Credentials That Count: Elevating Your Impact Through Professional Certification and Advanced Study

Join us at Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln for a morning program and breakfast on Tuesday, September 15th. 

About The Program

Professional growth in philanthropy does not happen by accident. It requires intention, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This session explores how fundraising professionals can advance their careers, strengthen their organizations, and expand their leadership capacity through respected credentials and advanced academic pathways.

Participants will gain a practical overview of nationally recognized certifications such as the CFRE, CAP®, and GPC, as well as advanced distinctions including the ACFRE and doctoral-level study such as the PhilD. Panelists will share candid insights about eligibility requirements, time commitments, costs, and the real-world value these credentials bring to both individuals and organizations.

Beyond letters after your name, this conversation will focus on what continuing education truly represents: credibility, accountability, ethical practice, and long-term professional resilience. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of which pathways align with their career stage and aspirations, along with next steps for pursuing certification or advanced study.

Whether you are early in your career or considering your next leadership milestone, this session will help you evaluate how formal credentials can support both personal advancement and stronger philanthropic outcomes.

About Our Speaker

Eric Heininger, CFRE is a fundraising strategist and philanthropic leadership scholar with deep experience across the Midwest and Mountain West region, where nonprofits rely on strong relationships, adaptable strategies, and community-driven leadership to fuel their missions. As President of EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting, Eric has supported organizations of all sizes in building sustainable fundraising systems, strengthening development operations, and creating practical plans that work in communities with diverse geographies and capacities. 

He founded the Des Moines Fundraising Institute, a cohort-based professional development program designed to expand the skills and confidence of emerging and mid-career fundraisers. Eric is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, where his work focuses on professional development, nonprofit capacity-building, and the systems that enable long-term organizational effectiveness. 

Eric blends academic insight with hands-on consulting experience to help nonprofit leaders develop clear, actionable strategies that reflect the realities of the region—where collaboration, resourcefulness, and mission alignment are essential for success.

Register Today!

NOTE:  Pending Approval: Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.