The Certified FREed Fund
50 Black Women. Certified Fundraising Executive Fees Covered.
Melanate. has launched a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) support program exclusively for Black women.
Our goal is ambitious yet achievable:
get 50 Black women officially certified as CFREs.
Structured in cohorts of ~10, this initiative provides a nurturing community, targeted study sessions, culturally pertinent content, and hands-on application guidance, ensuring a successful journey to navigate and pass the CFRE exam.
Cohorts will meet Wednesday evenings beginning in August (final time TBD).
Fees Covered. Fully Supported. The End.
The "Certified FREed Fund" is not just a tongue-in-cheek name; it embodies a profound truth.
Black women have been the unsung heroes of fundraising and resource-building, harnessing the power of community long before formal studies recognized it.
From our ancestors who pooled resources to buy freedom from slavery to the pivotal role of Black churches in rights movements, our legacy spans over 500 years of grassroots resourcing. The Certified FREed Fund by Melanate. acknowledges the breadth of our experience, that Black people have a deep-rooted history of building mutual aid societies, reclaiming and redistributing resources within our communities, and working in, around, and through systems that were intentionally built to exclude us.
It's not just an activation fund; it's a celebration of the enduring strength and resourcefulness within Black communities, and a direct investment recognizing the ongoing work that needs to be done—through and with Black women.
About The Coach
Nichole Collins, CFRE
Nichole is the Founder and CEO of FundTaskIt LLC, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits build capacity through fund development. With experience across smaller and larger organizations, she has held key roles with the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, Cleveland Zoological Society, United Church of Christ, and Intergenerational Schools. Currently a Philanthropic Strategy Advisor with the Cleveland Foundation, she works to create deeper community impact and is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator.
A lifelong Clevelander, Nichole holds a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University. She serves on the board of Women Creating Wealth and Impact and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Whether you have 3 years or 30 years of experience in the field, our program welcomes all, recognizing that expertise often transcends formal assessments. Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive future, where your skills and knowledge are not just recognized but celebrated.
The Innagual Cohort application is now open.
Please apply by 7/25 for priority review.
Community Support:
-
Engage with a supportive community of Black women fundraisers who share similar experiences and challenges.
-
Access mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals to enhance your professional journey.
Holistic Professional Development:
-
Beyond CFRE certification preparation, our program includes coaching sessions, study materials, and resources for comprehensive professional growth.
-
Foster lifelong skills and connections that extend beyond the certification process.
Support for Exam Success:
-
We'll cover the fees, so it's one less thing for you to focus on—we'll help you pick a time to register, tips and tricks for the exam, and the overall support increases your chances of success in the CFRE exam.
-
If you don't pass on the first attempt (but we feel good that you've got this), benefit from additional assistance and preparation.
15% Off All Items
We've Got This.