There are many reasons why you might want to study fundraising, donor relations, or grant writing. Perhaps you’re interested in working for a nonprofit organization, or raising money for a cause you’re passionate about. Maybe you want to learn how to effectively solicit donations from individuals or businesses. Whatever your reason, pursuing a degree or certification in this field can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. Here are our top picks of Bachelors in Fundraising, Donor relations, Grant writing.
BA Philanthropic Studies – Indiana University–Perdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
IUPUI offers a BA in Philanthropic Studies, a 4-year program delivered on campus. Similar to other programs, this degree program is designed for those passionate about making a difference in the community and interested in becoming innovative leaders in the nonprofit field. This program includes courses in civic engagement, fundraising, nonprofit management, and ethics and values, as well as a capstone seminar and internship preparation class. Students will have multiple opportunities during their 4 years of study, including an internship, study abroad, participate in research, and more.
Tuition for in-state students is $9700. Out-of-state students will pay $13,992 if they are participants in the Midwest Student Exchange Program and $30,710 if not. These tuition rates do not include fees and expenses. IUPUI offers a wide range of scholarships available to students. Some are available to students upon admission; others require a separate application.
BA Nonprofit Leadership – Rockhurst University
Rockhurst University has a BA in Nonprofit Leadership, a 4-year degree program. Students interested in working in the nonprofit sector will have the chance to study through a nationally recognized program that will also offer them the chance to earn a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential. In addition to a wide variety of core courses in art, history, science, theology, philosophy, and literature, students will also take nonprofit-specific courses designed to help them understand fundraising, program planning, laws and regulations, financial management, and professional networking. Students are encouraged to engage outside of the classroom with clubs and other on-campus activities that can help them advance their education. Students will also participate in an internship to help them gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit field.
Cost of tuition is $18,900 for all students, not including additional fees and expenses. Rockhurst offers both academic and competitive scholarships for students. Competitive scholarships are by invitation only; academic scholarships are offered based on test scores and grades upon admission. Some talent-based scholarships are also available.
BA Communication, Emphasis in Fundraising and Philanthropy – Union College
Union College offers a BA in Communication with an emphasis in Fundraising and Philanthropy. This 4-year program is designed for students looking to use the power of communication to influence and inspire, especially in ways that can lead people to give. Students will take courses in a variety of areas including writing, photography, graphic design, editing, and more, as well as courses in accounting, nonprofit finances, and other fundraising-specific courses. In addition to courses, students will also have opportunities to be published and to learn from professors who have real-world experience in journalism, public relations, and communications.
Tuition costs $23,520 for all students. Full tuition scholarships are available to some students based on academic eligibility, as well as partial tuition. Students may also receive scholarships for their leadership and extracurricular activities, work experience, and financial need.
BA (Hons) Charity Development – University of Chichester
The University of Chichester offers a BA in Charity Development, a 3-year program for students interested in pursuing a career in fundraising. The degree courses cover a variety of areas that are related to and useful in fundraising, including marketing, programming, grantmaking, event planning, managing data, and more. Students will also develop their own work-based project, based on their experience, expertise, and interests that they gain throughout their coursework.
Tuition for Home/EU students is £ 9,250 and for international students is £ 13,500. International students are encouraged to contact their own country’s education departments for information about potential study-abroad scholarships. Some additional funds are available for both home/EU based students and international students depending on eligibility and requirements.
BA Public and Nonprofit Management – Baldwin Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University has a 4-year BA in Public and Nonprofit Management available for students interesting in helping others through the nonprofit sector. Students will take courses covering topics such as political science, business, economics, analytics, communications, policy, and more, including a variety of electives. Students are required to complete an internship that will help them gain real-world experience. The program also offers opportunities to get involved with research institutes, career networking, study abroad, and model UN.
Tuition for students is $34,504 per year, not including fees and expenses. Baldwin Wallace states that all students receive some level of financial support. Merit scholarships are available for up to $21,000. Additional special awards are also available.
BSc Nonprofit Administration – Johnson University
Johnson University offers a BSc in Nonprofit Administration through their Tennessee and Florida campuses, as well as online. In addition to Johnson’s core curriculum, which includes theological courses, students will take courses covering topics such as strategic planning, organizational development, financial management, human resource management, marketing and public relations, and ethics to help them prepare for leadership roles in business and nonprofit sectors. Students will also participate in an internship with a nonprofit organization.
Tuition for this program is $16,400 per year on campus and $450 per credit hour online. Students may be eligible for need-based financial aid and work-study opportunities. Scholarships are available for most on-campus students and are given out upon admission. Online students are not eligible for any institutional scholarships.
BSc Sport Management – Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University has a BSc in Sport Management, designed for students interested in the business side of sports at various levels. Students will take courses and learn skills in fundraising, leadership and management, law and ethics, sales, marketing, event management, communication, and more. Students are also required to choose a minor, from the areas of general business, legal studies, communication, advertising, journalism, electronic media, media strategies, and public relations.
For Texas residents and those in bordering counties, tuition and fees cost $11,320. For non-resident students, tuition and fees cost $23,770. Students can apply for all available scholarships they are eligible for with one application. Many scholarships are available exclusively for Sport Management students.
BA Arts Administration – University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky offers a 4-year BA in Arts Administration. The program is designed for students interested in working within the administrative side of nonprofit arts organizations. Through the coursework, students will learn skills in fundraising, communications, marketing, program development, financial management, and more. Students will choose from 1 of 9 possible minors, including art history, art studio, dance, digital media and design, music history, music performance, photography, theater, and visual studies.
Tuition for in-state students is $12,360 and $30,680 for out-of-state students. A variety of scholarships are available to students, including some full-tuition opportunities. Academic, competitive, and selective scholarships are available, as well as a diversity scholarship and department-specific scholarships.
BSc Nonprofit Leadership Studies – Murray State University
Murray State University offers a 4-year BSc in Nonprofit Leadership Studies for students interested in working towards careers as nonprofit leaders. Students will take courses in financial management, program development, volunteer and human resource management, grant writing, and more. Students can follow a Nonprofit Management track or Outdoor Recreation track. Most courses involve a service-learning project to help students gain hands-on experience.
Tuition costs vary based on place of residency. Kentucky students pay $9186; Tennessee students pay $9696; regional students (from surrounding states) pay $10,860; and non-regional students pay $13,920. Murray State University offers both academic and competitive scholarships.
BA Nonprofit Leadership and Management – High Point University
High Point University offers a BA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, designed to help students gain skills to be able to lead and manage nonprofit organizations. Students will take courses covering topics such as fundraising and resource development, management, program design and evaluation, counseling and helping professions, and governance and leadership. Students will also engage in experiential learning through internships in a professional environment, summer and part-time opportunities, and other activities.
Tuition costs $38,080 per year, not including additional expenses. Various scholarships are available for students, including a full-tuition scholarship. Eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship opportunity.
