Registration is now open for our 2026 Fundamentals of Fundraising course!

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.

Click here to register

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SCHEDULE & MODULES

The course is organized into seven modules:

1. Overview of Fundraising
2. Developing an Integrated Fundraising Program
3. Marketing for Ongoing Success
4. Building & Sustaining Relationships
5. Securing the Gift
6. Volunteers – Partners in Fundraising
7. Management & Accountability

This program is approved for 16 CFRE points.

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DATE & LOCATION

Format: In-Person

Location: Aspire
1815 S. Wolf Rd
Hillside, IL 60162

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COST

$450 - AFP Chicago Members 
$550 - Non-AFP Chicago Members 

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2026 Faculty

Liza Lundholm Sury, JD, CFRE
Director of Development and Communications
DuPage Health Coalition
Module I: Overview of Fundraising
view bio

Carlos A. Trejo, CFRE
Director of Individual Giving
Latino Policy Forum
Module II: Developing an Integrated Fundraising Program
view bio

Kate Bousum, CFRE
Vice President of Philanthropy
Aspire
Module III: Marketing for Ongoing Success
view bio

Joseph Like, CFRE
Vice President of Development
Orchard Village
Module IV: Building & Sustaining Relationships
view bio

Bill Nalley
Director of Development
Aspire
Module V: Securing the Gift
view bio 

 
Christina Bourné
Director of Development
Forward Momentum Chicago
Module VII: Management & Accountability
view bio