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Nonprofit Development Officer Certificate Program

Senior Couple



Nonprofits appreciate the value of volunteers.
Here is your chance to make a positive difference!

Woman in OfficeImprove your community and strengthen nonprofit organizations through the Non-profit Development Officer Certificate Program, offered by Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach and the Nonprofit Support Center (NSC) through a generous grant from the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

The 55+ generation is known for wanting choice, meaning and purpose. If you are looking to learn new skills and would welcome interesting and challenging opportunities to make an impact on big societal problems, here is the place to start. This training will enable you to make a difference in many areas from education to the environment; from hunger to homelessness to health care.

Certificate recipients have the opportunity to volunteer and help a local nonprofit organization in strengthening its fundraising and advancement programs.

FREE Information Sessions

Join us for a FREE information session that will provide an overview of the Nonprofit Development Officer Certificate Program. Learn about the benefits of the program as well as scholarship opportunities, how to register plus deadlines. Time will also be allotted for questions.

Santa Maria
Thursday, August 20
Location: Nonprofit Support Center Santa Maria, 120 E. Jones St.
Register for free information session here.

San Luis Obispo
Wednesday, July 22
Location: Nonprofit Support Center San Luis Obispo, 4102 Vachell Lane
Register for free information session here

Program Details


The cost to attend the program is $360 for NSC members and $510 for nonmembers. Classes begin on Thursday, September 17th.

Click here to REGISTER for the class. All registrations are handled by the Nonprofit Support Center. Click here to visit the Nonprofit Support Center -- "Helping nonprofits do their work better."

Part 1: Introduction to the Nonprofit Development and Donor Cultivation

Thursday, September 17
  1. The Nonprofit Sector and model
  2. Mission, Vision and the Strategic Plan
  3. The Development Paradigm, Plan and Balanced Fundraising
  4. Using Technology to Manage Donor Information
  5. Prospect Research, Making the Ask, and Thanking Your Donors

Part 2: Annual Giving and Grantwriting

Friday, October 2
  1. Special Events: Worth it?
  2. Direct Mail Strategies
  3. Fundraising Technology
  4. Raising More Money Model
  5. Developing your Case for Support
  6. General Operating vs Program Support
  7. Grant Calendar & Timeline

Part 3: Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving

Thursday, October 15
  1. Importance of Planned Giving
  2. Tax Benefits
  3. Bequests, Life Insurance & Charitable Trusts
  4. Prospecting, Marketing & Caring for Your Donors
  5. Capital Campaigns: Are you READY?
  6. Campaign Structure & Creating Your Case for Support
  7. Qualifying Prospects & Donor Development

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