Melissa Ferlazzo, Philanthropy Officer at Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), has been awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation by CFRE International, the only internationally recognized, accredited certification for fundraising professionals.

Melissa began her nonprofit career in 2015 after earning a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Staten Island in New York. Over the past decade, she has dedicated her career to advancing the missions of nonprofit organizations through donor engagement, community outreach, and strategic fundraising. Today, in her role at SPARCC, she is committed to strengthening donor relationships and ensuring vital resources are available to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The CFRE credential is a mark of distinction in the fundraising profession. With just over 8,000 certified professionals worldwide, the CFRE is awarded to those who meet arduous standards in education, professional practice, and performance. They are also required to pass a rigorous 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.

“This certification represents my commitment to excellence, accountability, and ethical fundraising,” said Ferlazzo. “I am proud to bring this achievement to my work at SPARCC, where every gift makes a tangible difference in the lives of survivors and their families.”

CFRE certification is awarded for a three-year period. To maintain certification status, CFRE 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.

Jessica Hays, President & CEO of SPARCC and Mary Ellen Mancini, SPARCC Vice President of Philanthropy, offer Melissa their congratulations on her professional achievement.

To learn more about CFRE certification, visit www.cfre.org or call +1 703.820.5555.

To learn more about SPARCC and its mission to provide a safe haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence, visit www.sparcc.net.

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About SPARCC

SPARCC’s mission is to provide a safe haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence. SPARCC is the only state-certified center for domestic violence and sexual assault services for Sarasota and Desoto Counties. All of SPARCC’s services are free and confidential. In addition to serving victims, SPARCC is actively engaged in promoting social change through community awareness and education, to help prevent such violence in the future.