Philanthropy

• Master the complex, multifaceted context of contemporary Swiss and international philanthropy
• Understand philanthropy from a critical perspective
• Learn about the principles, best practices, and key strategic elements to operate within a complex and international ecosystem

At the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Understand and master conceptual philanthropy frameworks, including novel financial instruments aligned with the U.N. SDG agenda 2030 and ESG metrics
• Develop an effective theory of change using state-of-the-art tools to implement, monitor, and evaluate the financial and social impact of a philanthropic endeavor
• Design philanthropic strategies aligned with organisational missions, legal and tax parameters, general goals, and specific objectives
• Master cutting-edge approaches to philanthropy, including emerging digital technologies
• Become inclusive leaders who harness the potential of staff and volunteers, develop partnerships with public and private actors, and understand both the funder and grantee sides of philanthropy
• Put into practice an effective approach to collaborative and inclusive philanthropy
• Plan advocacy and influence within the overall strategy of a philanthropic organisation
• Master novel financial instruments and assess their relevance to daily practice
• Navigate the extensive philanthropic ecosystem in and around International Geneva

Calendar CAS Frontiers in Philanthropy (PDF)

• Module 1: Introduction to philanthropy
• Module 2: Exploring the diversity and strategies of philanthropic foundations
• Module 3: Legal structuring of philanthropic projects
• Module 4: Philanthropic project management
• Module 5: Theory of change and impact measurement
• Module 6: Inclusive leadership and governance
• Module 7: Talent management and development
• Module 8: Philanthropic financial management and accountability
• Module 9: Resource mobilisation and fund management
• Module 10: Regional philanthropic realities, building alliances and joining local networks
• Module 11: Looking back to move forward: history in philanthropy and new perspectives
• Module 12: Collaborative and inclusive philanthropy (Fully Online Asynchronous)
• Module 13: Strategies for influence
• Module 14: Philanthropy and innovative financial instruments
• Module 15: Philanthropy and International Geneva

Final project

The objective of the final project is to develop empirical research on a priority theme relevant to philanthropic organizations that is of particular interest to the participant. The choice of the final project is determined by the candidate in agreement with the program management, based on their experience and professional objectives. This work, carried out under the supervision of a director, requires a significant personal contribution. This contribution consists in particular of activities such as:

• Research: Conducting thorough investigations to gather relevant data and insights on the chosen topic, complete with a full bibliography
• Choice and delimitation of the subject: Selecting a specific aspect of the broader theme and clearly defining its scope
• Definition of a methodology: Establishing a systematic approach for conducting the research, including data collection and analysis techniques
• Structuring and analysis of information: Organizing the collected data logically and performing detailed analysis to derive meaningful conclusions. Use the learning from the MAS courses, by applying learnings analytically
• Reflection: Engaging in critical thinking about the findings and their implications
• Position taking: Formulating and articulating a clear stance or perspective based on the research outcomes
• Writing: Documenting the entire process and findings in a coherent and scholarly manner, ensuring clarity and precision

The final project thus serves as a comprehensive project that not only enhances the participant’s understanding of a critical issue within philanthropic organizations but also demonstrates their ability to apply research skills to real-world challenges in the field.

• CHF 20,000 for 3 CAS and a final project to obtain the MAS in Philanthropy
• CHF 14,000 for 2 CAS and a final report to obtain the DAS
• CHF 7,500 for each CAS (CAS Frontiers in Philanthropy: CHF 6,000 one-off special price for those enrolling in the 2024 edition who have already completed a DAS in Philanthropy  and are members of the association Le Cercle de la Philanthropie)
• CHF 3,000 for any single module of any CAS

Early bird: 10% discount for early bird or for members of Le Cercle de la philanthropie, Swiss Foundations, or Pro Fonds

• A minimum of three years’ professional experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• English proficiency

No prior responsibilities in philanthropy required.

Withdrawal before the start of the training programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.-.

Fridays and Saturdays from 08:30 to 17:30

• Blended learning, each CAS entails 5 hybrid-learning modules (2 days in person one day asynchronous online), except for one module in the CAS in Frontiers in Philanthropy which is offered exclusively online (self-paced)
• Interactive experience-based learning embedding theoretical and practical knowledge
• Emphasis on exchange and networking with lecturers and students through in person modules On-site visits of key institutions
• Online learning consisting of a combination of short, pre-recorded videos and interactive webinars
• Guided personal research work developing critical thinking skills
• Learning from leading international academics and professional experts

UNIGE professors, lecturers and researchers; professionals in the practice of philanthropy from Switzerland and abroad.