Saint Meinrad Cohort
June 10-12, 2027
Meeting the growing needs of leaders in religious institutions
“Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging. Rather, we are declaring, we have a vision that is amazing and exciting.”
— Henri Nouwen
The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is a fundraising course with a practical application project. It provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on 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.
Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology is pleased to host an in-person cohort of the ECRF, offered by the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. This cohort meets over three days in person on the Saint Meinrad campus, followed by digital content and a Zoom session, so participants can carry the work forward at their own pace.
This Cohort at a Glance
Dates: June 10–12, 2027 (Thursday–Saturday), in person, plus a follow-up Zoom session
Location: Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577
Formation: Three-day, in-person intensive with a practical application project, asynchronous digital content, and a follow-up Zoom session
Class size: Limited to 36 participants
CFRE credit: 22 CFRE Continuing Education Points
Format and Schedule
The course includes three days of in-person instruction and one Zoom call to discuss participant projects, along with asynchronous digital content, exercises, and resources that can be accessed at your own pace. Each in-person day includes a one-hour lunch and two 15-minute breaks.
Note: Saint Meinrad is on Central Time.
Thursday, June 10, 2027: Registration at 12:00 pm; sessions 1:00 - 5:15 pm
Friday, June 11, 2027: 9:00 am – 5:15 pm
Saturday, June 12, 2027: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Follow-up (Zoom): One 60-minute session (date to be announced), plus individual one-on-one Zoom meetings with faculty to consult on your project
What the Course Covers
The ECRF is built around four key topics, selected readings, and a final project.
Nurturing Generous Congregations & Organizations
This foundational content surveys the changing landscape of religious giving with a focus on the organizational readiness of an institution to engage in effective fundraising. This section gives particular attention to the social dynamics and practices that nurture generosity.
Nurturing Generous Donors
Experiential content in which participants first explore their own giving story and philosophy. This section then focuses on the art of donor care by highlighting research on donor profiles and motivations for giving.
The Practice of Religious Fundraising
The spirituality of fundraising lays the foundation for this practical information, with an emphasis on fundraising principles, practices, tools, and techniques.
Integrating Religious Leadership & Fundraising
This final section explores how the faith community talks about money, generosity, and the faithful use of possessions. While exploring this material, participants are encouraged to develop a theology of money reflective of their faith tradition.
Who Should Attend
The ECRF is designed for religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles. The program is open and specifically tailored to all faith traditions. Typical titles of attendees include:
- Director of Development, Advancement, Stewardship, Planned Giving, Majors Gifts, etc.
- President, Vice President, Chair, Executive Director of foundations
- Development leaders and professionals at faith-based organizations
- Clergy
- Lay leaders
Required Readings
Participants provide their own copies of the required readings. The full reading list, including recommended titles, is available at lakeinstitute.org/ecrf.
- Robinson, K. (2014). Imagining Abundance.
- Maimonides, M. “Laws Concerning Gifts to the Poor.”
- Nouwen, H. (2011). A Spirituality of Fundraising.
- Freeman, H. (2015). Unlacing the Heart: Connecting with What Really Matters. Chapter 5, “Steak and Asparagus with Margaret.”
CFRE Continuing Education Credit
Complete participation in this course qualifies for 22 CFRE Continuing Education Points.
The Final Project
Upon completion of the seminar and preparatory work, participants apply the concepts learned in the course by designing and implementing a project over the following year at their faith-based institution. Examples of past projects include a year-round stewardship program, an annual giving or fundraising campaign, a special fundraising initiative, a planned giving program, an educational program to foster generosity, a leadership development program for staff or governing board, and a pre-campaign planning program.
Cost and What Is Included
Program Fee: $1,450 per participant (early bird: $1,350 through February 10, 2027)
- Includes the three-day, in-person course, the certificate curriculum, and access to the Lake Institute online community, along with the digital content, exercises, and resources available after the in-person sessions.
Lodging and Meals: $299 resident rate, $99 commuter rate
- Includes seven meals and socials. The resident rate includes two nights of accommodation.
How to Register
Registration Fee: $125 deposit which will be applied to your balance.
- To reserve your place in the Saint Meinrad cohort, click the button below. Enrollment is limited to 36 participants. If the cohort fills, we will maintain a short waiting list.
The final balance must be paid by April 1st, 2027 in order to hold your spot.
Refund Policy
Cancellations:
- before April 10, 2027, a full refund is available, less a $50 cancellation fee.
- between April 10 and May 10, 2027, a 50% refund is available, less a $50 cancellation fee.
- No refunds are available after May 10, 2027, except in cases of emergency or illness.
Questions?
Contact Bella Thompson, ithompson@saintmeinrad.edu, 812-357-6336