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Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Program

Why Should I Consider Becoming a CFRE?

Certification is important in many professional industries, and the fundraising community is no exception. There are many reasons to become a CFRE, including that it:

  • Validates knowledge of the best practices in ethical fundraising.
  • Demonstrates your commitment and dedication to professional achievement.
  • Increases earning potential. In the U.S., CFRE certificants report earnings of $30,000 more than their non-certified colleagues.

How Do I Earn the CFRE Credential?

Certification is a 3 step process:

  1.  Complete the online application.
  2.  Pass the CFRE Exam.
  3.  Agree to uphold a code of ethics and accountability standards.

How Does AFP SOCO Support CFRE Candidates?

Our local chapter supports CFRE candidates and certificants in various ways, including:

  • Providing CFRE mentors to guide candidates through the process.
  • Offering a CFRE scholarship program to qualified AFP SOCO Members. 
  • Organizing opportunities for current CFRE certificants to meet, network, and discuss current trends in the profession.

About CFRE

Founded in 2001, CFRE International is an independent nonprofit organization whose sole mission is dedicated to setting standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process for fundraising professionals.



AFP SOCO recognizes the significance of the CFRE designation and supports members who wish to seek this distinction. The AFP SOCO Chapter's CFRE scholarship helps to defray the cost of the CFRE certification process for current members in good standing.

CFRE Scholarship recipients receive half of the testing fee, up to $350, to support the cost of CFRE certification.

This scholarship is funded by the AFP SOCO Chapter.


Eligibility

Must be a current AFP member in good standing.

Additional CFRE Credits may be earned for various AFP SOCO Chapter events. Email info@afpsoco.org for more information on which events may be eligible for CFRE credit. 

AFP SOCO's 18th Annual Summit on Philanthropy was worth 5 CE Credits. To track your credits for those sessions, please click here.

Applications

The 2024 CFRE Scholarship Application is currently closed. Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 CFRE Scholarship!

Applicants must complete the online scholarship application and supply a current resume. Upon successfully passing the CFRE exam, the applicant will submit a copy of the CFRE certificate to claim the scholarship. Recipients must claim the scholarship within one month after receipt of CFRE certificate.

Questions? Email info@afpsoco.org.



CFRE Scholarship

2019 Recipient

Debbie Swanson, CFRE

Grant Analyst, Colorado Springs Police Department


Now that I have attained my CFRE credential, I have something tangible to offer in support of my capabilities. It has done much for my own sense of confidence. It is not something to take lightly – it took two attempts to earn this designation, and I had been fundraising for 17 years. It took understanding that the exam tests on the knowledge of underlying theories and the best practices in fundraising and the ability to apply these theories and practices in our everyday work scenarios. It took more than just studying to pass – I had to assimilate the information deeply within me, to find the heart, purpose, and passion behind our profession, to capture the nuances that make this profession ethical and professional. Even though I have earned the certification, going through this process will make me an even better fundraiser.


Past CFRE Scholarship Recipients

 2019 Debbie Swanson, CFRE Grant Analyst, Colorado Springs Police Department
 2017 Michelle Reich, CFRE Development Officer, UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation

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