UCCS to offer new program in fundraising development

The School of Public Affairs at UCCS will offer a graduate certificate in nonprofit fund development beginning in January.

The four-course certificate program is designed to provide current and future professionals with skills for successful fundraising in the non-profit sector. The courses will cover such areas as current and prospective donor research, relationship building, securing gifts, volunteer involvement, grant writing and management.

The new program was made possible by an $15,000 grant from the Oklahoma-based Inasmuch Foundation.

“The Inasmuch Foundation directors and advisory committee are enthusiastic about this grant,” Barbara Yalich, Colorado Springs, a foundation advisory committee member, said. “We have great confidence in the high-quality of this certificate and realize firsthand the importance of continuous fund development efforts in the non-profit sector. This is particularly true in these difficult economic times and in an ever more competitive marketplace.”

The courses may be taken on-line or on-site at UCCS and may be used as elective credits toward earning a Master of Public Administration degree, according to Teresa Schwartz, associate dean, School of Public Administration.

“We are honored to have support from the Inasmuch Foundation and to make new course offerings available to non-profit professionals in our area,” Schwartz said.

Because it is a certificate program, students are not required to apply for full admission to UCCS to take the courses. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.

To be considered for admission, students must submit a brief application, transcripts of previous college-level work, and a $25 application fee. Students who wish to be considered for a scholarship must submit an additional brief application.

For more information or application materials, contact Mary Lou Kartis, assistant to the dean, School of Public Affairs, (719) 262-4182 or (800) 990-8227, ext. 4182.
The Inasmuch Foundation was established in 1982 for charitable, scientific and educational projects primarily in Oklahoma; however, the Foundation supports select projects in Colorado Springs. The Foundation consistently provides funding and support to educational, health and human service, cultural, artistic, historical and environmental concerns.