Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development

Monday, 15 September 2025 05:17:36

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted

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Overview

Overview

Major Donor Development is a crucial skill for non-profit organizations. This Advanced Certificate program equips fundraising professionals with advanced strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gifts.


Learn to build lasting relationships with high-net-worth individuals. Master techniques in donor cultivation and gift planning. The program explores planned giving and sophisticated fundraising approaches.


Designed for experienced fundraisers, development officers, and executive directors. This Major Donor Development certificate accelerates your career. It provides you with practical tools and insights to significantly increase major gifts.


Ready to elevate your fundraising impact? Explore the Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development today!

Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development equips you with the skills to cultivate and manage high-net-worth relationships. This intensive program focuses on fundraising strategies and donor cultivation, offering expert training in prospect research, gift planning, and stewardship. Gain a competitive edge in the nonprofit sector with enhanced career prospects as a major gifts officer, development director, or philanthropic advisor. Our unique features include personalized mentorship and networking opportunities with leading professionals. Transform your fundraising career with our Advanced Certificate.

Entry requirements

The program operates on an open enrollment basis, and there are no specific entry requirements. Individuals with a genuine interest in the subject matter are welcome to participate.

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted.

Step into a transformative journey at LSIB, where you'll become part of a vibrant community of students from over 157 nationalities.

At LSIB, we are a global family. When you join us, your qualifications are recognized and accepted, making you a valued member of our diverse, internationally connected community.

Course Content

• Major Gift Cultivation & Solicitation Strategies
• Prospect Research & Identification for Major Gifts (including prospect management software)
• Building & Managing Major Donor Relationships
• The Psychology of Philanthropy & Major Gift Giving
• Stewardship & Donor Retention in Major Gift Development
• Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts
• Ethics & Compliance in Major Donor Fundraising
• Developing a Successful Major Gift Program (program planning & implementation)
• Grant Writing & Major Gift Proposals
• Measuring the Impact of Major Gift Fundraising (ROI & reporting)

Assessment

The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.

Fee and Payment Plans

30 to 40% Cheaper than most Universities and Colleges

Duration & course fee

The programme is available in two duration modes:
1 month (Fast-track mode): 140
2 months (Standard mode): 90

40% Cheaper

Our course fee is up to 40% cheaper than most universities and colleges.

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Awarding body

 The programme is awarded by London School of International Business. This program is not intended to replace or serve as an equivalent to obtaining a formal degree or diploma. It should be noted that this course is not accredited by a recognised awarding body or regulated by an authorised institution/ body.

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  • Start this course anytime from anywhere.
  • 1. Simply select a payment plan and pay the course fee using credit/ debit card.
  • 2. Course starts
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Got questions? Get in touch

Chat with us: Click the live chat button

+44 75 2064 7455

admissions@lsib.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 3608 0144



Career path

Major Donor Development Role Description
Fundraising Manager (Major Gifts) Cultivates and solicits major gifts from high-net-worth individuals. Develops and manages fundraising strategies; builds strong relationships with donors.
Development Director (Major Gifts) Leads and manages a team focused on securing major gifts. Oversees all aspects of major gift fundraising, including prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Significant leadership and strategic planning skills required.
Trusts and Foundations Officer (Major Gifts) Develops and manages relationships with trusts and foundations to secure significant funding. Conducts thorough research to identify suitable grant opportunities. Experience in grant writing crucial.
Planned Giving Officer (Legacy Giving) Promotes planned giving opportunities such as bequests, trusts, and charitable gift annuities. Educates donors about legacy giving options and manages relationships with legacy donors. Expertise in estate planning is beneficial.

Key facts about Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development

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An Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development equips fundraising professionals with advanced strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts. The program focuses on building strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporations to secure substantial donations.


Learning outcomes include mastering advanced techniques in donor identification and qualification, developing compelling fundraising proposals, implementing effective stewardship plans, and managing complex donor relationships. You'll also gain expertise in legacy giving and planned giving strategies, critical for long-term fundraising success.


The duration of the certificate program varies depending on the institution, typically ranging from several months to a year. Many programs offer flexible online learning options to accommodate busy professionals in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy.


This certificate is highly relevant to professionals working in fundraising, development, and philanthropy. Graduates are well-positioned for career advancement in nonprofit organizations, foundations, and higher education institutions. The skills gained are directly applicable to securing major gifts and building sustainable funding streams, enhancing your value in the competitive fundraising landscape. The program also enhances skills in prospect research and gift planning.


Successful completion of the program demonstrates a high level of expertise in major gift fundraising, making you a highly sought-after professional in the field. This advanced certificate strengthens your professional profile and allows for showcasing your expertise in capital campaigns and endowment building.

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Why this course?

An Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development is increasingly significant in today's competitive fundraising landscape. The UK's charitable sector relies heavily on major gifts, with a recent report suggesting that over 60% of charitable income comes from high-net-worth individuals. This highlights a crucial need for professionals equipped with advanced skills in cultivating and securing these substantial donations.

This certificate addresses the growing demand for specialized expertise in areas such as prospect research, major gift cultivation strategies, and legacy giving. With the UK's wealth distribution becoming increasingly concentrated, the ability to effectively engage with high-net-worth individuals is paramount for the success of charities of all sizes. Mastering these skills, as provided by the certificate program, is essential for organizations seeking to secure their financial future and maximize their impact.

Skill Relevance
Prospect Research Essential for identifying potential major donors.
Cultivation Strategies Crucial for building strong relationships with donors.
Legacy Giving Increasingly important for long-term financial sustainability.

Who should enrol in Advanced Certificate in Major Donor Development?

Ideal Candidate Profile Key Characteristics
Fundraising Professionals Experienced fundraisers seeking to enhance their major gift cultivation and stewardship skills. Aspiring to lead successful fundraising campaigns and manage high-value donor relationships.
Nonprofit Leaders CEOs, Executive Directors, and senior managers responsible for securing significant funding for their UK-based organisations. Recognising the importance of a robust major gifts program to ensure long-term financial sustainability (e.g., given that 70% of charitable donations in the UK come from individuals).
Development Officers Individuals already involved in donor engagement, but wanting advanced training in securing major gifts, improving donor retention, and implementing effective cultivation strategies. Keen to expand their knowledge of legacy giving and planned gifts.
Trust and Foundation Relationship Managers Professionals aiming to enhance their ability to secure substantial grants and build strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and charitable foundations in the UK.