Fundraising and Development
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development offers a foundation in the techniques, tools, and skill sets necessary for nonprofit fundraising and development efforts.
Program overview
Support nonprofits' growth
In today’s nonprofit sector, fundraising and development have seen continual growth and increased career opportunities. The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development prepares students for roles or advancement in these increasingly strategic areas and provides students with the expert-level skills, techniques, and practicalities of raising funds.
In this online program, students will produce professional-level work to add to their personal portfolio, utilize current industry tools, and have the opportunity to participate in experiential projects. Skills graduates learn in donor research management, grant writing, building effective partnerships, and measuring social impact are increasingly valuable to nonprofit organizations as they are depending on fundraising and grant management to achieve their mission.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
In today’s nonprofit sector, fundraising and development have seen continual growth and increased career opportunities. The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development prepares students for roles or advancement in these increasingly strategic areas and provides students with the expert-level skills, techniques, and practicalities of raising funds.
In this online program, students will produce professional-level work to add to their personal portfolio, utilize current industry tools, and have the opportunity to participate in experiential projects. Skills graduates learn in donor research management, grant writing, building effective partnerships, and measuring social impact are increasingly valuable to nonprofit organizations as they are depending on fundraising and grant management to achieve their mission.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
Graduates can enter into or advance within roles as development coordinators, fundraising managers, grant or proposal writers, senior gifts officers, and more.
Engage in an experiential project with an organization of your choice or another institution suggested by the faculty/XN team and learn from industry experts both in class and out.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Online application
Professional resumé
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Other materials may be required
Program objectives
Prepare for success
With this certificate, you’ll be well prepared to help organizations raise much-needed funds and advance your career in nonprofit management.
Learn advanced techniques in donor research management, grant writing, building effective partnerships, and measuring social impact.
Build a solid foundation in data analysis and performance management for the nonprofit sector.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
- Master of Science in Nonprofit Management — Boston
- Master of Science in Nonprofit Management — Online
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$14,704Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
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Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.