During these unparalleled times of economic downturn, many organizations are struggling to stay afloat.  Sources of funding, even for those groups with very worthwhile missions, are drying up.  Agencies and other non-profit groups realize that they must be more creative and competitive in their fundraising efforts and they are seeking trained individuals to help.  A new career field is emerging for people who seek employment in the field of fundraising as independent contractors or consultants.  That is where Fundraising Academy Online, Inc. (FAO) can help!

FAO was founded to meet the needs of qualified and highly motivated individuals, whose geographic, professional, and personal time constraints prevent them from completing educational goals in traditional on-campus programs.

Fundraising Academy Online, Inc. offers web-based educational courses leading to certification as a Fundraiser/Fundraising Consultant/Fundraising Professional.  Graduates of the FAO program will have knowledge and skills to work with small companies, agencies, community organizations and other client groups that seek fundraising expertise.  Typical clients served by fundraising consultants include churches, faith-based outreach ministries, schools and colleges, as well as community-based non-profit organizations.

Most small agencies and businesses cannot afford to maintain an expensive, full-time staff of professionals trained in fundraising, marketing, advertising or company development.  Just as the legal profession has developed the “paralegal” status for individuals with specialized knowledge to augment and assist lawyers, graduates of the FAO program will be certified fundraisers who can assist in the fundraising efforts of many different organizations on a consultant contractual basis.

FAO provides online access to fully interactive content for training in the field of fundraising. Fundraising Academy Online, Inc. does more than introduce our students to textbook materials and knowledge about fundraising.  FAO students receive a state-of-the-art, internet-based “virtual classroom” experience that translates into career-focused education in a growing, high demand field.  The hands-on coursework includes a combination of academic and real-world skills that are developed through higher critical thinking to discover solutions to problem.