JOB GROWTH IN THE CHARITABLE SECTOR
The holiday season is a time when many think of making charitable donations to one of Canada’s approximately 85,000 charities and 100,000 non-profit organizations. These and other non-profit and charitable organizations that address philanthropic issues need skilled fundraisers more than ever, says the dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University.
“In the next 10 years, we expect to see continued job growth within the charitable sector,” says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni. “Demand for high-quality fundraising professionals has never been greater.”
The Chang School addresses this need by offering a certificate in fundraising management program. A leading program in the field, it is geared towards aspiring fundraising professionals, those currently in management who want to expand their fundraising skills, and anyone in focused areas like special events or planned giving, or in a more general fundraising or charitable sector management position.
“I’m proud to say the program’s success and popularity is based on the curriculum that reflects the most current trends and realities in the non-profit sector, our experienced fundraising professional who teach the courses, practical and relevant course materials reflecting the scope of work undertaken by fundraising professionals and charitable sector managers, and the fact that it provides excellent opportunities to network with other professionals,” says Bountrogianni.
While the Chang School has facilitated the offering since the mid-1990s, Bountrogianni says the curriculum is continuously revised to meet societal needs. In its current format, the six-course program covers all critical aspects of fundraising, from the initial stages of research and planning through to implementation and evaluation, and is taught by seasoned experts, says Bountrogianni.
“Our educators are in touch with industry trends,” she says. “Most of our teaching staff hold key roles as executive directors in nonprofit and voluntary sectors, consultants, principal owners, and marketing and fundraising professionals with at least over 15 years in their field.”
While fundraising management can be completed at Ryerson’s downtown campus, it is also one of 22 certificate programs students can take entirely online. Other online certificates that relate to this sector include business management, nonprofit and voluntary sector management, project management and public relations.