SUSS Professional Certificate in Fundraising
The Professional Certificate in Fundraising is designed to enhance the professional skills and knowledge of fundraisers, enabling them to excel in their roles and achieve higher fundraising proficiency. Co-developed by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), this program equips fundraisers and professionals in related industries with an updated skill set and deeper understanding of current best practices in Singapore.
The programme establishes a strong foundation in fundraising by exploring the key drivers of high-performing charities. Participants will learn to leverage data analytics and audience research to inform strategy, design targeted digital campaigns and evaluate marketing performance with precision. The curriculum also covers how to develop compelling brands and execute effective fundraising campaigns across social media platforms, extending community engagement in the digital era.
Building on this foundation, participants examine the core principles of fundraising and donor engagement, including donor motivations, relationship building, storytelling, and the design of effective appeals. Drawing on the latest trends in philanthropy and giving, this segment equips participants to outline a simple fundraising plan and apply structured thinking to the development of sustainable fundraising initiatives.
Participants then turn to the regulatory requirements and guidelines governing fundraising in Singapore, along with the ethical principles and relationship practices that support responsible fundraising. This segment examines how fundraisers can balance organisational goals, donor expectations, and community interests while maintaining trust, transparency, and professional integrity, with a focus on donor stewardship, communication, and the evaluation tools that connect donor intentions to measurable outcomes.
The program also integrates impact measurement with financial management, teaching participants how to align financial planning with measurable outcomes and foster a performance-driven culture that prioritizes transparency and mission alignment.
Throughout the program, participants benefit from a blend of theory, real-world case studies, and hands-on skills development. Upon completion, participants will have established a comprehensive understanding of fundraising strategies and effective techniques, empowering them to make a significant impact in the fundraising field.
The programme consists of four courses currently offered to the public. Participants are required to successfully complete all courses within three years of starting their first course.
Who is it for?
This programme designed for professionals working in the nonprofit and social impact sectors, including executives, managers, directors, executive directors, board members, and communications or development staff. They are particularly suitable for individuals involved in fundraising, donor engagement, governance, organisational management, or digital marketing, as well as those new to fundraising who wish to strengthen practical skills in donor strategy, audience engagement, ethical fundraising, relationship management, financial planning, impact measurement, and data-informed campaign planning.
Programme Structure
| S/N | Course | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (CET164) Data-driven strategy: Research and Digital Marketing Essentials | 1 day (9am to 5.30pm) |
| 2 | (CET1011) Principles of Ethical Fundraising and Donor Stewardship | 1 day (9am to 5.30pm) |
| 3 | (CET1012) Foundations of Strategic Fundraising and Donor Engagement | 1 day (9am to 5.00pm) |
| 3 | 1 day (9am to 5.30pm) |
For comprehensive details on upcoming class schedules, instructor profiles, course fees, application procedures, prerequisites, and assessment criteria, please visit the respective course webpage.
Certification
To earn the Professional Certificate in Fundraising, participants must:
- Achieve a minimum of 75% attendance in each course.
- Successfully complete and pass the assessments for all four courses within three years of enrolment.
Upon meeting these requirements, participants can apply for their certificate by submitting the completion dates for all four courses to SUSS Academy at [email protected].
Please see the table below for the synopses of the courses.
| S/N | Course | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (CET164) Data-driven strategy: Research and Digital Marketing Essentials | Data-Driven Strategy: Research and Digital Marketing Essentials is a dynamic, skills-focused course designed to equip professionals with the tools to harness research insights and data analytics for more effective digital marketing. Ideal for individuals in the nonprofit or social enterprise, this course provides a practical foundation in how to use data and audience research to inform strategy, design targeted digital campaigns and evaluate marketing performance. The course bridges the gap between traditional marketing instincts and data-informed decision-making, empowering participants to move beyond guesswork and engage audiences with precision and purpose. |
| 2 | (CET1011) Principles of Ethical Fundraising and Donor Stewardship | This is an introductory course designed for participants seeking to enhance their knowledge and practice of fundraising and donor engagement. This one-day course provides an overview of the latest trends in philanthropy and giving, practical insights into fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and grant applications for non-profit and social impact programmes. Participants will examine the core principles of fundraising, including donor motivations, relationship building, storytelling, and the design of effective appeals. By the end of the course, participants will be able to outline a simple fundraising plan, identify suitable engagement approaches for different donor groups, and apply structured thinking to the development of sustainable fundraising initiatives. |
| 3 | (CET1012) Foundations of Strategic Fundraising and Donor Engagement | This is an introductory course designed for participants seeking to enhance their knowledge and practice of fundraising and donor engagement. This one-day course provides an overview of the latest trends in philanthropy and giving, practical insights into fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and grant applications for non-profit and social impact programmes. Participants will examine the core principles of fundraising, including donor motivations, relationship building, storytelling, and the design of effective appeals. By the end of the course, participants will be able to outline a simple fundraising plan, identify suitable engagement approaches for different donor groups, and apply structured thinking to the development of sustainable fundraising initiatives. |
| 4 | (CET167) Strategic Impact & Financial Management | Strategic Impact & Financial Management is a one-day, application-focused course designed to equip professionals in the nonprofit and social impact sectors with essential skills to align financial planning with measurable outcomes. This course integrates impact measurement and financial management into a unified approach that supports strategic decision-making, resource optimisation, and organisational accountability. Participants will explore how to use financial data and social impact metrics together to plan, communicate, and evaluate programmes more effectively. The course focuses on building financial acumen while fostering a performance-driven culture that prioritises transparency, efficiency, and mission alignment. |
Upon successful completion of the four courses, a joint professional certificate will be issued by NVPC and SUSS to participants to recognise their competency in the relevant fields.
Programme Fee
Please click on course code for more information on course fees:
(CET164) Data-driven strategy: Research and Digital Marketing Essentials
(CET1011) Principles of Ethical Fundraising and Donor Stewardship
(CET1012) Foundations of Strategic Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Application
To apply for the Professional Certificate in Fundraising, please register the 4 courses individually.
Advance Your Credentials with a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising
Completed and attained the Professional Certificate in Fundraising? Take the next step in your professional development.
Graduates of the Professional Certificate in Fundraising may pursue the Graduate Certificate in Fundraising through SUSS’s Challenge Examination pathway. By successfully passing the Challenge Examination (CEX) for NPM500, participants will receive credit recognition towards the Graduate Certificate, subject to the university’s entry requirements. This provides an opportunity for learners to build on their prior learning and work towards a recognised university credential in fundraising.
Learn more about the Challenge Examination process: https://www.suss.edu.sg/admissions/application-process/pre-qualifications/challenge-examination
Enquiries
For course registration and further enquiries on the certification programme, you may email to [email protected].