March 2006 President's Message
Patricia Moran
Education, Professionalism and Certification
Dear Development Colleagues:
 In New York City and throughout the country, nonprofit organizations are seeking well qualified, talented, and experienced fundraisers. The job listings, both from our local chapter and the International AFP, are extensive and provide a wide range of available positions from annual giving to stewardship. You are familiar with the expectations for a fundraising position: a certain number of years in the field, bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a passion for the mission, track record in securing major gifts, etc. It is only on rare occasions that an employer will list CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) as a qualification for the position. Why is that? I suppose that employers are not aware of the certification or they prefer to rely on more traditional educational degrees as a qualification. I also believe that fundraisers and those who have completed the CFRE rating are not speaking up about our profession’s credentials. Each day in the news, people are questioning the ethical behavior of business executives, government officials, and community leaders. As fundraisers, we have the opportunity and obligation to speak up about our development expertise and the professional and ethical manner in which we conduct our advancement operations. Certification as a fundraising executive enhances our profession’s image and CFREs stand “out in front” as role models for the fundraising field.
I earned my CFRE in the summer of 2002 and renewed my certification a few months ago. It is a positive experience to participate in a review course to prepare for the CFRE exam. The course I elected to take provided a broad overview of development and reaffirmed to me what I had actually learned “on the job” during my 10 plus years of fundraising experience. In taking and passing the exam, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was part of an elite group of fundraisers who carry the CFRE endorsement—the certification sets us apart from other professionals. These are other benefits to the CFRE rating:
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Adds to your credibility as a fundraiser.
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Identifies you as a person who has mastered current fundraising principles and techniques.
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Shows your willingness to invest in your own professional development and career.
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Improves your skill and knowledge as continuing education is required to maintain certification.
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Exhibits your commitment to the development profession.
There are financial benefits as well. A major salary survey conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), in 2003, showed that fundraising professionals who are certified earned an average of 23% more than their noncertified counterparts. So, if self-esteem and recognition by your peers is not enough for you—think about 23% increase in your earnings!
Today, CFRE preparation and the exam are easy and convenient for your busy schedule. The AFP CFRE Review Course Online allows maximum flexibility. You may take the entire course, or focus on only one of the modules and you can complete the course at your own pace. To register for the Online course, go to the Education and Career Development section on the IAFP website, www.afpnet.org The CFRE exam is now being offered at testing centers in the United States. Once you have applied to take the CFRE exam, you will receive information about testing centers in the New York area. You will answer the test questions directly on a computer screen. Previously, CFRE candidates took a paper-and-pencil exam and used an answer sheet that required filling in bubbles. To learn more about the CFRE application process, please visit www.cfre.org
CFRE International is independent of IAFP and it offers the only internationally-recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives. Based on current and valid practice-based standards, the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is a personal and professional achievement that sets standards in philanthropy.
Show your colleagues, your employer, and your donors your commitment to the profession by becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Join me by being “out in front” as role models for the fundraising field.
Patricia A. Moran, CFRE
Fordham University
This message is part of this month’s newsletter, which is available online. Please click here to read Fundraising News.
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