FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2015) – CFRE International has recertified Carolyn C. Rogers, vice president of development and communications for Southwest Florida Community Foundation, as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Rogers joins more than 5,300 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation. Rogers received her CFRE in 2000.

Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International, which include tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to service to nonprofit organizations. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold accountability standards and the Donor Bill of Rights. Initially, candidates must pass a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills and abilities required of a fundraising executive.

“The CFRE credential was created to identify for the public and employers those individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective and ethical manner,” said Jim Caldarola, CFRE, immediate past chair of CFRE International. “As the certification is a voluntary achievement, the CFRE credential demonstrates a high level of commitment on the part of Carolyn C. Rogers to herself, the fundraising profession and the donors who are served.”

In addition to her CFRE, Rogers holds accreditation as a public relations professional (APR) and certification as a public relations counselor (CPRC) both through the Florida Public Relations Association.

CFRE recipients are awarded certification for a three-year period. In order to maintain certification status, recipients must demonstrate on-going fundraising employment and fundraising results, and continue with their professional education. Employers and donors who work with CFREs know they are getting a professional who is committed to the best outcomes for their organization and has the requisite knowledge and skills.

CFRE International is an independent organization dedicated to the certification of fundraising executives by setting standards in philanthropic practice. Governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by a small professional staff, CFRE International consistently meets the highest standards for certification excellence and is, itself, accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies.

As the premier global credential for career fundraisers, the CFRE designation is endorsed and supported by the world’s leading professional and philanthropic associations, including:

  • Association of Christian Development Professionals (ACDP) Association of Fundraising Consultants (AFC)
  • Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC)
  • Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
  • Canadian Association for Gift Planners/Association canadienne des professionnels (CAGP*ACPDP)
  • Council for Resource Development (CRD) Educate Plus
  • European Fundraising Association (EFA) Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) Fundraising Institute of New Zealand (FINZ) The Giving Institute
  • Giving Institute; International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Japan Fundraising Association (JFRA)
  • North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC)
  • New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (NEAHP) Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (PPP)
  • Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI) United Way Worldwide (UWW)

As leaders, conveners, grant makers and concierges of philanthropy, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation is a foundation built on community leadership with an inspired history of fostering regional change for the common good in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Community Foundation, founded in 1976, connects donors and their philanthropic aspirations with evolving community needs. With assets of more than $93 million, the Community Foundation has provided $61.2 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves. Last year, it granted more than $2.9 million to nonprofit organizations supporting education, animal welfare, arts, healthcare and human services. It granted $782,000 in nonprofit grants including more than $551,000 in regional community impact grants and additional $450,000 in scholarship grants.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.