Building Trust and Impact While Fueling Fundraising Career Goals

Brent Platt, MBA, CFRE, CQ | Nova Scotia, Canada

Brent Platt, MBA, CFRE, CQ, is a mission-driven fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience running capital campaigns. In addition to serving many philanthropic organizations throughout his career, he works as both a coach and consultant for fundraising professionals and not-for-profits. 

We recently caught up with Brent to chat about how the CFRE impacted his career and fundraising success.

A Cornerstone for Credibility & Career Growth

I decided to earn CFRE certification early in my career to demonstrate my capabilities and commitment to the field. Achieving this certification was a strategic move to establish my credibility and expertise which has been invaluable in my professional journey. I’ve used the knowledge and skills gained from this certification to drive successful fundraising initiatives and build strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders. It’s allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the organizations I work with.

CFRE is dedicated to setting standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process for fundraising professionals which can help further the philanthropic missions of the fundraising community. It’s been the cornerstone of my career, reinforcing my dedication to the nonprofit sector and enabling me to make a meaningful impact.

It signals to stakeholders that I’m committed to continuous learning and professional development, which is crucial for staying current with industry trends and maintaining high standards of practice. It also signifies a high level of professionalism and dedication, which has been instrumental in building trust with donors, boards, and clients.

Shortly after obtaining my CFRE, I was offered a promotion to a senior fundraising position within my organization. I even received several job offers from reputable organizations, each offering competitive salaries and benefits.

From Certification to Consulting Success

Obtaining the CFRE also helped me further pursue my career goals by enabling me to start a successful consulting firm. This wasn’t always a long-term goal of mine; however, once I realized the impact I could achieve as a consultant, I was hooked. The trigger for taking the leap came shortly after I obtained my CFRE. The credibility and expertise associated with the credential gave me the confidence to pursue consulting. This confidence was essential when pitching my services to potential clients. It opened up new opportunities and connections within the sector, making it easier to attract clients and build a successful business.

The CFRE also helped me build a strong professional network. Through the certification process, I connected with other fundraising professionals and sector leaders which facilitated collaborations and referrals that were instrumental in growing my consulting business.

Surpassing Goals & Uplifting Communities

One of my most successful fundraising initiatives was a capital campaign for a local community service organization. The goal was to raise $5-million to build a new community center to provide essential services such as job training, childcare, and outreach programs for underserved populations.

We surpassed the campaign goal, raising $6.2 million thanks to a comprehensive strategy that included targeted outreach, personalized donor engagement, and leveraging matching gifts. We also increased our donor base by 30% and generated a 50% increase in community participation in events and programs. The impact on the community was profound. The center now serves thousands of individuals and families, providing them with the resources and support they need to improve their quality of life. 

In a separate effort, I worked with a local grassroots nonprofit organization on a major capital campaign to raise $3-million for the expansion of educational programs. The goals included not only raising the necessary funds, but also increasing donor engagement and community awareness.

We surpassed these goals by raising $4.5-million, thanks to a multi-faceted approach that included personalized donor outreach, strategic use of social media, and hosting high-impact fundraising events. We also engaged more than 500 new donors and significantly increased our social media following and engagement.

The community impact was substantial. In addition to allowing the organization to expand its educational programs, the increased donor engagement led to stronger, long-term relationships with supporters and champions, ensuring sustained funding and support for future initiatives.

Considering CFRE Certification?

By leveraging the knowledge and skills gained through CFRE certification, I’ve been able to conduct thorough assessments and identify areas for improvement for my clients. 

Attaining CFRE certification is a lot of work, but I promise it’s worth every minute of it. It not only enhances your professional credibility but also equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in fundraising. The effort you put into earning this designation will pay off in career growth, new opportunities, and the ability to make a greater impact in the nonprofit sector.