Influence training for nonprofits
Win more donors, volunteers and partners for your mission.
Your mission depends on people choosing to give, to volunteer and to come back. Learn why people agree to help, so your team can ask with confidence and keep the supporters it wins.
What we offer
Influence training for fundraisers, program staff and leaders.
Training for the people who ask: fundraisers, program staff and leaders.
Win and keep your supporters
Your fundraisers learn how reciprocity, liking and commitment turn a first gift into a lasting relationship, and how to ask for the next one.
Strengthen your team
Leaders learn to build agreement among staff, board and volunteers when there is no budget for incentives, and your people learn to recognize manipulation when it is aimed at them.
Why it works
Every principle we teach is ethical.
Supporters trust you to tell the truth. The seven principles of influence fit that, because each one stops working the moment it is used dishonestly.
- Reciprocity and unity: give first, with no strings, and show supporters they are part of the “we” behind the work.
- Social proof and commitment: let new supporters see that people like them already give, and make the first step small so the next one feels natural.
- Liking, authority and scarcity: be someone people want to help, show the expertise behind your work, and say plainly what is lost if the work stops.
Getting started
Three ways to train your team.
Each person, online
The Cialdini Method is online and self-paced, $1,497. Each person who completes it earns the Cialdini Certified Practitioner certificate.
A team, in person
The two-day POP® workshop, led by a CMCT. Your people practice each principle on their own appeals, events and volunteer asks.
Coaches on your staff
Certified Influence Coaches on your staff lead a ready-made 90-minute session for new staff and volunteers.
The research
Built on 40 years of research on ethical influence.
- 40+
- years of research on ethical influence
- 12M+
- copies of Dr. Cialdini's books sold
- 52
- languages his books are published in
- 500+
- organizations trained, including Fortune 500 companies
“I enjoyed the very specific and defined steps in the Science of Persuasion. So much is ingrained in our daily lives that we forget its importance. The Principles keep them on top of mind and help relieve some stress that comes with any type of negotiation.”
Leigh ShughornJohn Muir Health Foundation
Go deeper
Read how influence works for causes.
Questions
Before you talk to us.
Everything we teach is ethical influence: it uses only what is true about your work and your results. It helps your people ask clearly, and it helps them recognize manipulation when it is aimed at them.
Yes. One person can take The Cialdini Method online at their own pace. Larger teams can bring the two-day POP® workshop on-site.
The Cialdini Method is $1,497 per person, with a 7-day full refund. Programs for a whole organization are priced in a proposal, based on size, format and timeline.
Yes. Train the people who ask for support first, look at what changed, then decide on the rest.
Talk to us about your team.
Fill in the form and the Institute will get back to you about training that fits your team, your supporters and your budget.