Certificate in Fundraising Communications Mastery - February 2026 Intake

A comprehensive six-month course in the specialised art of fundraising copywriting. Includes individual mentoring and 1-on-1 copy review.

This course is for you if:

• You’re a fundraising professional and are responsible for writing your charity's fundraising and/or donor care copy 

• You’re part of a small fundraising team with limited resources for external consultants

• You’re just starting out in copywriting for fundraising and want the skills to build a successful career.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The course begins with fundraising copy fundamentals, moving on as your skills develop to advanced techniques that will multiply your income and keep your donors inspired and engaged.

You’ll end the course with all the skills you need to write winning fundraising appeals and build strong and lasting donor relationships. 

Each of the units begins with a webinar where you’ll receive practical guidance, best practice examples and the latest professional insights on each topic. Your learning will continue after each webinar with exercises to practice on your own.

Full participation in the Fundraising Copy Masterclass is applicable for 9 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

COURSE MODULES

SESSION 1 & 2: Fundraising Communications Fundamentals

Key takeaways

• How to choose a great case study story

• Interview techniques

• How to structure a fundraising letter

• Long copy versus short copy

• Appeal pack elements – what works and why

SESSION 3 & 4: Communications for Digital Fundraising

Key takeaways

• How to take DM online

• How to plan an integrated campaign

• Do's and don’ts of digital copy

• How to raise more from your emails

SESSION 5 & 6: Specialist Communications for Major Donor, Bequest and Regular Giving

Key takeaways

• Personalisation and targeted copy

• Donor care and engagement as a way to maximise income and retention

• Copywriting for RG acquisition and retention

• Visionary copy for Bequest prospects and confirmed

COURSE DATES

Session 1: 12pm–1:30pm AEDT, 19 February 2026

Session 2: 12pm–1:30pm AEDT, Thursday 19 March 2026

Session 3: 12pm–1:30pm AEST, Thursday 23 April 2026

Session 4: 12pm–1:30pm AEST, Thursday 21 May 2026

Session 5: 12pm–1:30pm AEST, Thursday 18 June 2026

Session 6 - 12pm–1:30pm AEST, Thursday 16 July 2026

One-on-one sessions with Dominique can be booked at a convenient time for you via our booking system.

Unlimited Access Option

If you're really wanting to become a professional fundraising copywriter, we have a limited number of places with unlimited access to Dominique over the course of six months. Save on the total cost with SUPER EARLY BIRD and EARLY BIRD pricing!

YOUR PRESENTER & MENTOR

Dominique Antarakis

International trainer and presenter and CEO of Change&Co, Dominique has been helping non-profits create winning fundraising appeals for more than 20 years.

As one of Australia’s most successful copywriters, she will not only inspire you to create copy that is crisp and compelling, but set you up for fundraising success at a critical time for charities.

PLACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 12 PEOPLE AND WILL SELL OUT FAST