AFP CFRE Refresher Course: Edison, NJ

After more than two years of work, in 2017 AFP completed revision of the AFP CFRE Review Course, now titled the AFP CFRE Refresher Course. This workshop uses “caselets”—short case studies—to review the six fundraising knowledge domains and the core principles and concepts that all experienced fundraising professionals should know.

The AFP CFRE Refresher Course is not designed to be a preparatory course for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Examination but instead is a review of the body of knowledge at the five-year level which many individuals use in studying for the  exam. It is most effective when taken in advance of (rather than prior to )personal or group study. There is no guarantee that any of the specific content covered in this course will appear as specific items on the CFRE examination. CFRE International does not sponsor or endorse any educational programs, and this course was not developed in conjunction with CFRE International.

AFP strongly suggests that participation in the AFP CFRE Refresher Course be just one element of one’s study plan to prepare for the CFRE Exam. Please visit the CFRE International website www.cfre.org for additional study materials. A complete overview of the development function for fundraising professionals who would like to improve their development skills, learn to raise money more efficiently or build upon their current development skills.

The AFP CFRE Refresher Course is organized differently – by the six knowledge domains of the CFRE exam (rather than the previous nine Modules). The course is not presented in a lecture format—in whole or in part; rather, it is a combination of a high level review, self-exploration of knowledge and peer exchange of best practices – all of which are facilitated by an experienced, knowledgeable fundraising practitioner using a caselet approach. As a result, the agenda is different from the previous version.

Domains include:

• Current and Prospective Donor Research
• Securing the Gift
• Relationship Building
• Volunteer Involvement
• Leadership and Management
• Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism

Who Should Attend?

The AFP CFRE Refresher Course is designed for fundraising professionals with 5 or more years of experience. This may include executive directors, vice presidents of development, program managers and special event coordinators for local nonprofits and foundations. Also, staff members of university development offices may be good candidates for the course. Individuals are not required to take the CFRE Certification Exam after the course; they may also benefit from the information presented. Course attendance averages between 10 and 20 participants.