Join us online this Fall 2024 along with Orthodox Christian parish leaders from throughout the country to increase your skill and comfort level in the ministry of religious fundraising. Earn the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in parishes and faith-based organizations. ECRF is a practical program which you apply in your specific setting. The ECRF course helps parish leaders learn the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.
This 8-week program is offered in coordination with the Office of Vocation & Ministry at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with the generous support of a grant from Leadership 100.
The course will run from September 30-November 18, 2024.
Outcomes
- Learn to speak comfortably about money.
- Learn to "make the ask" for major gifts.
- Encourage members to remember the Church in their estate planning.
Time Commitment
The course will be conducted online over 8 weeks from September 30 through November 18, meeting twice per week with:
- One 90-minute Weekly Interactive Plenary Session
- One 60-minute Weekly moderated Peer Group Discussion
- Weekly online independent study of lesson materials.
Who Should Attend?
Clergy and lay leaders in parishes who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and develop practical skills in religious stewardship and fundraising.
Program Fee
- $1,300 Early Bird Rate
- $1,550 Full Program Rate
Financial Aid
While a $300 deposit is required for all participants, financial aid of up to $1,000 is available by application. This year, scholarship priority will be given to clergy and lay leaders who want to increase generosity and stewardship in their parish.
Register here or via the QR code above.
Comments from Participants in the 2023 Session for Orthodox Christian Parish Leaders:
What is the most important thing that happened to you during this ECRF program?
- "It challenged me to truly think about what giving means in relation to my faith and compare it to what the fathers teach."
- "I changed my outlook and perspective on the role of money in our faith. I am now more bold in asking."
- "I raised $10,000 using the skills from the course."
- "Interaction with other participants while practicing what we learned."
- "My 'thinking' of religious fundraising/giving/stewardship is much greater. I look at it differently (better, more accurately) now."
What do you feel you gained through your investment of time with this ECRF program?
- "More confidence in fundraising and time to compare the topic of giving with Orthodox Christian Ancient Tradition."
- "A better understanding of how theology can inform fundraising."
- "How to plan and carry out a fundraising program."
- "To learn a more tactical approach to religious fund raising"
- "Confidence to create a plan in our parish for both stewardship in general, and the ability to ask for major gifts."
Additional comments:
- "I was very happy with the course."
- "Will highly recommend to course to other colleagues and peers."
- "100% worth the time. The variety of students, priests and lay, and from across the country was a big bonus."
This course is offered in coordination with the Office of Vocation & Ministry Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism with the generous support of Leadership 100.
Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos.
