Did you know 54% of CFREs say their employer helped cover part or all of their CFRE initial certification fee? (Source: 2023 CFRE Certificant Survey).

See our tips below to start the conversation and use our email template to begin the conversation.

 

1) Your organization needs to show it operates ethically at every turn.
Your board, other departments within your organization, grant-makers, and donors want to know your fundraising team is holding itself to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Having a CFRE that has agreed to comply with the Donor Bill of Rights and Accountability Standards does just that.

2) Every boss wants the most knowledgeable fundraising professionals on their team.
To become a CFRE, most CFREs study 40 – 80 hours and read a variety of books—learning quite a bit in the process.

Many CFREs say that while studying they absorbed new techniques, approaches to campaigns, and filled in knowledge gaps they didn’t know they had. CFREs bring this knowledge to their workplace to help their teams excel.

3) A sense of pride and personal achievement.
No one can be effective in their job if they aren’t confident they’re performing it properly. Ninety-two percent of CFREs say earning their CFRE gave them a sense of personal achievement.

4) The books you want to use for studying.
If your boss isn’t able to financially support your CFRE initiation certification fee, they can help you in other ways. Talk to them about purchasing the books you’d like to use in your preparation. The books can be owned by your organization and used to start a staff library.

5) Study time.
The day before sitting for the exam, many people take the day off work to do one final revision of their notes (this isn’t time to cram). Ask your boss if they might donate a day off so you can have a full day to revise and rest up.

6) Timing your conversation.
A great time to speak with your boss about the CFRE is when your organization is creating its budget for the next fiscal year. If you’re near the end of your fiscal year and there will be unused professional development funds, check if some (or all) of the funds could be applied towards your initial certification fee and/or prep materials.

American Public Gardens Association (APGA)

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United Negro College Fund

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Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance

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Nepal Center for Philanthropy and Development

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BBB Wise Giving Alliance

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Korea Society of Philanthropy

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Habitat for Humanity

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HKMA

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Boy and Girls Clubs of America

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China – CAFP

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NACCDO

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Brazil Fundraising Association

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European Fundraising Association

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Japan Fundraising Association

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North American YMCA Development Organization

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New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy

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Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals

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International Catholic Stewardship Council

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Fundraising Institute New Zealand

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Fundraising Institute Australia

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Association of Philanthropic Counsel

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Association of Fundraising Consultants

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Educate Plus

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The Giving Institute

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AHP

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ACF

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AFP

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