# Major and Principal Gifts Review (2026): 7.6/10 · Coursera · Paid > Independent review of Major and Principal Gifts Course on Coursera. Rated 7.6/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top alternatives. Certificate… Business & Management Courses Major and Principal Gifts Course ![Major and Principal Gifts Course](/api/media/file/hero/major-principal-gifts-course.webp?v=2?width=800) # Major and Principal Gifts Course — Review (7.6/10) This course delivers a practical, structured approach to major gift fundraising, ideal for professionals building on introductory knowledge. It covers key stages from prospecting to stewardship with c... Explore This Course 🎟️ Coursera Discount Offer Explore This Course Major and Principal Gifts Course is a 4 weeks online intermediate-level course on Coursera by University of California, Davis that covers business & management. This course delivers a practical, structured approach to major gift fundraising, ideal for professionals building on introductory knowledge. It covers key stages from prospecting to stewardship with clarity. Some learners may find the content more conceptual than hands-on, but it offers solid strategic grounding. A valuable resource for advancement and development staff in mission-driven organizations. We rate it 7.6/10. ## Prerequisites Basic familiarity with business & management fundamentals is recommended. An introductory course or some practical experience will help you get the most value. ## Pros - Comprehensive coverage of major gift fundraising lifecycle - Clear, logical module progression for skill building - Practical focus on donor engagement and proposal writing - Relevant for nonprofit and education fundraising professionals ## Cons - Limited hands-on exercises or real-world case studies - Assumes prior knowledge of fundraising basics - Certificate requires paid enrollment with limited financial aid ## Major and Principal Gifts Course Review Platform: Coursera Instructor: University of California, Davis Updated May 6, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in Major and Principal Gifts course - Understand the philosophy and principles behind major gift fundraising - Learn how to identify and qualify high-capacity donors - Master the process of engaging and cultivating potential major donors - Develop skills in writing compelling funding proposals - Gain confidence in making successful donation asks and stewarding long-term relationships ### Program Overview ### Module 1: Introduction to Major Gift Fundraising Week 1 - Defining major and principal gifts - Role in nonprofit sustainability - Philosophy and ethics of major giving ### Module 2: Donor Identification and Qualification Week 2 - Prospect research techniques - Wealth indicators and data sources - Capacity and affinity assessment ### Module 3: Cultivation and Moves Management Week 3 - Building donor relationships - Strategic communication planning - Tracking donor engagement steps ### Module 4: The Ask and Stewardship Week 4 - Preparing for the gift conversation - Proposal writing and presentation - Post-gift stewardship and recognition ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - High demand for skilled development officers in nonprofits and educational institutions - Major gift roles often lead to senior leadership positions - Transferable skills in relationship management and strategic communication ## Editorial Take The 'Major and Principal Gifts' course from the University of California, Davis is designed for fundraising professionals who have already grasped the basics and are ready to specialize in high-capacity donor engagement. Offered through Coursera, this intermediate-level course focuses on the nuanced strategies required to secure and steward major gifts—critical for nonprofit sustainability. With a clear structure and practical emphasis, it fills a vital gap for development officers aiming to refine their approach. ### Standout Strengths - Strategic Framework: The course presents a well-organized model for major gift development, from prospecting to stewardship. This systematic approach helps learners build confidence in managing complex donor relationships. - Donor-Centric Philosophy: Emphasis on relationship-building over transactional asks fosters ethical fundraising practices. This mindset shift is crucial for long-term donor retention and trust. - Prospect Identification Tools: Learners gain insight into evaluating donor capacity and affinity using real-world indicators. These skills are foundational for building a sustainable pipeline. - Effective Proposal Writing: The module on crafting compelling proposals is especially practical. It teaches how to align donor interests with organizational mission and funding needs. - Clear Module Progression: Each week builds logically on the last, guiding learners through the donor journey. This scaffolding supports gradual skill development without overwhelming the student. - Nonprofit Relevance: Content is tailored to mission-driven organizations, making it highly applicable for roles in education, healthcare, and social services. Real-world context enhances credibility and engagement. ### Honest Limitations - Limited Practical Application: While concepts are well-explained, the course lacks interactive exercises or peer-reviewed assignments. Learners must self-motivate to apply strategies beyond theory. - Assumes Prior Knowledge: The course presumes familiarity with basic fundraising principles. Beginners may struggle without prior exposure to development work or donor management. - Narrow Scope: Focuses exclusively on major gifts, omitting broader fundraising strategies. This specialization is a strength but may not suit those seeking general development training. - Minimal Feedback Mechanisms: Without personalized feedback or mentorship, learners miss opportunities to refine their proposals or cultivation plans. This limits experiential learning. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Dedicate 3–4 hours per week to fully absorb content and reflect on applications. Consistent pacing prevents information overload and supports retention. - Parallel project: Apply each module to a real or hypothetical donor prospect. This hands-on approach turns theory into actionable strategy and builds practical confidence. - Note-taking: Use structured templates to capture key concepts like donor qualification criteria and moves management steps. These become valuable field references. - Community: Engage with discussion forums to share insights and challenges. Peer learning enhances understanding, especially for nuanced topics like donor psychology. - Practice: Draft and revise a full proposal using course guidelines. Iterative writing strengthens persuasive communication and mission alignment skills. - Consistency: Complete modules in sequence without skipping ahead. The cumulative design ensures foundational concepts support later, more complex material. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: 'The Fundraising Master Plan' by Thomas Shreeve offers deeper donor psychology insights. It complements the course’s strategic framework with behavioral analysis. - Tool: Use Bloomerang or DonorSearch for prospect research practice. These platforms provide real-world data access to test identification and qualification skills. - Follow-up: Enroll in UC Davis’s full Fundraising and Development specialization. It expands on this course with broader fundraising strategies and leadership topics. - Reference: The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers ethical guidelines and case studies. These support responsible application of course principles in practice. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Treating donor cultivation as a checklist rather than a relationship. This course emphasizes patience and authenticity—avoid rushing to the ask without genuine connection. - Pitfall: Over-relying on wealth indicators without assessing donor affinity. High capacity doesn’t guarantee interest; alignment with mission is equally critical. - Pitfall: Neglecting stewardship after the gift. Effective follow-up sustains long-term engagement and sets the stage for future giving. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: At four weeks with 3–4 hours weekly, the time investment is manageable for working professionals. The focused scope ensures efficient learning without burnout. - Cost-to-value: As a paid course, value depends on career stage. Mid-level fundraisers gain actionable skills, but beginners may not see immediate ROI without experience. - Certificate: The Coursera certificate adds credibility to professional profiles. However, it’s most impactful when paired with real-world fundraising achievements. - Alternative: Free webinars from AFP or Candid offer similar content. But this course’s structured curriculum and university backing provide a more cohesive learning experience. ### Editorial Verdict The 'Major and Principal Gifts' course successfully bridges the gap between introductory fundraising knowledge and advanced donor engagement strategies. It excels in presenting a clear, ethical framework for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-capacity donors. The curriculum is particularly strong in emphasizing relationship-building over transactional fundraising, a critical mindset for sustainable nonprofit growth. While the course lacks interactive components, its structured approach and real-world relevance make it a solid choice for development professionals in education, healthcare, and social services. However, the course is not without limitations. Its intermediate level assumes foundational knowledge, potentially excluding newcomers. The absence of hands-on projects or personalized feedback means learners must self-direct their practice. Additionally, the paid access model may deter some, especially given limited financial aid. Despite these drawbacks, the course delivers strong value for its target audience—mid-career fundraisers seeking to refine their major gift strategies. When paired with supplementary resources and real-world application, it can significantly enhance professional capability and career advancement in the nonprofit sector. ## How Major and Principal Gifts Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Major and Principal Gifts Course | Coursera | 7.6/10 | Intermediate | 4 weeks | | Make Passive Income Business: Reselling Digital Portrait | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Lead Management & Sales Stages: A Step-by-Step System | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Negotiation Mastery Win-Win Strategies, Anchoring Persuasion Course | Udemy | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take Major and Principal Gifts Course? This course is best suited for learners with foundational knowledge in business & management and want to deepen their expertise. Working professionals looking to upskill or transition into more specialized roles will find the most value here. The course is offered by University of California, Davis on Coursera, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a course certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply business & management skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Advance to mid-level roles requiring business & management proficiency - Take on more complex projects with confidence - Add a course certificate credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Business & Management Courses on Coursera Explore other highly rated courses in business & management available on Coursera to expand your learning path: - OKR Certification: Leadership and Goal Setting Course 9.9/10 - Agile Healthy And Attractive Organizations Course 9.8/10 - Agile Accelerator Navigating Lean Startup Agile And Scrum Course 9.8/10 - Advanced Marketing Analytics Funnels And Dashboarding Course 9.8/10 - Brand Management: Aligning Business, Brand and Behaviour Course 9.8/10 - IBM Business Analyst Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 - Xbox Product Manager Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 - Microsoft Program Management Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 - Adobe Marketing Specialist Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 - Introduction to Business Specialization Course 9.8/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated business & management courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - Make Passive Income Business: Reselling Digital Portrait 10.0/10 Udemy - Lead Management & Sales Stages: A Step-by-Step System 10.0/10 Udemy - Negotiation Mastery Win-Win Strategies, Anchoring Persuasion Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Succeed in the Age of AI: 12 Fast Wins for Leaders 9.8/10 Udemy - Bulletproof Problem Solving Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Excel 2010 Course 9.8/10 Udemy - The Complete Shopify Dropshipping Course 9.7/10 Udemy - Data Quality Masterclass – The Complete Course 9.7/10 Udemy - UiPath 2025 – Level 1 RPA Developer Course 9.7/10 Udemy - The Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp Course 9.7/10 Udemy ## More Courses from University of California, Davis University of California, Davis offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - Geospatial Analysis with ArcGIS Course 8.7/10 - Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications 8.7/10 - Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics Course 8.7/10 - Computer Simulations 8.7/10 - Beer Quality: Color & Clarity Course 8.7/10 - Computational Social Science Capstone Project Course 8.7/10 - Beer Quality: Freshness Course 8.7/10 - Beer Quality: Foam 8.7/10 View all courses from University of California, Davis → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? 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Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for Major and Principal Gifts Course? A basic understanding of Business & Management fundamentals is recommended before enrolling in Major and Principal Gifts Course. Learners who have completed an introductory course or have some practical experience will get the most value. The course builds on foundational concepts and introduces more advanced techniques and real-world applications. Does Major and Principal Gifts Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a course certificate from University of California, Davis. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Business & Management can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete Major and Principal Gifts Course? The course takes approximately 4 weeks to complete. It is offered as a paid course on Coursera, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of Major and Principal Gifts Course? Major and Principal Gifts Course is rated 7.6/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: comprehensive coverage of major gift fundraising lifecycle; clear, logical module progression for skill building; practical focus on donor engagement and proposal writing. Some limitations to consider: limited hands-on exercises or real-world case studies; assumes prior knowledge of fundraising basics. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Business & Management. How will Major and Principal Gifts Course help my career? Completing Major and Principal Gifts Course equips you with practical Business & Management skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by University of California, Davis, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take Major and Principal Gifts Course and how do I access it? Major and Principal Gifts Course is available on Coursera, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is paid, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on Coursera and enroll in the course to get started. How does Major and Principal Gifts Course compare to other Business & Management courses? Major and Principal Gifts Course is rated 7.6/10 on our platform, placing it as a solid choice among business & management courses. Its standout strengths — comprehensive coverage of major gift fundraising lifecycle — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is Major and Principal Gifts Course taught in? Major and Principal Gifts Course is taught in English. Many online courses on Coursera also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is Major and Principal Gifts Course kept up to date? Online courses on Coursera are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. University of California, Davis has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take Major and Principal Gifts Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, Coursera offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Major and Principal Gifts Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build business & management capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing Major and Principal Gifts Course? After completing Major and Principal Gifts Course, you will have practical skills in business & management that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be equipped to tackle complex, real-world challenges and lead projects in this domain. 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