Eliza Bianchi, CFRE, has more than a decade of experience as a professional fundraiser. She began her fundraising career working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and has served with several higher education institutions. She’s now the Executive Director of Advancement at the Holy Trinity School in Ontario, Canada.
Having first earned the CFRE in 2020, we talked with Eliza about the value she’s found in holding the credential and how she’s used the knowledge she gained through the process to grow her career.
The Life-Changing Power of Education
Working in education, I see how it changes the lives of people - makes them dream big and be creative. I value education a lot, and the CFRE brings it to our profession. For me, earning the CFRE is not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about reflecting on what we do and striving to be better.
The CFRE journey encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, pick up new skills, and understand fundraising from different perspectives. Doing all this in a new country, in a language and culture that aren’t my first, gave me a real sense of achievement. I’m grateful for several people in my life who believed in me, even before I believed in myself.
Through recertification, I actively engage in professional development—whether it’s continuing education, achieving fundraising goals, or upholding the highest ethical standards. This process isn’t just an administrative step; it’s a meaningful way to affirm that I remain passionate and dedicated to making a positive impact in our field.
I’m still asked, "Do you do it for a living or is it a hobby?" Many people don't understand what being a fundraiser means. With the credential, we can spark conversations.
Transcending Borders with CFRE
Coming to Canada as a Brazilian immigrant, I’ve faced my share of challenges. I had to adjust to new languages and a whole new culture. It wasn’t always easy, and I often felt the need to prove myself. Learning is how I do that. I enjoy being challenged and discovering new things, even when it’s tough.
I’m a psychologist by training, but when I moved to Canada, I had to change fields and I eventually stepped into fundraising. It meant starting over and building new skills from scratch. I often wondered if my previous experience would count or if people would recognize the value I could bring. Sometimes, as an immigrant, you feel you have to work twice as hard just to earn respect or get your foot in the door.
Earning the CFRE helped me build credibility and confidence in my work. It’s more than a certification; it's a testament to my journey and my unwavering belief in the transformative power of philanthropy.
Holding a globally recognized credential like the CFRE means a lot to me, especially as someone who’s lived in different countries. I’ve learned how important it is to have something that’s respected and understood everywhere. The CFRE is proof that my skills and my commitment to fundraising hold value no matter where I am.
An Open Door to Opportunity
The CFRE has not only enhanced my professional reputation but also opened doors to a variety of exciting job opportunities, enabling me to pursue roles that align with my passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. Having the CFRE certification has significantly impacted my career by helping me secure two separate job opportunities that aligned with my skills and aspirations.
In the past years, I’ve had some amazing opportunities. I worked as Associate Director of Development at Ashbury College, then moved to Director of Corporate Giving at the University of Ottawa, and now I’m the Executive Director of Advancement at Holy Trinity School.
CFRE has provided me with the credibility to be invited as a guest speaker at three different conferences (two CCAE conferences and AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day 2024), where my credential was consistently highlighted in my introductions. This recognition lent credibility to my presentations and allowed me to share valuable insights and experiences with a broader audience of fundraising professionals. This has not only enhanced my professional profile but has also strengthened my network within the nonprofit sector.
In the past three years since I earned the credential, a lot has changed. The CFRE is an asset, and I’ve used it.