5 Reasons to Pursue the CFRE

By Peter Rosario, Senior Director-Development, Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

After the breakfast meeting at the iNAYDO suite, I decided to stop in at the CFRE session for those interested in pursuing this credential. I had just earned my credential this past September and wanted to offer a voice of encouragement to others at this session. Several folks networked with me afterwards to ask questions about the process and to seek advice. While hindsight is always 20/20, here are 5 reasons/benefits that I experienced from attaining my CFRE…

1. Resume Enhancement: While this may be the #1 reason for pursuing this credential, it is certainly a valid one. It clearly demonstrates a commitment to and knowledge of development work.
2. Professional Development: Just by starting the application process, I was able to develop a clear roadmap for professional growth. This roadmap guided the articles that I read in profession publications and the sessions that I attended at conferences.
3. New Ideas and Information: Attaining my CFRE allowed me to learn about areas of fundraising that I never would have learned about otherwise. For me, personally, Direct Mail, Social Media, Planned Giving, and Accountability Standards were new areas of growth and I was able to use some of these ideas in my current assignment.
4. The CFRE Network: By becoming a new CFRE, I have joined a vast network of outstanding professionals in and out of the YMCA. The information that we share through e-mail groups and social media outlets such as LinkedIn help me immensely and provide a constant source of information and motivation.
5. Volunteer Recognition: I am blessed to a part of a great YMCA and I was overwhelmed by the recognition that I received from Board Members and other volunteers. While many did not know there was a credential for certifying fundraisers, they were certainly impressed that I had attained the credential. As I told all of them, “I could not have done it without you.”

Alicia from the CFRE office staff is an incredible resource and I would encourage you to begin the process as soon as you can. It is without question, one of the highlights and personally satisfying projects that I have pursued in my career.

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