How do I register for classes?
You may register for Fundwell Academy classes online and pay by certified check or with a valid credit card. Discounts are available for staff groups from non-profit organizations.
How much does each class cost?
Your first class at Fundwell Academy costs $950 US, payable by certified check or with a valid credit card. Discounts are available for students enrolling in all three classes simultaneously or sequentially. (The second course in the sequence costs $800, and the third costs $600.)
How long does it take to complete the Fundwell program of three courses?
Courses are offered in eight-week terms. Class schedules and syllabi provide a timeframe for completing assignments. Since the coursework is web-based, assignments and discussions are available to you 24/7. You may take classes sequentially or two simultaneously as your schedule permits. Typically students complete three classes and earn their Fundwell Academy certificate over the equivalent of an academic year.
Do these classes require textbooks?
No. The course site is your textbook. You may print out Fundwell Academy course materials.
Are there prerequisites for starting the Fundwell program?
Yes, there are prerequisites. Since these are graduate-equivalent courses, it is assumed you have a bachelor's degree, are a career changer, or are a full-time fund development professional seeking continuing education points, or you may be a nonprofit board or staff member.
What is a mentoring organization?
A mentoring organization is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization [501(C)(3)] in the social services, arts, education, healthcare, religious or environmental arena. It may be a local organization or one of global scope. It may be an organization with which you or your family already have a relationship in your community.
Rather than case studies, Fundwell requires students to work closely with a nonprofit to complete their coursework. In this way, students gain hands-on experience in fundraising, and the nonprofit, which is your mentoring organization recieves a new set of fundraising documents. This is not an internship because you are completing this project as part of your Fundwell Academy classes. The mentor-mentee relationship gives the student an ability to get involved in service as well as hands-on learning.
With what type of organization will I work?
You and your faculty-advisor will find an appropriate and worthy 501(c)3 organization with which you can complete your mentoring project. (A 50(c)3 organization is able to receive charitable gifts under US tax law.) Since, charitable gifts, are a key component to the Fundwell program, it is important that you find an organization with a mission that excites you and a mentor who promotes your fundraising growth.
In many cases, students complete their mentoring projects with organizations at which they already work or volunteer. You may view a partial list of organizations in the Chicago area with which our students have already worked to find a worthy cause or to get ideas. Our courses are expanding world wide.
What is an experiential learning course?
An experiential learning course teaches you while you engage in a hands-on, real-world project working with a nonprofit organization on a fundraising venture. A win-win situation for student and organization, you benefit by learning from real-life situations and collaborating with fund development professionals, and the nonprofit benefits from your creative fundraising work and a new set of fundraising documents.
What is CFRE certificate?
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification earned by professionals in the fundraising field and awarded by CFRE International, the professional certification association for fundraising executives internationally.
Fundwell Academy's is an approved provider of curriculum for receiving continuing education points. When you complete Fundwell Academy's classes, you will earn a Fundwell Academy certificate and continuing education points you may apply toward CFRE certification.
How may I join the faculty?
Fundwell Academy often seeks new expertise. If you are interested in joining our faculty, please send an email of inquiry to libby@fundwellacademy.com.
To whom may I speak for more information about the courses?
You may connect with us by filling out this form. Or, please call us at 1.312.642.2230.