Fundraising Communications 

Essentials

Our comprehensive on-demand course will help you master the art of fundraising communications.

In this introductory course comprising 5 modules, you’ll learn the basic building blocks of fundraising appeals from choosing and telling a strong, emotive story and the crucial elements of a direct mail pack, to how to adapt DM packs for online, and the key things to cover when venturing into the digital space.

We’ll also cover the use of personalisation to increase response and boost donor loyalty.

PLUS, full participation in Fundraising Communications Essentials course is applicable for 8.75 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

On demand content

Start any time

Only AUD$99 (ex GST) for lifetime access

Get started today
Video Poster Image

Is the Essentials course for me?

If you’re:

  • A fundraiser responsible for writing all your fundraising and donor care copy
  • Part of a small fundraising team with limited resources
  • Looking to build a successful career in fundraising communications
  • Wanting to gain CFRE certification points...

 …then this essential self-paced course is for you.

Sign me up for Essentials

What you'll learn

  • How to find stories and conduct effective interviews
  • How to structure a brilliant fundraising letter
  • The strategy behind asks and dollar handles
  • How to make personalisation work harder
  • How to build your fundraising letter and create a killer fundraising pack
  • The dos and don’ts of digital communications, and
  • How to integrate digital with DM
“The Fundraising Communications Essentials course is a great way to learn the basics of writing fundraising copy. The content in each module is easy to understand and informative, providing you with the knowledge to build your fundraising communications skills. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who would like to start their career in, or is already involved in, writing fundraising communications."

– Megan Lewit, Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Module outline

MODULE 1

How to find stories

In this module, you’ll learn how to:

  • find & choose the best case studies
  • conduct better interviews using best-practice journalism techniques and
  • craft more compelling stories.

MODULE 2

How to craft an effective fundraising letter

In this module, you'll discover how to:

  • structure an effective fundraising letter
  • choose a signatory
  • adjust tone of voice for different audiences, and
  • ask for money for maximum return.

MODULE 3

How to build out a fundraising pack

In this module, you'll learn:

  • what should go in a fundraising pack and how it tells a story
  • how to create premiums, forms & more to increase response
  • how copy & design work together.

MODULE 4

How to use personalisation

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

  • craft surveys to find out more about your donors
  • individualise their experience, and
  • decide what personalisation is most effective.

MODULE 5

How to start fundraising for digital

In this module, you’ll learn:

  • the five rules for digital fundraising
  • how to integrate digital with DM
  • how to test effectiveness, and grow your audience.

COURSE

TAKEAWAYS

Complete with video walkthroughs of best-practice fundraising communications examples, downloadable resources and take-home activities, this course will take your fundraising communications from meh to magnificent.

Learn the essentials

Sign me up

Meet your presenter

International trainer and presenter, CEO of Change&Co. Dominique Antarakis has been helping non-profits create winning fundraising appeals for over 20 years.

As a highly successful copywriter, she will not only inspire you to create copy that is crisp and compelling, but set you up for fundraising success as we head into a critical time for charities.

Register now to learn the fundraising communications essentials

Got a question?

We’d love to chat about training for you or your team.

Submit your enquiry below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.