Our Core Training Cohort gives faith-based nonprofit leaders a proven, relational, fundraising system so you can raise more, ask with confidence, and build donor relationships that build the Kingdom.
$4,950 $2,475
Covers two attendees
Cohorts begin monthly. Enroll now.
Most nonprofit leaders weren’t trained to fundraise. They were trained to lead, serve, and pursue a mission. Asking for money can feel awkward, transactional, or just plain hard.
Our Core Fundraising Training changes that.
In three months, you’ll build a complete fundraising foundation rooted in our Taking Donors Seriously® system—a proven, Biblically-based approach to raising more, asking with confidence, and building donor relationships that last. By investing just a few hours a week, you’ll leave with a framework you can put into practice right away.
A proven, relational fundraising system trusted by faith-based nonprofits for over 30 years.
You lead or serve a faith-based nonprofit and fundraising feels like a challenge
You want to build real, lasting relationships with donors, not just hit a number
You're tired of winging it and are ready for a proven system
You want to learn alongside others in a similar place
By the end of the Core Training Cohort, you’ll be equipped to:
01
Identify, cultivate, and grow long-term partnerships with donors who believe in your mission.
02
This powerful, personalized tool communicates your organization’s story and moves people to give.
03
A clear, repeatable roadmap so you’re never starting from scratch again.
04
So you’re not doing this alone.
Our Core Training is a 3-month cohort experience—not a self-paced course you forget about after week one. Here’s what’s included:
Learn alongside a cohort of peers who understand the unique challenges of fundraising in a ministry context.
Personal guidance from an experienced Christian fundraiser who gets your context.
Practical, digestible content you can apply immediately.
Real work that moves your actual fundraising forward, not just hypotheticals.
Earn points towards recognized industry credentials.
Timeline: 3 months Level: Beginner Format: Online + Live Sessions
Here’s what you’ll cover:
Learn the mindset and principles behind effective fundraising, and take an honest look at where your organization stands today.
Learn how to tell your story in a way that inspires people to invest. Share your mission, impact, and vision all in one compelling case.
Fundraising isn’t a solo job. Learn how to build a team around you and equip others to help carry the mission forward.
Learn how to identify, research, and prioritize the donors most likely to support your work.
Turn what you’ve learned into a clear, workable plan for engaging donors throughout the year.
Build real confidence for the moment that matters most: preparing for donor conversations and making the ask.
Earn points towards recognized industry credentials.
Dr. Hector Cruz, CFRE
Shannon Watlington
Jeremy Simler
Mallory Billings
John-Mark Walker
Justin ForbesDr. Hector Cruz, CFRE
Shannon Watlington
Jeremy Simler
Mallory Billings
John-Mark Walker
Justin Forbes
Many fundraising programs focus primarily on techniques and transactions. Our Core Training focuses on relationships. By learning our Taking Donors Seriously® fundraising system, you’ll learn how to build meaningful connections with donors, communicate your mission effectively, and invite people to make a lasting impact through generosity. The result is a sustainable fundraising approach that feels authentic, mission-centered, and effective.
Not at all. Our Core Training is designed for both new and experienced fundraisers. Whether you’re building a fundraising program from scratch or looking to strengthen an existing effort, the framework provides practical tools that can be applied immediately. This training has been successfully implemented by executive directors/CEOs, development directors, ministry leaders, pastors, board members, advancement professionals or anyone who raises support, no matter your experience level.
That’s exactly why many organizations join the course. You’ll learn how to identify potential donors within your existing network, analyze your donor base, and develop a plan for finding and cultivating new supporters.
Yes. The FOCUS Group’s Core Training has been used successfully by churches, schools, mission organizations, rescue missions, camps, and a wide range of other faith-based nonprofits. The principles are rooted in relationship-building, stewardship, and helping people invest in meaningful ministry impact.
Most participants spend 2–4 hours per week engaging with the course materials, attending live sessions, and completing assignments. The assignments are designed to help you build real fundraising tools and strategies that directly benefit your organization.
Participants leave with a practical fundraising system that includes:
We strongly encourage organizations to have at least two people attend this training. Fundraising is most effective when it is shared among staff, board members, and key volunteers rather than resting on one individual. Organizations that participate as a team often experience greater accountability, stronger implementation, and better long-term results. Pricing is per organization, so both individuals are covered under the one price. There’s no added cost to bring a second person.
Absolutely. In fact, board members are often some of the most important people to involve in the fundraising process. The course helps board members better understand their role in advancing the mission, building donor relationships, and supporting a healthy culture of philanthropy.
Our Core Training is especially valuable for smaller organizations. You do not need a large development staff, sophisticated systems, or a large donor base to begin building meaningful donor relationships. The framework is designed to help organizations of all sizes focus on the people most likely to support their mission and create a sustainable fundraising process that fits their capacity.
We’re happy to help you decide if Core Training is the right fit for your organization.
Contact: Hector Cruz · [email protected] · 567.674.1781
