United Nations Refugee Agency's Refugee-Led Innovation Fund Winner
Fundraising Incubator
The Bridging Gaps Fundraising Incubator is a capacity building and experience-learning certificate program that empowers motivated changemakers with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective fundraisers for NGOs, the UN, and other social impact initiatives. Participants gain capacity development and real-world experience in fundraising, affording them the tools and experience to feel empowered in the early stages of their fundraising journey.
Our program consists of three key pillars:
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Capacity building sessions
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Campaign development
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Launch of individual fundraising campaigns
Meet our 2024 cohort
We launched our first cohort of Fellows this September, and are thrilled to welcome these leaders in creativity to our team! Our original group consisted of 26 individuals tuning in from 21 countries to learn about diverse aspects of fundraising, from using emotions in storytelling to measuring the impact of a campaign.
Click on each map pin to read more about each of our fellows:
Capacity Building Sessions
Participants learn from industry leaders and innovators in the fundraising field. We curate a diverse group of teachers with wide perspectives on fundraising, teaching the essential tools and skills to begin or advance in your fundraising work, and encourage you to get your creative ideas flowing!
The 2024 program included 16 different sessions covering all aspects of fundraising, from identifying donors, to evoking emotion in messages, to measuring the impact of your campaign. Many thanks to the fundraising professionals who shared their knowledge and experience with our cohort! We heard from inspiring facilitators from these organizations:
Experiential learning
Participants apply their fundraising skills by developing and implementing their own idea for a fundraising campaign, raising money either for their own grassroots organization, or for the entrepreneurs Bridging Gaps supports.
In addition to group sessions and peer feedback, participants will be guided and supported by the Bridging Gaps team and industry experts.
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Diploma in Social Innovation
Located in Costa Rica, within the United Nations-established University for Peace (UPEACE), the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education delivers dynamic courses to leaders from around the world.
The Bridging Gaps Fundraising Incubator is academically certified by UPEACE, and participants will recieve a certificate of completion certified by Bridging Gaps and UPEACE. 2024 Fellows had the opportunity to receive credit for the Fundraising Fellowship with UPEACE, to count toward a Diploma in Social Innovation with the Centre for Executive Education. This unique program brings together all of the practical aspects of starting and managing a purpose-oriented organization, from writing a business plan, to managing teams and creating a plan for ethical marketing.
Fundraising for Social Impact course
Together through nonprofit programs, consulting and investments, The Global Good Fund accelerates the people and organizations that relentlessly tackle the most pressing social issues, creating a more sustainable and just future for all. We envision a future where every leader and organization have what they need to drive lasting and equitable social change in their communities and around the world.
Participants have access to the Global Good Fund’s Fundraising for Social Impact course as part of the Fundraising Incubator. The course is a flexible learning experience created to guide aspiring fundraisers through the process of cultivating donors, creating a fundraising plan, and delivering an effective fundraising pitch. The course focuses on building meaningful relationships with people who care about the same issues.
“This program has empowered me to design strategic, impactful fundraising campaigns that align with my organization’s mission while also fostering meaningful connections with diverse individuals, cultures, and innovative ideas. It’s a rare opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and practical tools that can elevate your work to the next level.”
– Irving Briceño Perez
Want to partner with us to equip the next generation of changemakers with fundraising skills and experience?
If you have expertise to share, would like to sponsor a participant's fee, or just want more information about collaborations, reach out to info@bridging-gaps.org!
Now open for applications:
The 2025 Bridging Gaps
Fundraising Incubator!
Discounted fee eligibility:
Students, job seekers, individuals applying from grassroots organizations (10 or fewer staff), and individuals from lesser represented or marginalized countries, groups, and communities.
Need based scholarships:
We are building a community of Fellows from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and do not want cost to be a limitation to apply. Limited scholarships are available. Please indicate your wish to apply for additional financial support in the application form. We also encourage applicants to reach out to their own organizations or universities for additional funding sources or professional development resources, and are happy to support that process in any way!
Need based scholarships:
We are building a community of Fellows from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and do not want cost to be a limitation to apply. Limited scholarships are available. Please indicate your wish to apply for additional financial support in the application form. We also encourage applicants to reach out to their own organizations or universities for additional funding sources or professional development resources, and are happy to support that process in any way!