A rigorous selection of projects in line with the vision and strategy of the organisation is the best way to ensure efficiency and to maintain donors’ trust. This module therefore looks at a strategic and structured assessment of benefits, risks, collateral efforts and key success factors of each project. We examine how to manage philanthropic projects effectively in terms of resource allocations, coordination, impact and relationship with the donors. It will include best practices in working with grantees, the expectations of grant-givers and how they select the projects to be supported. The module also proposes a brief overview of communications.

This module tackles the challenge for non-profit foundation executives to strike a balance between creating public value and managing the bottom line. It is designed to help foundation executives understand the tools, techniques and concepts of good financial management and investments. Guided by experts in finance and accounting, participants will develop analytical skills for understanding their financial position more fully, their audited financial statements and learn to identify threats to the financial sustainability of their organisation. They will also learn how the effective use of budgeting and cash-flow planning can enhance their ability of creating value. Finally, based on the financial assessment of their organisation, they will learn how to optimally structure their financial investment portfolio.

Partnerships are essential to garnering funds and in-kind contributions, including time, expertise, and personal networks. The spirit of this module is to move away from money-centred fundraising to focus on collaborative and transformational donor-grantee relationships leading to sustainable financing. It will cover the proven fundamentals of private fundraising, including building donor loyalty through state-of-the-art donor journeys; sourcing philanthropic partners; fundraising resources; motivations for giving; offline fundraising models; digital fundraising. It will explore other funding models, such as public-private partnerships, as well as fundraising innovations that can help non-profit organisations raise funds in new ways and reach new, diverse audiences. It will show both sides of the same coin: fundraising and grant giving.

Advocacy can be defined as raising support for an idea, a policy or a plan. It can be practised through grassroots organising, coalition-building, lobbying, and public education campaigns, as well as judicial means. Advocacy in philanthropy serves as a powerful mechanism for driving change and addressing root causes of societal issues. Through case studies, guest speakers, and interactive exercises, students will learn how philanthropic organisations and individuals can leverage their resources, networks, and influence to advocate for policy reforms, amplify marginalised voices, and promote social justice. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to critically assess advocacy efforts in philanthropy and contribute meaningfully to advancing positive societal change.