DALLAS, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pursuant, a full-service fundraising agency dedicated to helping the world's leading nonprofit organizations, announced today that it has developed new training opportunities to deliver innovative, practical training for a nonprofit organization's internal staff, the nonprofit sector at large, and even newcomers to the fundraising profession through a traditional classroom instruction format, a customizable experience, and online consulting webinars.

Recognizing a current shortage of high-quality, practical training for nonprofit professionals, Pursuant hired Rachel Muir, CFRE, to serve as vice president of training services and enhance Pursuant's existing training offerings, helping it to become the brand leader and most sought-after, customer-focused and trusted source of innovative and practical training that supports, inspires and redefines fundraising in the nonprofit sector.

"I have worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizations in my years of fundraising, and the one theme I hear over and over again is that they are thirsty to learn. They want to improve their techniques, leverage new tools and tactics, and collaborate with peers who face the same daily challenges. But where can they turn to find someone who truly understands the unique world of nonprofits?" said Trent Ricker, CEO at Pursuant. "I believe that through our training program, organizations will be equipped to answer their most difficult questions and will find a partner who can coach them based on their own life experiences in the fundraising community."

Two of Pursuant's lead offerings, "Fundraiser in a Day" and "Fearless Fundraising," just launched.

"Fearless Fundraising" is a one-day intensive training class for those who've been working in development for a year or more. It challenges the way fundraisers think about identifying major gift prospects, managing a portfolio, and making the ask without fear.

"Fundraiser in a Day" is a one-day seminar targeted for board members, development staff who are new to fundraising, executive staff and volunteers. And no experience is necessary. This course teaches participants the core components of a fundraising program, how to examine the ROI of each fundraising strategy, how to prepare for and solicit gifts, and how to set acceptable performance metrics. Attendees will also learn how to increase fundraising revenue and guarantee a future with their donors.

"In this competitive and overwhelming environment, development professionals are ready to be fueled with tools and strategies that cut though the noise and help them work smarter, not harder. Staff will learn how to guarantee a long-term future with their donors, and board members will dramatically increase their confidence and engagement as fundraisers," said Vice President of Training Services Rachel Muir, CFRE.

More classes are currently in development with titles like "Board Breakthroughs," "How to Launch a Successful Capital Campaign," "Creating a Culture of Philanthropy," and "Planned Giving Boot Camp." In addition, organizations can take advantage of Pursuant's customizable training, using a mix-and-match approach to build the perfect, unique staff training experience or board retreat from a list of possible training topics.

Pursuant strives to provide training opportunities that not only deliver exceptional fundraising ideas and resources that go beyond today's typical offerings (such as industry conferences, continuing education courses, and on-demand training that may be outdated or of inconsistent quality), but also serve as a more affordable option than hiring an independent consultant or private firm.

We invite you to learn more about Pursuant and its upcoming training opportunities at www.pursuant.com.

SOURCE Pursuant