Become a Complex Asset Gift Specialist.

Our certification program bundles the three courses below with a capstone exam. Pass it to earn the TAF-Certified Complex Asset Gift Specialist designation. Staff at TAF partner institutions: get your access code from your advancement office before you enroll.

Our Courses

About us

52+ experts

A few years ago, we started this organization because we wanted to help our local university benefit from donations of illiquid assets. We believe that a great education and world class research is vital for all of us to succeed. We know that the majority of wealth is held in alternative investments and they require careful handling and consideration. We quickly grew from our small founders group to now having a group of over 55 experts that are all passionate about having an impact. We hope you enjoy our courses and that they are beneficial to you and the institutions you represent. We welcome your feedback and questions.  

"The Alternatives Foundation’s online courses completely transformed my understanding of complex asset donations. I used to struggle with explaining these gifts to potential donors, but now I have the confidence and knowledge to guide them through the process seamlessly. This program is a must for any development officer working with high-net-worth donors."

Jordan R.

"Before taking The Alternatives Foundation’s online courses, I had no idea how to navigate gifts of private equity or closely held business interests. Now, I can confidently identify opportunities for my university and have meaningful conversations with donors about maximizing their impact. This training was a game-changer for me."

Mark T.

"This course filled a critical knowledge gap in my fundraising skill set. Understanding how to accept and manage alternative asset donations has given me a competitive edge and helped my institution unlock new funding opportunities. I highly recommend it to any advancement professional."

Emily S.

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