Online Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate

Learn to Improve the Financial Health of Arts Organizations

The environment for arts organizations has been evolving in new ways as shifting demographics, technologies, and political landscapes create new possibilities—and new challenges—for the field.

Several factors, such as reduced government and foundation support, increased competition among nonprofits and the private sector, and general economic uncertainty, have contributed to an environment of financial instability for arts and nonprofit organizations. As the market drives organizations to be self-sustaining and accountable, fundraising has emerged as a strategic institutional need. To help address this need, Boston University’s Metropolitan College is pleased to offer a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management.

Designed and delivered by the expert faculty of Boston University’s Arts Administration program, the online Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management provides administrative, financial, technical, and leadership skills for those seeking careers as professional fundraisers and for nonprofit managers who wish to substantially enhance their skills in fundraising. The certificate is also appropriate for professionals considering a career change and professionals in the arts, health care, education, and human services fields.

The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management is also available on campus in Boston.

Curriculum

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management consists of four required online courses (16 credits). A student may take up to two courses before admission to the Fundraising Certificate, but must apply and be accepted to the program prior to the completion of the second course.

Upon completion of the certificate, students working in the visual or performing arts fields may apply for admission to the Master of Science in Arts Administration program. If accepted, all successfully completed credits earned toward the certificate may be applied toward degree requirements.

Admissions

Visit the Metropolitan College Graduate application page to learn more and apply.

Requirements

Visit the BU MET Website for Admission Details.

Dates & Deadlines

View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.

Application Requirements

Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.

How You Benefit from a Boston University Education

A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.

• Benefit from a 15:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
• Study with seasoned fundraising professionals with deep expertise in development research, grant writing, donor cultivation, and the development and management of major capital campaigns. Our instructors are working professionals with up-to-date knowledge of current trends and strategies.
• Get the attention you need through close interaction with faculty and visiting artists. Benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages collaboration between students from both visual and performing arts backgrounds, and provides access to mentor programs, internships, project management activities, and opportunities to work with world-leading art institutions and practitioners in the field.
• Founded in 1993, Boston University’s Metropolitan College Arts Administration program has produced professional leaders at a host of cultural institutions and nonprofits in Boston, throughout the United States, and abroad. 

US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility.

The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management is a CFRE Approved Provider for Continuing Education. Full participation in the Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management is applicable for 147.75 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or re-certification.

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Graduate with Fundraising Expertise

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management will be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the most important challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of professional practices with regard to fundraising and financial management.
• Skills to identify funding sources and author professional grant applications.
• Knowledge of best practices in designing and managing fundraising strategies and capital campaigns.
• Knowledge of structural and operational similarities and differences between several categories of nonprofit organizations, including health care, faith-based, cultural, and educational organizations.
• The ability to take a strategic approach to the professional development, networking, and self-marketing necessary to obtain a professional position as a fundraiser.

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Fundraising Management graduate certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as grants or fundraising coordinator, director of development, major gifts officer, director of individual giving, corporate partnerships manager, advancement coordinator, chief development officer, and many others.

Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET

You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.

Kristin Reeves (MET’22)

Before I started at MET, I worked primarily in patron services and box office but knew I wanted to shift into development. Making that transition can be challenging, but I started taking courses within the Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate program almost immediately upon getting to BU. Because of what I learned in these courses, I got my first role on the Jacob’s Pillow philanthropy team and was promoted to my current position upon completing the program. The start of my entire career in fundraising is thanks to MET.

Kristin Reeves (MET’22)
Membership & Individual Support Manager, Jacob’s Pillow
MS, Arts Administration; Graduate Certificate, Fundraising Management

Douglas DeNatale

Associate Professor of the Practice
Director, Arts Administration

Interested in Learning More?