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Capital Venture's  fund-raising apprenticeship

We've called this an "apprenticeship" program, because it's totally different from any seminar you've ever participated in. Instead of "learning about" fundraising, we're going to have you doing the work of a professional fundraiser, almost as if you were apprenticed to one of the leading professionals in the country.

You will participate by means of e-mail, chat, a virtual workplace (which is kind of like a bulletin board where messages are posted, assignments logged, worksheets and other aids can be found), and other web browser-based applications—and probably a few teleconferences. You'll usually work in teams of two or three people on projects and activities—like planning a fundraising event, drafting a series of press releases, and working out knotty issues with your board. We'll use lots of case studies and critical incidents where you'll bring your own experience and judgment to bear.

The seminar will take place over about six months—a long enough period for you to gain real competencies in fundraising skills and to draft at least a preliminary Development Plan for your own organization. You'll work regularly with a knowledgeable moderator and your work will be overseen by Linda Lysakowski, ACRFE, and President of Capital Venture. You can participate pretty much on your own schedule—when you have the time to work on an assignment, not at a set time each week. The work will be intensive at times, but you'll have a lot of flexibility about when you do it.

If you'd like more information about this Wired Seminar, click here.