice will be covered. Students will critically analyse the relationship between leadership, communication, and team performance, applying contemporary theories to their own roles and practices. 

Module 4: Strategic Development of Fundraising

In this module, you are expected to demonstrate an evidence based approach to leadership and management in fundraising practice with a focus on the intersection between communication, leadership and team dynamics. A critical analysis of the implications for professional contexts, including ethical issues, impact, and effectiveness in relation to personal development and fundraising practice will be covered. Students will critically analyse the relationship between leadership, communication, and team performance, applying contemporary theories to their own roles and practices. 

Key Information

Module 1

Orientation Week 

14 April 2027

Weeks 1 - 8

21 April - 9 June 2027
Module 1 Tutorial 2 June 2027, 15:00 - 17:00
Assignment 1 Deadline 23 June 2027

Module 2

Module 2 Starts

7 July 2027

Weeks 9 - 16

14 July - 1 September 2027
Module 2 Tutorial 25 August 2027, 15:00 - 17:00
Assignment 2 Deadline 22 September 2027

Module 3

Module 3 Starts

6 October 2027

Weeks 17 - 24

13 October - 1 December 2027
Module 3 Tutorial 24 November 2027, 15:00 - 17:00
Assignment 3 Deadline 12 January 2028

Module 4

Module 4 Starts

26 January 2028

Weeks 25 - 32

2 February - 22 March 2027
Module 4 Tutorial 15 March 2028, 15:00 - 17:00
Assignment 4 Deadline 12 April 2028

Learner’s must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Diploma in Fundraising.  

  • Designed for those in management/leadership roles that involve strategy, and/or developing practice in fundraising 
  • Learners should have 3 or more years fundraising experience (with at least 18 months in a paid position) 
  • A learner’s organisation must be supportive of them completing the qualification 
  • Learners are required to have a good command of written and spoken English. For more information, please contact learning@ciof.org.uk 
  • Learners will need to have access to a computer and adequate internet speed to access course materials and participate in virtual/online sessions 

Online delivery includes weekly study guides for learners to work through. These study guides will include pre-recorded lectures and activities including case studies, reflections and self-assessments. There is also one live tutorial per module where learners can ask questions about assignments ahead of the assignment submission dates.   

This format best suits learners who prefer to work through the materials in a slightly more flexible way, but the assignment deadlines do still need to be met. It is expected that you spend 6-8 hours per week studying for this qualification, and more time may be required with writing assignments. 

The course textbook is not included in the fees.