COD offers a certificate in fundraising

A new Fund Development in Human Services certificate program at College of DuPage will provide students with the skills needed to pursue a successful career in fundraising.

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the certificate will prepare students to work as fundraising assistants for human services programs, related career fields, nonprofit organizations, advocates and providers. Coursework includes fundraising theory, history, strategy, implementation and practice.

According to the Foundation Center, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City, the number of organizations that qualify for grant funds has risen sharply over the last three decades.

Nearly 90,000 trusts, foundations, government agencies and other organizations provide more than $40 billion annually in the U.S. and more than $240 billion worldwide.

"This career field has great potential," human services instructor Andrea Polites said. "There is money available from donor organizations, but you must know how to find and apply for it."

A key partner with the new certificate program is the College of DuPage Library, which houses the Philanthropy Collection. Established in 2000, this collection supports the information needs of nonprofit organizations located in DuPage County by providing access to grant-maker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit management, and several philanthropic databases.

"Christine Kickels, our reference librarian and liaison to this extensive collection, will come into the classroom and help students learn how to use the various databases and find the information they need," Polities said.

"I want my classes to become think tanks, where they can explore all facets of philanthropy and be creative in their approach to fundraising."

For information about the Fund Development in Human Services certificate, visit cod.edu/programs/human_services, email politesa@cod.edu or call (630) 942-2103.