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Goldie
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« on: January 23, 2005, 09:14:30 AM » |
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I realize this message is somewhat dated. However, I am compelled to respond. I find it strange that there has not been a response to the message. I believe it is more important to have formalized training in fund development than to have a CFRE.
I encourage people to go for a certificate in fund development or a master's degree in nonprofit management rather than a CFRE. If people wish to work toward a CFRE after they have received formalized training in fund development and/or a master's degree, good for them.
I believe the basic criteria for obtaining a CFRE is flawed.
My reasons are as follows:
1) A master's degree or certificate in fund development does not expire, nor can it be revoked as a CFRE can.
2) The cost for obtaining a CFRE and the maintenance fees for upkeep and renewal, etc., are high. Over the years, a CFRE can be just as expensive as obtaining a degree or certificate that doesn't expire.
3) In obtaining a CFRE, the candidate's body of work throughout his or her career is not evaluated -- only the most recent five years (with exception to eight years back, if there's been a career interruption). That works out great for someone who recently graduated from college, as they can obtain their CFRE by the time they're 28 years old. For people to whom "life happens," one is continually caught in the start-over circle, chasing a solid five years of experience. I've known women who have taken a break to start families, people who have either been hit with or have taken care of a family member with a catastrophic illness, people who have been in car crashes and under a doctor's care for a year or more, and a few people in the reserves who were called up to serve in the Middle East. People with their fund-development careers interrupted, by choice or not, must start over.
4) The point system that is used to evaluate one's five years of achievements locks out people who work with small-budget agencies and organizations. For decades, I have advocated that the Association of Fundraising Professionals embrace diversity with smaller agencies and organizations. In recent years, they have made some strides in serving smaller groups.
5) Just because a person has a CFRE is not a guarantee that her or she has formalized training, such as a certificate in fund development or an advanced degree. The better value is with a certificate or advanced degree.
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