M.A. in Philanthropy and Development
Advance your fundraising career
With more than 1.5 million registered charities in the U.S. alone,1 philanthropy professionals with an advanced degree are in high demand to lead nonprofit and charitable organizations.
The M.A in Philanthropy and Development program at Saint Mary’s is a unique and innovative master’s program — providing an impactful, transformative educational experience. The program is designed for experienced development professionals who, shaped by their ethical values, embrace the opportunity to become catalytic agents of change. As a graduate, you’ll become a part of a vast alumni network that includes some of the industry’s leading experts in the field of philanthropy and development.
Learn about the profound and influential role a development professional plays in today’s world and how to create and implement innovative fundraising strategies. Grounded by our Lasallian Catholic mission and identity, Saint Mary’s empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Our mission — lived out every day — will help guide you as you continue to support the common good in your philanthropic role.
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Virtual Information Session
Join us online (via Zoom),
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CST
There are many questions to consider when thinking about pursuing a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is hosting an information session to help you explore an advanced degree and get those questions answered.
We invite you to learn more about our premier program and how we continue to enhance the student experience building on our nearly 30 years of educating some of the top leaders in the industry.
Program Highlights
For over 30 years, Saint Mary’s has transformed leaders in nonprofit and charitable organizations. Our alumni are some of the industry’s leading experts in philanthropy and development. In less than 18 months, you can become part of this distinguished network.
Program Features
What Makes it Special
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Complete this program in less than 18 months -
Leader in philanthropy and development education for 30+ years
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Practitioner-led instruction
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Scholarships available
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Transformative summer residencies on the Winona Campus
What You'll Learn
In this program, you’ll develop a robust skill set and deepen your knowledge of development, organizational readiness, and successful development planning.
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Development output and outcomes to meet financial goals
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Communications and donor stewardship within the nonprofit sector
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Legal requirements and regulations
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Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
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Ethical leadership skills and governance oversight
Watch Now
From our most recent virtual information session, hear from the program director and 3 alumni on how the program is designed and what benefits students receive while in the program and for years after earning their degree.
Our Faculty Make the Difference
Nearly 75% of the program’s instructors are working professionals leading their own successful development programs. Faculty members have authored chapters or complete texts of best-selling books in fundraising essentials, donor communication, and ethical fundraising.
Learn industry knowledge from faculty members who hold the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential, the top credential of the fundraising profession.
Residencies
Two summer residencies are held on our Winona Campus during this 18-month program. This is an opportunity for you to engage and network with faculty and peers, creating a unique and inspirational experience for professional growth. During the residencies, you’ll develop real-world experience by working with local nonprofits to help strengthen their development operations.
These two-week residencies are a time for building community, growing professionally and personally, and an opportunity for reflection. The residencies are what many graduates describe as a transformative — and memorable — experience.
Course Catalog
Scholarship Opportunities
Saint Mary’s is pleased to offer four scholarship opportunities available only to students studying in the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program.
All scholarship applicants must complete the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development Common Scholarship Form to be considered for one of these scholarships. Scholarship applications are due June 1.
- The Philanthropy and Development Alumni Scholarship
- Tim Burchill Scholarship
- F. Walter and Mary Ann Riebenack Scholarship
- Kristen A. Riebenack Memorial Scholarship
Career Outlook
The nonprofit sector is the third-fastest growing sector in the U.S.2 In a recent study of nonprofit professionals, 85% of respondents indicated it was challenging to find qualified candidates.3 This urgent need for qualified professionals is critical to provide nonprofits with the resources to grow and thrive, impacting millions of lives each year.
Fundraising Manager
$119,860 per year*Donor Relations Director
$96,910 per year*Fundraising manager job growth 2020-2030
1. The nonprofit sector in brief at https://nccs.urban.org/project/nonprofit-sector-brief (visited February 25, 2022).
2. The 2020 nonprofit employment report: the 3rd largest employer faces the COVID-19 crisis at http://ccss.jhu.edu/2020-nonprofit-employment-report (visited February 25, 2022).
3. Dickerson Bakker, help wanted: a national study of staffing in nonprofit fundraising at https://dickersonbakker.com/nonprofitstaffingstudy (visited February 25, 2022).