Foundations of Fundraising
Our signature course focuses on fundraising theory as well as practical application. Attendees will gain increased confidence by improving their knowledge of the science behind fundraising success and also gain more of an appreciation and awareness of the art.
Groups are kept to a maximum of eight participants to allow active engagement and a personalized learning environment for all attendees. In addition to teaching fundraising concepts and skills, our program offers the opportunity for attendees to network, share and learn from each other.
who is this course for?
This course is ideal for a professional fundraiser (or passionate volunteer fundraiser) who has less than 3 years of experience, and wants to explore:
· Best practices to support fundraising efforts
· How to work with donors through all stages of the donor cycle
· Confidence and navigating difficult conversations
· Communication styles and managing change
· Building skills that support fundraising as a career
what we'll cover
DAY 1: Building our Foundation
We begin by delving into the history and current trends of fundraising in Canada and then move to an exploration of donor motivation. After discussing the many fundraising revenue streams that could be pursued, we spend time discussing where they fit into the donor pyramid and how to prioritize.
DAY 2: Working with Donors
This session discusses how we could and do work with donors through all stages of the donor cycle, from identification to stewardship, allowing plenty of time to personalize this to your own situation. We will explore practical tools such as mapping networks and creating a culture of philanthropy.
DAY 3: Exploring Within
Many soft skills are explored on our last day including leadership traits, communication styles, confidence, difficult conversations and managing change. These often overlooked topics are an important part of developing a successful and fulfilling fundraising career.
how is this delivered?
Course
Three 2 ½ hour classes.
Led by an experienced fundraising instructor.
Community of Practice
Three 1 ½ hour community of practice sessions.
After completing the three days of course content, participants will join our ongoing community of practice group for 3 months. It is a chance to meet other Foundations of Friends alumni and explore topics that complement their course sessions. Guest speakers are often invited to these sessions to introduce our participants to new thoughts and ideas, further expanding their networks.
A Zoom connection that can support video is required. If you are not able to connect by video through Zoom and are interested in the course, please contact the school at admin [at] nsof [dot] ca
instructor
Rowena Veylan, Founder & Lead Instructor
A fundraiser, consultant, teacher and mentor, Rowena has been working within the non-profit industry since 2003. Learn more about Rowena.
investment
$350 per participant
The New School of Fundraising is committed to reducing barriers to access our programming. If you are unable to pay a registration fee please reach out directly to Rowena at rowena [at] nsof [dot] ca to discuss options.
ongoing support
Alumni of our Foundations of Fundraising course are invited to join our Community of Practice — an ongoing professional development opportunity designed to support them and their work. Through a series of 1.5-hour sessions, participants explore focused fundraising or sector-related topics with guidance from expert instructors, guest speakers, and sector leaders.
This initiative helps you put fundraising theory into action with practical tools, peer support, and real-world strategies that build confidence and capacity over time. If you are an alumni of our Foundations course and are interested in attending, please contact us at rowena [at] nsof [dot] ca
Investment: $300
course dates
closed for registration
Course
April 22, April 29 & May 6, 2026
9:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
Community of Practice
May 27, June 24 & July 29
10:00 am - 11:30 am PST
You will receive a Zoom link for this program 36 hours in advance. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folders for this follow up e-mail. Adding admin@nsof.ca as a safe sender will also help!
open for registration
Course
June 11, 18 & 25, 2026
9:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
Community of Practice
July 29, Aug 26 & September 23, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am PST
"NSOF’s Foundations of Fundraising was my first foray into education in fundraising in any capacity. Rowena’s curriculum, style of teaching, and cultivation of a warm learning environment made my learning experience a fruitful one. I also appreciated the exposure to classmates' attitudes and current pursuits in fundraising, as they helped expand my mind in terms of what I can dream to accomplish in this capacity. The course was satisfying, and I left with even more interest in learning and building community in the industry—so I signed up for the Community of Practice Series! Ultimately, I got the most out of the course from interacting with classmates, guests, and Rowena herself. I’m learning more and more about the value of staying connected in the industry and the intrinsic gratification I experience getting to know others who are driven to support their communities."
max lade
development officer, monthly giving
union gospel mission
"As someone embarking on a second career, the New School of Fundraising’s Foundations of Fundraising course provided me with the practical tools, knowledge, and framework I needed to move forward with confidence. The course provided real-world applications, giving me skills that I could immediately apply in a fundraising role. I also greatly valued the opportunity to connect with others in the fundraising community and share experiences with peers who are equally passionate about advancing their causes."
Maya Phaneuf
Manager, Fundraising
First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation
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