AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course

Registration is now open for our 2026 Fundamentals of Fundraising courses! Join us June 22-23 in Chicago and August 20-21 in Hillside!

The AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course provides new fundraisers—those with up to four years of professional experience—with an intensive introduction into the building blocks of effective practice. To design this 16-hour course, experienced fundraising professionals evolved AFP’s introductory programs to address the real-world needs and challenges non-profit organizations face every day.

This intensive program will provide an overview of skills, techniques, and program components for individuals with 0-4 years of fundraising experience or a great “back to the basics” for veteran fundraisers.

The course is organized into seven modules:

  • Overview of Fundraising
  • Developing an Integrated Fundraising Program
  • Marketing for Ongoing Success
  • Building & Sustaining Relationships
  • Securing the Gift
  • Volunteers – Partners in Fundraising
  • Management & Accountability

This program is approved for 16 CFRE points.

Pricing

  • AFP Member: $420

  • Non-Member: $520

 Textbook and lunch are included with registration fee.

Contact Brad Gschwendtner with questions.

 2026 Faculty

Kimberly Vann, CFRE
Senior Grant Writer
Metropolitan Family Services
Module I: Overview of Fundraising - Chicago
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Liza Lundholm Sury, JD, CFRE
Director of Development and Communications
DuPage Health Coalition
Module I: Overview of Fundraising - Hillside
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Carlos A. Trejo, CFRE
Director of Individual Giving
Latino Policy Forum
Module II: Developing an Integrated Fundraising Program - Chicago & Hillside
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Kate Bousum, CFRE
Vice President of Philanthropy
Aspire
Module III: Marketing for Ongoing Success - Chicago & Hillside
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Joseph A. Like, CFRE
Vice President of Development
Orchard Village
Module IV: Building & Sustaining Relationships - Chicago & Hillside
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William P. Nalley
Director of Development
Aspire
Module V: Securing the Gift - Chicago & Hillside
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Fernanda Valentino
Director of Annual Giving
National Louis University
Module VI: Volunteers--Partners in Fundraising - Chicago
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Natalie A. Ramos
Director of Individual Giving
Teach for America
Module VI: Volunteers--Partners in Fundraising - Hillside
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Christina Bourné
Director of Development
Forward Momentum Chicago
Module VII: Management & Accountability - Chicago & Hillside
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