Education & Development Opportunities

AFP offers a variety of professional development programs—from webinars and videos to articles and blogs—to help fundraisers learn and grow at every stage of their careers.

Fundraising professionals serve as leaders and mentors, embracing education and credentialing as pathways to career development, using knowledge and skills to strengthen our organizations and communities, and sharing best practices to grow the fundraising body of knowledge.

Be sure the check out the following AFP Global education and professional development opportunities, all designed to fit your schedule and needs!



AFP Core Courses

AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course
The AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising course is an introductory, 2-day course providing a comprehensive overview of fundraising principles at the fundamental level. The content covers the roles and responsibilities of fundraisers, with emphasis on responsibilities you are likely to encounter at the beginning of your career. Learn more.
AFP CFRE Refresher Course
The AFP CFRE Refresher Course uses case studies to provide a “refresher” of the six fundraising knowledge domains and the core principles and concepts that all experienced fundraising professionals should know.  While the course is designed as a refresher and not an in-depth review, course delivery is flexible with 1-day and 2-day options to allow time for discussion. Learn more.
AFP Donor Retention Course
Did you know that most nonprofits lose nearly as many donors as they gain each year? This 1-day course will help you stop the churn! It focuses on developing a donor retention plan based on research into what really works. Learn to track overall gains and losses in donors and gifts and use that info to develop better cultivation and retention strategies. Learn more.

AFP Conferences & Events

AFP ICON
AFP ICON is the world’s No. 1 conference for fundraising professionals. The next AFP ICON will be held on May 2-4, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Get ready for three unforgettable days, together as one fundraising community. Learn more.
AFP Deep Dives
AFP is proud to bring you AFP Deep Dives—virtual sessions modeled after AFP ICON pre-conference workshops. Presented by some of the brightest minds in fundraising, these Deep Dives will take an in-depth look at relevant and important fundraising topics. Learn more.
AFP Spotlight Sessions
AFP is proud to present AFP Spotlight Sessions, all-new educational offerings that illuminate and explore the specialized needs of fundraisers that serve specific communities. Learn more.
AFP LEAD
AFP LEAD (formerly the AFP Leadership Academy), held each fall, is focused on leadership development for fundraising professionals. The next AFP LEAD will be October 18-20, 2021, in Indianapolis, IN. Learn more.



AFP Training, Hosting & Certifications

AFP Faculty Training Academy
This 2-day course is AFP's "train the trainer" program that helps ensure quality in education by providing formal training for prospective faculty and instructors of AFP's professional development programs. Participants receive comprehensive, hands-on training in adult education principles, learning styles, classroom management, assessment, and other related topics. Learn more.
Course Hosting & Licensing
The AFP course hosting program includes these programs: AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising, AFP CFRE Refresher, AFP Donor Retention, and AFP webinars. Learn more.
Certifications
Professional certification demonstrates your commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning and passion for fundraising and philanthropy. Certification also signals to your organization, government, the public and others that you employ best professional practices and ethical standards. AFP supports two important certifications for fundraising professionals: Certified Fund Raising Executive, or CFRE; and Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive, or ACFRE. (AFP manages the ACFRE program). Learn more.



More Learning!

Webinars & Recordings
AFP provides professional development for you, the fundraising and nonprofit professional. We know your schedule is tight and so we’re offering online courses that can be taken from the comfort of your own home at your own pace. Learn more.
AFP Micro-Learning Videos
AFP's Micro-Learning Videos are short informative recordings by members and other fundraising experts that share key learning objectives about important topics. In the time it takes you to make your morning coffee, you can pick up critical skills by watching these quick tutorials and lessons! Learn more.
AFP eCourses
A variety of AFP e-courses allow you to learn at your own pace and convenience! Start and stop the program at any time and resume where you left off. Learn more.
Free Members-Only Webinars
Bringing fundraising experts and thought leaders straight to your desktop or mobile device at no extra cost to AFP members! Learn more.