Executive Master in Strategic Finance and Business Leadership

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Preparation    

Course ID:   260406 0107 652ESH

Course Dates :          06/04/2026             Course Duration :   5   Studying Day/s   Course Location: London,   United Kingdom

Language:  Bilingual

Course Category:  NGO Programmes

Course Subcategories:

Donor Management Monitoring & Evaluation NGO Management Non-Profit Leadership Programme Management Project Management Stakeholder Engagement

Course Certified By:  ESHub CPD & LondonUni - Executive Management Training

* Professional Training and CPD Programs

Certification Will Be Issued:  From London, United Kingdom


Course Fees: 

VAT varies by course location and participant nationality.

Date has passed please contact us Sales@e-s-hub.com

Introduction

This five-day course prepares fundraising professionals for the CFRE exam and for stronger day-to-day practice. Sessions pair focused exam review with hands-on work: case statements, campaign planning, prospect research, stewardship, ethics, and performance measurement. Participants complete timed practice tests and leave with a personalized study plan and practical tools to use immediately.

Objectives

1. Explain the CFRE exam structure and create a targeted, time-bound study plan.
2. Complete timed practice exams and apply exam-taking strategies to improve accuracy and pacing.
3. Draft a donor-centered case for support and translate it into a basic campaign plan with goals and budget considerations.
4. Use prospect research and qualification techniques to build and prioritize a pipeline of major gift prospects.
5. Calculate core fundraising metrics, interpret results, and produce concise reports for boards and senior leaders.

Who Should Attend

Development Director / Head of Development
Major Gifts Officer
Annual Giving Manager or Individual Giving Officer
Prospect Researcher or Development Operations Specialist
Executive Director or CEO of a small nonprofit who leads fundraising

Training Method

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Post-assessment
If Applicable:
• Each participant receives a 7” Tablet containing a copy of the presentation, slides and handouts

Program Support

This program is supported by:
* Interactive discussions
* Role-play
* Case studies and highlight the techniques available to the participants.

Course Agenda

Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday)
- 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM Technical Session 1
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Technical Session 2
- 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Technical Session 3
- 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM Lunch Break (If Applicable)
- Participants are expected to engage in guided self-study, reading, or personal reflection on the day’s content. This contributes toward the CPD accreditation and deepens conceptual understanding.
- 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Self-Study & Reflection

Please Note:
- All training sessions are conducted from Monday to Friday, following the standard working week observed in the United Kingdom and European Union. Saturday and Sunday are official weekends and are not counted as part of the course duration.
- Coffee and refreshments are available on a floating basis throughout the morning. Participants may help themselves at their convenience to ensure an uninterrupted learning experience Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.
- Lunch Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.

Week 1

Day 1 – Foundations of CFRE Preparation and Fundraising Practice

1. Introduction to the CFRE Credential
- CFRE certification requirements
- Exam structure and competency domains
- Creating a personalised study plan

2. Principles of Ethical Fundraising
- Donor-centred fundraising practices
- Professional ethics and accountability
- Compliance with fundraising standards

3. The Fundraising Cycle
- Identification and qualification
- Cultivation and solicitation
- Stewardship and long-term donor relationships

Day 2 – Campaign Planning and Case for Support

1. Developing a Case for Support
- Defining organisational impact
- Writing persuasive donor messages
- Aligning fundraising with organisational strategy

2. Campaign Planning
- Setting fundraising objectives
- Developing campaign timelines
- Budget planning and resource allocation

3. Donor Engagement Strategies
- Donor segmentation
- Communication planning
- Building long-term relationships

Day 3 – Prospect Research and Major Gift Development

1. Prospect Identification
- Sources of prospect information
- Wealth and capacity indicators
- Prospect qualification methods

2. Building a Prospect Pipeline
- Prioritising fundraising opportunities
- Managing donor portfolios
- Tracking prospect progression

3. Major Gift Fundraising
- Preparing cultivation strategies
- Planning donor meetings
- Developing solicitation approaches

Day 4 – Fundraising Performance and Exam Preparation

1. Measuring Fundraising Performance
- Key fundraising metrics
- Campaign performance indicators
- Evaluating fundraising effectiveness

2. Fundraising Reporting
- Preparing executive reports
- Presenting results to boards
- Communicating fundraising outcomes

3. CFRE Exam Practice
- Timed practice questions
- Exam techniques and time management
- Reviewing common knowledge areas

Day 5 – Integrated CFRE Preparation Workshop

1. Comprehensive Fundraising Case Study
- Developing a complete fundraising strategy
- Creating a campaign plan
- Preparing donor engagement activities

2. Full Practice Assessment
- Completing a timed mock examination
- Reviewing answers and reasoning
- Identifying knowledge gaps

3. Personal Development and Certification Planning
- Finalising an individual study plan
- Identifying continuing professional development needs
- Course review, feedback and examination preparation

Executive Master in Strategic Finance and Business Leadership

Course Information

Introduction

This five-day course prepares fundraising professionals for the CFRE exam and for stronger day-to-day practice. Sessions pair focused exam review with hands-on work: case statements, campaign planning, prospect research, stewardship, ethics, and performance measurement. Participants complete timed practice tests and leave with a personalized study plan and practical tools to use immediately.

Objectives

1. Explain the CFRE exam structure and create a targeted, time-bound study plan.
2. Complete timed practice exams and apply exam-taking strategies to improve accuracy and pacing.
3. Draft a donor-centered case for support and translate it into a basic campaign plan with goals and budget considerations.
4. Use prospect research and qualification techniques to build and prioritize a pipeline of major gift prospects.
5. Calculate core fundraising metrics, interpret results, and produce concise reports for boards and senior leaders.

Who Should Attend?

Development Director / Head of Development
Major Gifts Officer
Annual Giving Manager or Individual Giving Officer
Prospect Researcher or Development Operations Specialist
Executive Director or CEO of a small nonprofit who leads fundraising

Training Method

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Post-assessment
If Applicable:
• Each participant receives a 7” Tablet containing a copy of the presentation, slides and handouts

Program Support

This program is supported by:
* Interactive discussions
* Role-play
* Case studies and highlight the techniques available to the participants.

Daily Agenda

Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday)
- 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM Technical Session 1
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Technical Session 2
- 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Technical Session 3
- 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM Lunch Break (If Applicable)
- Participants are expected to engage in guided self-study, reading, or personal reflection on the day’s content. This contributes toward the CPD accreditation and deepens conceptual understanding.
- 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Self-Study & Reflection

Please Note:
- All training sessions are conducted from Monday to Friday, following the standard working week observed in the United Kingdom and European Union. Saturday and Sunday are official weekends and are not counted as part of the course duration.
- Coffee and refreshments are available on a floating basis throughout the morning. Participants may help themselves at their convenience to ensure an uninterrupted learning experience Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.
- Lunch Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.

Course Outlines

Week 1
Day 1 – Foundations of CFRE Preparation and Fundraising Practice

1. Introduction to the CFRE Credential
- CFRE certification requirements
- Exam structure and competency domains
- Creating a personalised study plan

2. Principles of Ethical Fundraising
- Donor-centred fundraising practices
- Professional ethics and accountability
- Compliance with fundraising standards

3. The Fundraising Cycle
- Identification and qualification
- Cultivation and solicitation
- Stewardship and long-term donor relationships

Day 2 – Campaign Planning and Case for Support

1. Developing a Case for Support
- Defining organisational impact
- Writing persuasive donor messages
- Aligning fundraising with organisational strategy

2. Campaign Planning
- Setting fundraising objectives
- Developing campaign timelines
- Budget planning and resource allocation

3. Donor Engagement Strategies
- Donor segmentation
- Communication planning
- Building long-term relationships

Day 3 – Prospect Research and Major Gift Development

1. Prospect Identification
- Sources of prospect information
- Wealth and capacity indicators
- Prospect qualification methods

2. Building a Prospect Pipeline
- Prioritising fundraising opportunities
- Managing donor portfolios
- Tracking prospect progression

3. Major Gift Fundraising
- Preparing cultivation strategies
- Planning donor meetings
- Developing solicitation approaches

Day 4 – Fundraising Performance and Exam Preparation

1. Measuring Fundraising Performance
- Key fundraising metrics
- Campaign performance indicators
- Evaluating fundraising effectiveness

2. Fundraising Reporting
- Preparing executive reports
- Presenting results to boards
- Communicating fundraising outcomes

3. CFRE Exam Practice
- Timed practice questions
- Exam techniques and time management
- Reviewing common knowledge areas

Day 5 – Integrated CFRE Preparation Workshop

1. Comprehensive Fundraising Case Study
- Developing a complete fundraising strategy
- Creating a campaign plan
- Preparing donor engagement activities

2. Full Practice Assessment
- Completing a timed mock examination
- Reviewing answers and reasoning
- Identifying knowledge gaps

3. Personal Development and Certification Planning
- Finalising an individual study plan
- Identifying continuing professional development needs
- Course review, feedback and examination preparation