Fundamental Courses - Fundamental courses provide a knowledge base upon which development professionals build and reinforce their craft and careers. This knowledge provides a platform for the more specialized skills and concepts that are taught in other ALDE sessions. Fundamentals are the courses everyone should take, ideally within the first two years of their development career, regardless of their position focus. The content in these courses will not change much over time because the focus is on knowledge, not techniques.
Core Courses - ALDE Core courses, while essential for those involved in resource development, differ from Fundamental sessions. Core concepts are more specifically tailored to certain aspects of development, such as planned giving, annual fund, etc. Furthermore, Core courses provide skills that build upon the knowledge provided by the Fundamental. Many ALDE members are exposed to these Core courses early in their careers but don’t revisit them because they have historically been marked “Entry Level.” Members are challenged to revisit these ALDE Core designation areas at least every other year in order to acquaint and refresh themselves with core principles and the latest takes on consistent themes. Core sessions change more frequently than Fundamental because techniques in the various areas are improved and new skills and ideas come along in the profession. Not all new to, or even experienced in, the profession will take every Core course.