Humber College | Fundraising and Volunteer Management

Your Career

Making the world a better place is the most rewarding of careers. You can help women, children, seniors, the environment and animals, support social services, the arts, social change, political parties, health care, education, sports and recreation and every other imaginable issue. Job opportunities are plentiful and expanding for fundraisers. With an estimated 161,000 non-profits and charities, Canada has one of the largest and most vibrant non-profit and voluntary sectors in the world. These organizations employ close to two million Canadians in a broad range of activities. Graduates work in positions such as special event co-ordinator, direct mail copywriter, corporate relations officer, development officer/assistant/co-ordinator, donor researcher, campaign manager, donor liaison specialist, outreach and constituent development manager, community relations, marketing, advancement research and records officer, grant writer, new media specialist, or consultant.

Our Program

This is the only full-time fundraising program in the Toronto area. Through hands-on projects and case studies you will learn to design and run organized, highly effective campaigns. One intensive year covers the latest trends in ethical philanthropy: how to get grants, run special events, create direct marketing materials, and reach out to wealthy major donors.

Instructors are experienced non-profit leaders who inspire, share information and develop strategies that work in real situations. Small classes let them work closely with students.

Courses cover how fundraisers achieve success in co-operation with volunteers, boards of directors and staff through relationship building, presentations, and human resources management. Students also learn the latest fundraising software (including The Raiser's Edge and Income Manager), in computer labs. Professional networking opportunities are plentiful through assignments with charities, guest speakers and participation in major professional events.

Work Placement

On-the-job internships during the final 10 weeks add practical experience under a mentor's guidance. Placements are usually with charities and non-profit groups, but can also be with consulting firms, corporate donation offices, foundations, government granting agencies or other related organizations.

The full-time internship, which takes place from mid-June to late August, can be paid or unpaid. Humber offers an extensive list of choices; students, however, may also arrange their own internships. Internships are usually in the Greater Toronto Area, but can be anywhere in the world.

Our Industry Partnerships

This program works closely with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and encourages students to join professional organizations. Imagine Canada, BigDataBase.ca, Income Manager, iWave.com, The Raiser's Edge, CharityVillage, Canadian Fundraising & Philanthropy, and CharityCan provide generous contributions.

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Advanced education considerably enhances a fundraiser's abilities and career potential. However, fundraisers and volunteer managers in Canada are not required by law to meet any specific educational standards, or to be approved, licenced, registered or members of any professional or government-approved body. People can enter this line of work without specialized training, and specialized training is no guarantee of obtaining a job.

In addition to the Humber College Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Volunteer Management, students who graduate from the program may choose to pursue professional designations/certifications. These professional designations/certifications require additional exams, the preparation for which is beyond the scope of the Humber's Fundraising and Volunteer Management program, as well as additional fee payments and/or related work experience to qualify. Visit the websites listed below for detailed requirements set by the granting bodies of these designations/certifications. The professional designations/certifications include:

Admission Requirements

A bachelor's degree, or postsecondary diploma
Applicants who have not completed a postsecondary credential, but who have a combination of postsecondary education and work or relevant volunteer experience, may be considered for admission on exceptional bases.
To succeed in this program and this profession, you need good communication skills (both oral and written), basic computer competence in word processing and spreadsheets, and the ability to handle arithmetic. Experience as a volunteer is an asset, but not required.
If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy in this publication.

Note: Refer to the Selection Procedures section for more information

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Fees

The 2009/2010 fee for three semesters was
- domestic $6,586.44
- international $17,595.

For further information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance in this publication.

FINANCIAL AID >

Additional Costs

$350 - conference fees and field trips, $850 - textbooks.

Curriculum

Semester 1
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
FUND 501	Ethical and Legal Issues	3
FUND 503	Marketing Communications	3
FUND 505	Basic Computer Applications for Fundraising	1
FUND 506	Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns	4
FUND 507	Human Resources Management	4
FUND 508	Project Management Planning	4
FUND 509	Practicum	3
FUND 510	Basic Donor Relationship Management	2
FUND 511	Financial Management for Fundraisers	1

Semester 2
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
FUND 502	Canadian Non-Profit Environment	3
FUND 513	Career Development	2
FUND 514	Major Gifts, Planned Giving and Endowments	4
FUND 515	Institutional Giving and Sponsorship	3
FUND 517	Advanced Computer Applications for Fundraising	2
FUND 519	Direct Marketing and Merchandising	4
FUND 520	Project Management Implementation	4
FUND 521	Advanced Practicum	3
FUND 522	Advanced Donor Relationship Management	1

Semester 3
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
FUND 525	Internship	8
FUND 527	Operating the Development Office	2
FUND 530	Project Management - Execution	3
FUND 531	Advanced Fundraising	2

Note: Internship in the third semester takes about 35 hours a week for 10 weeks. Students must pass all courses to go on internships.

Fundraising and Volunteer Management

Application Program Code: 10381

Ontario Graduate Certificate