Belleville, Ontario, November 8, 2012 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that it will offer a one-year, two semester Post-Graduate Fundraising and Development program for an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, starting September 2013.
“The introduction of our new Certificate is timely, given the growth and globalization of the fundraising profession,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “We are looking forward to teaching the latest academic and technical skills, which future fundraising and development practitioners need to raise and steward donations amidst intensifying competition.”
Approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the new program will prepare graduates for fundraising positions at all levels within government, hospitals, post-secondary education, social service agencies and cultural organizations. A four-week unpaid internship will provide students with the valuable hands-on experience they need to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce.
“As a potential employer, I would be extremely interested in hiring candidates who have a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development,” said Rhonda Cunningham, FAHP, Executive Director of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation. “Someone who has practical experience and has been exposed to all the latest best practices will have an edge over the competition. There is a real void of qualified candidates who truly understand the complexities of fundraising. I applaud Loyalist’s wisdom to design and initiate this new program. Graduates will be well served and better positioned for the competitive job market with this Certificate in hand.”
The Fundraising and Development program will educate students on the following topics:
- Ethical and legal case studies
- Marketing communications for fundraisers
- Fundraising and community events
- Digital applications for fundraisers
- Annual giving and capital campaigns
- Volunteer management
- Financial management for fundraisers
- Canadian not-for-profit landscape
- Operating the Development Office
- Major gifts, planned giving and endowments
- Prospect research, stewardship and donor relations
- Grant writing for charities and not-for-profit organizations
“The Fundraising and Development program at Loyalist College is a welcome addition to charitable organizations and not-for-profits throughout the region,” said Heather Smith, CFRE Manager, Fund Development, YMCA of Central East Ontario. Heather is also the President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for the South Eastern Ontario (SEO) Chapter. “To have well-trained graduates committed to ethical and effective fundraising and in pursuit of professional development will be a tremendous benefit to many organizations struggling with the challenges of raising dollars to support their mission.”
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536