---
title: 6 Best Nonprofit Fundraising Training Platforms in 2026
description: Compare the top 6 nonprofit fundraising training platforms in 2026. Explore expert-led courses, grant writing resources, and CFRE-approved training for your team.
---

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6 Best Nonprofit Fundraising Training Platforms in 2026

# 6 Best Nonprofit Fundraising Training Platforms in 2026

[CharityHowTo](https://blog.charityhowto.com/author/charityhowto) October 9, 2026 [nonprofit fundraising](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/nonprofit-fundraising), [nonprofit management](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/nonprofit-management), [donor engagement](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/donor-engagement), [grant writing training](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/grant-writing-training), [CFRE](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/cfre), [CFRE certification](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/cfre-certification)  Comments [No Comments](https://blog.charityhowto.com/best-nonprofit-fundraising-training-platforms#comments-listing)

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Picking the right training platform for your nonprofit can feel like a second job on top of your already-packed schedule. You need fundraising skills, grant writing know-how, and donor engagement tactics, and you need them from people who have actually worked in the sector.

[CharityHowTo](https://www.charityhowto.com) gives you access to expert-led [nonprofit training](https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-webinars) built specifically for organizations like yours. But it is not the only option out there. This article breaks down six platforms so you can compare what each one offers and decide where to invest your team's professional development time.

## Quick guide: 6 best nonprofit fundraising training platforms

1. **CharityHowTo:** The best all-in-one training platform for nonprofit fundraising and grant writing education
2. **NonprofitReady:** A free course catalog covering nonprofit management basics
3. **Candid Learning:** Grant research and proposal writing courses from a well-known philanthropy data source
4. **Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP):** Membership-based professional development for credentialed fundraisers
5. **Nonprofit Learning Lab:** Webinar-style classes on operations and management topics
6. **Fundraising Academy:** Certificate programs focused on fundraising strategy and donor relations

## How we chose the best nonprofit training platforms for small nonprofits

We reviewed dozens of online learning platforms aimed at the nonprofit sector. Rather than ranking by popularity alone, we looked at the factors that matter most when your team is small and your time is limited.

- **Fundraising and grant writing depth:** Does the platform go beyond surface-level overviews and teach you step-by-step skills you can apply right away?
- **Expert credentials:** Are the instructors active practitioners with real nonprofit experience, or are they generalists teaching from a textbook?
- **Format flexibility:** Can you attend live sessions and also watch recordings on your own time?
- **CFRE and certification value:** Does the platform offer credits or certificates that count toward [CFRE certification](https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-cfre-approved-webinars) or other recognized credentials?
- **Nonprofit-specific focus:** Is the content designed for the nonprofit sector, or is it repurposed corporate material with a charity label?
- **Team-friendly access:** Can you add coworkers to a single account without paying per seat for every person?

## The 6 best nonprofit fundraising training platforms

### 1. CharityHowTo: Best overall nonprofit fundraising training platform

CharityHowTo delivers nonprofit-focused training across fundraising, grant writing, donor engagement, and marketing. Every session is led by a vetted sector expert who brings real-world experience to the material. With an average attendee rating of 4.9 out of 5 across thousands of sessions, the quality of instruction is consistently high.

What sets CharityHowTo apart is the combination of [live webinars](https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-free-webinars) and a deep on-demand library. You can attend a live session, ask questions during Q&A, and revisit the recording later with downloadable slides and bonus materials. For small teams, the Gold Membership includes access for three coworkers at no extra cost.

CharityHowTo covers the full spectrum of nonprofit learning, from [grant writing](https://blog.charityhowto.com/so-you-want-to-write-a-grant-how-to-get-started) and federal grant readiness to [donor stewardship](https://blog.charityhowto.com/step-by-step-stewardship-donor-retention-strategies-that-work), board fundraising, and social media strategy. The platform also offers CFRE-approved content and certificates of competency, giving you tangible credentials alongside practical skills.

#### CharityHowTo benefits

- **Expert-led live webinars with Q&A:** You can interact directly with instructors during sessions and get answers tailored to your nonprofit's situation.
- **On-demand webinar library:** Hundreds of recorded sessions are available 24/7, so your team can learn on a schedule that works for them.
- **CFRE-approved training:** Many sessions count toward CFRE continuing education credits, which helps if you or your staff are pursuing professional certification.
- **Certificates of competency:** You earn verifiable credentials that demonstrate your skills in areas like [major gifts](https://www.charityhowto.com/certification-of-competency/major_gifts_certificate_of_competency) and nonprofit marketing.
- **Multi-person membership:** Gold memberships let you share access with coworkers, making it easier to train your entire team.
- **Practical workbooks and AI grant writing resources:** You get hands-on tools, including [ethical AI guidance](https://blog.charityhowto.com/navigating-funder-rules-and-ai-ethics-in-nonprofit-grants) for grant applications, that go beyond the webinar itself.

#### CharityHowTo pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Hundreds of nonprofit-specific webinars across fundraising, grants, marketing, and operations
- Average 4.9/5 rating across thousands of expert-led sessions
- Gold Membership includes access for up to three additional coworkers

**Cons:**

- The large volume of available sessions may take some browsing to find the right starting point for your role
- Live webinar schedules are set, so you may need to plan around specific session dates
- Some advanced topics build on earlier sessions, so completing them in sequence is recommended

### 2. NonprofitReady: Free courses on nonprofit management fundamentals

NonprofitReady is an online learning portal that offers a catalog of free, self-paced courses. The content covers topics like nonprofit leadership, volunteer management, and financial oversight. Courses are primarily pre-recorded video modules.

The platform is geared toward individuals who are new to the nonprofit sector or looking to build foundational knowledge. Because courses are self-paced, there is no live instructor interaction or Q&A component.

#### NonprofitReady features

- **Free course catalog:** All courses are available at no cost, which removes the financial barrier to getting started.
- **Self-paced learning:** You can work through modules on your own timeline without scheduling constraints.
- **Introductory nonprofit topics:** The catalog covers foundational subjects like nonprofit governance, compliance, and volunteer coordination.

#### NonprofitReady pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Entire course catalog is available at no cost
- Self-paced format allows flexible scheduling
- Covers a range of introductory nonprofit subjects

**Cons:**

- No live instructor interaction or real-time Q&A
- Grant writing and fundraising content is limited in depth compared to specialized platforms
- Does not offer CFRE-approved credits or recognized professional certifications

### 3. Candid Learning: Grant research and proposal writing education

Candid Learning is the educational arm of Candid, a well-known organization in the philanthropy data space. The platform offers classes on grant research, proposal writing, and understanding the funder landscape. Courses are available both online and in-person at select Candid locations.

The focus is primarily on grants and funding research rather than on broader fundraising or donor engagement tactics. This makes it a narrow but focused resource for grant-specific learning.

#### Candid Learning features

- **Proposal writing boot camp:** A structured program that walks you through the key components of a grant proposal.
- **Foundation research training:** Courses that teach you how to search Candid's database to identify potential funders.
- **In-person and online options:** Some classes are available at Candid's physical locations in addition to remote formats.

#### Candid Learning pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Content is closely tied to Candid's philanthropy database and funder research tools
- Proposal writing courses are structured with clear learning milestones
- In-person options are available for those who prefer face-to-face instruction

**Cons:**

- Does not cover fundraising, donor engagement, or nonprofit marketing topics
- In-person classes are limited to select locations
- No CFRE-approved credits are offered through the platform

### 4. Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP): Membership-based learning for credentialed fundraisers

AFP is a professional membership organization for fundraisers. It offers conferences, webinars, and chapter-based networking. AFP is most known for its connection to the CFRE credential and the AFP IDEA initiative for diversity in fundraising.

Training is often tied to membership or event registration. AFP sessions tend to focus on professional networking and broad fundraising philosophy rather than step-by-step tactical instruction.

#### AFP features

- **Annual conference (AFP ICON):** A large-scale event with multiple session tracks on fundraising topics.
- **Chapter-based networking:** Local chapters host events and peer-learning opportunities in cities across the U.S.
- **CFRE preparation resources:** Materials and study groups for individuals preparing for the CFRE exam.

#### AFP pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Networking opportunities through local chapters and national conferences
- Connected to the CFRE credentialing ecosystem
- Covers a wide range of fundraising topics at annual events

**Cons:**

- Most training access requires membership or separate event registration
- On-demand content library is not as extensive as dedicated training platforms
- Sessions tend to focus on higher-level strategy rather than hands-on tactics

### 5. Nonprofit Learning Lab: Webinar-style training on nonprofit operations

Nonprofit Learning Lab offers live and recorded webinars on a range of nonprofit topics, including HR, leadership, and program management. The platform hosts a rotating calendar of sessions led by various instructors.

Content leans more toward nonprofit operations and management than fundraising or grant writing. The format is webinar-based, with some free sessions available alongside paid options.

#### Nonprofit Learning Lab features

- **Live and recorded webinars:** Sessions are available in both live and on-demand formats for scheduling flexibility.
- **Operations and HR focus:** Many sessions cover back-office topics like human resources, leadership, and compliance.
- **Some free sessions:** A portion of the webinar calendar is accessible at no cost.

#### Nonprofit Learning Lab pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Covers operational and management topics that other platforms may not address
- Offers a mix of live and recorded webinars
- Some sessions are available at no cost

**Cons:**

- Fundraising and grant writing coverage is not the primary focus
- Instructor roster varies from session to session with inconsistent specialization depth
- Does not offer CFRE-approved credits

### 6. Fundraising Academy: Certificate programs for fundraising strategy

Fundraising Academy offers structured certificate programs focused on fundraising essentials, donor relations, and campaign planning. The programs are designed as multi-session courses rather than standalone webinars.

The certificate-based structure is useful if you want a guided learning path. The scope of topics is narrower than platforms that cover the full range of nonprofit professional development.

#### Fundraising Academy features

- **Fundraising Essential Certificate:** A multi-module program covering core fundraising strategies and donor communication.
- **Course bundles:** Packages that combine multiple sessions into a single learning track.
- **Webinar-based delivery:** Training is delivered through online sessions with accompanying resources.

#### Fundraising Academy pros and cons

**Pros:**

- Structured certificate programs offer a clear learning path
- Course bundles cover multiple related topics in sequence
- Focused on fundraising strategy and donor relations

**Cons:**

- Does not cover grant writing, nonprofit marketing, or operational topics
- On-demand content library is smaller in scope compared to larger training platforms
- Certificate programs require completing multiple sessions in order

## Comparison table: The best nonprofit fundraising training platforms

| Platform | CFRE Credits | Live Q&A | Multi-User Access |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CharityHowTo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NonprofitReady | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Candid Learning | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| AFP | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Nonprofit Learning Lab | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fundraising Academy | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |

## What should small nonprofits look for in a training platform?

The most important factor is whether the training connects directly to your day-to-day work. Platforms that teach fundraising tactics you can apply to your next donor meeting or grant deadline deliver more value than those offering abstract theory.

Look for platforms that let you train your whole team, not just one person. Multi-user access is especially important for small nonprofits where every staff member wears multiple hats. According to the [2026 State of the Mission-Driven Workforce report](https://momentivesoftware.com/press-releases/mission-driven-workforce-report/) by Momentive Software, 66% of nonprofit professionals prefer focused skills development over a pay raise.

Also consider format flexibility. A mix of live sessions with real-time Q&A and on-demand recordings gives your team the ability to learn on their schedule while still getting direct access to instructors when they need it.

## How does grant writing training differ from general fundraising education?

Grant writing training focuses on a specific skill set: researching funders, structuring proposals, building budgets, and navigating compliance requirements. It is a distinct discipline from donor solicitation, event fundraising, or major gifts cultivation.

Many general fundraising platforms touch on grants only briefly. If your nonprofit relies heavily on foundation or government funding, you need a platform that goes deeper. CharityHowTo offers dedicated [grant writing courses](https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-webinar/Grant-Writing-101-Recording) that cover everything from identifying the right funders to writing proposals that align with funder priorities.

Understanding [ethical AI use](https://blog.charityhowto.com/how-nonprofits-can-use-ai-in-grant-writing-without-losing-accuracy-or-integrity) in grant applications is also becoming an increasingly relevant skill. The best nonprofit training platforms are now incorporating this topic into their curriculum to help you save time while maintaining integrity in your submissions.

## Why CharityHowTo is the best nonprofit fundraising training platform

CharityHowTo stands apart because it was built for the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Every instructor is a vetted practitioner with direct experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor engagement, or nonprofit management. That specificity means you get training that reflects the realities of your job, not generic advice repackaged for nonprofits.

CharityHowTo equips your team with practical, step-by-step skills across the full range of nonprofit professional development. From [major gifts strategy](https://blog.charityhowto.com/build-major-gift-fundraising-program) to [social media marketing](https://blog.charityhowto.com/a-practical-guide-to-nonprofit-social-media-strategy) and [board fundraising training](https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-webinar/Nonprofit-Board-Fundraising-Training), the platform covers topics that other services only touch on briefly. With CFRE-approved content, certificates of competency, and Gold Memberships that include access for your coworkers, CharityHowTo makes staff development manageable for organizations of every size.

If you are ready to build your team's fundraising and grant writing skills with training designed by and for nonprofit professionals, [explore CharityHowTo's full training catalog](https://www.charityhowto.com) today.

## FAQs about nonprofit fundraising training platforms

### What is the best training platform for nonprofit fundraising?

CharityHowTo is the best training platform for nonprofit fundraising because it offers hundreds of expert-led webinars specifically designed for the sector. You get live sessions with Q&A, on-demand recordings, and CFRE-approved credits all in one place.

### Are there free nonprofit fundraising training options?

Yes. CharityHowTo offers a selection of free live and on-demand webinars covering fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit management topics. NonprofitReady also has a catalog of free self-paced courses on introductory nonprofit subjects.

### Can I earn CFRE credits from online nonprofit training?

Yes. CharityHowTo offers CFRE-approved webinars that count toward your continuing education requirements. AFP also connects members with CFRE preparation resources, though access often requires separate membership.

### What topics should nonprofit fundraising training cover?

Look for platforms that address donor solicitation, stewardship, grant writing, direct mail appeals, social media strategy, and board fundraising. CharityHowTo covers all of these areas with step-by-step, practical instruction from sector experts.

### How do I choose a nonprofit training platform for my team?

Focus on three criteria: the depth of fundraising and grant writing content, whether the platform allows multi-user access for your team, and the availability of live sessions with real-time instructor interaction. CharityHowTo scores well on all three.

 Topics: [nonprofit fundraising](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/nonprofit-fundraising), [nonprofit management](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/nonprofit-management), [donor engagement](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/donor-engagement), [grant writing training](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/grant-writing-training), [CFRE](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/cfre), [CFRE certification](https://blog.charityhowto.com/tag/cfre-certification)

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