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Professional Development

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International certifies fundraising professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and commitment to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in serving the philanthropic sector.

Our local chapter can also help support you in your CFRE journey by providing guidance and scholarships. For more information, contact Edna Meza Aguirre at emacananea@yahoo.com

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Reasons to Certify:

  • Increases credibility
  • Improves Career Opportunities
  • Prepares for Greater Responsibility
  • Develops Skills & Knowledge
  • Yields Greater Earning Potential
  • Demonstrates Commitment
  • Enhances Professional Image
  • Reflects Achievement
  • Enriches Self Esteem
  • Fosters Peer Recognition

Are You Eligible?

Professionals who have worked at least half-time as a philanthropic fundraiser for five of the past eight years are eligible to apply for their CFRE.

The Exam

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Examination is designed as a generalist exam for fundraising professionals to demonstrate mastery of the six core knowledge areas related to fundraising practice. The exam tests knowledge and skills you use on-the-job.

Learn more about obtaining your CFRE at www.cfre.org/.

The Pima County Public Library has books from the CFRE Recommended Reading List. Reserve them for pick up at your preferred library location.

Are you a member of AFP’s Southern Arizona Chapter? If so you may have already taken many CFRE continuing education classes! To view a list Southern Arizona CFRE classes that you’ve attended click here and enter your login and password.

Monthly Meetings

Our meetings are held monthly on the second Friday of each month at the YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N Bonita Ave.

Meetings start with networking and breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and move on to introductions and announcements at 9:00 a.m. Every meeting has a speaker that provides education for the members, many of the presentations count toward CFRE credits. Meetings, time permitting, generally include a question and answer session with the presenter and end around 10:00 a.m.

Registration is required by noon on the Tuesday before the meeting. Email admin@afpsoaz.com to register by email, and pay at the door.

Online registration fees for most meeting are:
 Members – $25.00 
Nonmembers – $35.00.  Fees may be slightly higher for special events.

No shows with reservations will be billed!

International Conference

Hosted in a different major city each year, AFP’s annual International Conference on Fundraising (ICON) is an amazing opportunity to meet and network with development professionals from around the globe. The conference offers extensive and diverse programming including world-renowned keynotes, educational sessions presented by many of the best fundraising practitioners in the world, and opportunities to experience exciting new locations. Presentations are geared to help development professionals address skills and trends affecting fundraising in our changing economic and cultural climate. Visit afpicon.com for information on future conferences.

Educational Resources

Below are some of recommended websites for career, funding, and research needs:

AFP Global: Education & Career Development

AFP Global: Research & Statistics

Pima Library: Grants

Ready to get involved?

Get started with AFP by attending a local event. See what’s coming up next on the events calendar.

Upcoming Events