NPC News

Nicole Herndon, Executive Director of the National Park College (NPC) Foundation was recently was named a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International.

The CFRE certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and is the only accredited certification for fundraising professionals. Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education and demonstrated fundraising achievement. Recipients have to pass a rigorous written examination testing their knowledge, skills and abilities required of a fundraising executive and have agreed to uphold accountability standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

“As the certification is a voluntary achievement, the CFRE certification demonstrates a high level of commitment on the part of Nicole Herndon to the fundraising profession and the donors who are served,” said

CFRE International President and CEO Eva E. Aldrich, Ph.D., CAE, (CFRE 2001-2016). About 7,500 professionals around the world hold the CFRE designation. In order to earn the CFRE certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Complete a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education within the past five years
• Work a minimum of 36 months in a paid professional fundraising role within the past five years
• Document success in actual funds raised and fundraising management
• Attest to being knowledgeable of and abiding by the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising and laws regulating fundraising
• Successfully pass the CFRE examination, a comprehensive test covering best practices in ethical fundraising

Herndon joined the NPC Foundation in 2017 and said earning this designation is important both professionally and personally. “National Park College and the NPC Foundation are committed to transparency. This certification provides another layer of trust signifying that the NPC Foundation can be trusted and that we’re committed to honoring the intent of every gift and providing the best outcome for NPC. Our community can have confidence that we possess the knowledge, skills and ethical fundraising practices that provide merit to every financial investment in NPC’s mission of student success.”