From crushing student debt to struggling seminaries to half empty church pews, much of the landscape of seminaries and finances seems bleak. As traditional funding sources change, the need to understand and gain mastery of fundraising is becoming increasingly important for theological schools. Offering research, tools, and customized training, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is a bright spot during these challenging times.

Customized for the needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers for faith-based organizations, the ECRF is a four-day intensive course capped with a practical application project. By exploring the participants’ values and beliefs concerning fundraising and theology, the ECRF focuses on cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions.

Through its focus on God’s abundance, the ECRF helps awaken a positive, spiritual way of approaching fundraising. The course offers tools on cultivating a culture of generosity as well as keys to building organizational structure to nurture giving. Open to all faith traditions, this program is part of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and is hosted at seminaries and institutions across the country. For information on registration, recommended readings, and upcoming classes, check out Lake Institute on Faith and Giving.