Hands-on Philanthropy
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR:
Bachelor's and Master's students, PhD candidates, and junior professionals. Hands-on Philanthropy equips participants with the analytical and strategic competencies needed to navigate and shape the evolving landscape of global philanthropy.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Summer School programme “Hands-on Philanthropy” is a vibrant complement to existing courses in philanthropy at the University of Geneva. Located in the heart of Geneva’s unique ecosystem of international organizations, foundations, and financial institutions, the summer school offers three weeks of classes, workshops, site-visits, and personal study. The curriculum focuses on three forward-looking modules that highlight key emerging trends shaping the future of global philanthropy:
- Module 1: Evidence-Based Philanthropy: The use of data science and digital tools to inform philanthropic decision-making.
- Module 2: Philanthropic Asset Management: Aligning investment strategies with mission and impact objectives.
- Module 3: Circular Economy and Philanthropy: building public–private partnerships for sustainable resource management and systemic change.
The programme emphasises the centrality of data in philanthropic practice - supporting analysis, fundraising, and advocacy through innovative digital tools. It also explores the governance and management of philanthropic capital and introduces participants to circular economy principles as a framework for sustainable impact.
Through a blend of academic insight, applied case studies, and experiential workshops, participants engage directly with real-world challenges and opportunities in philanthropy.
CERTIFICATES
A certificate of completion will be awarded to all participants who have attended the course in full. Participants who successfully meet the academic requirements will additionally receive certification for 6 ECTS credits.
It is the sole responsibility of the student to secure approval from their home institution for the transfer or recognition of academic credit for this course, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
UNIGE students : CHF 350
External students (*): CHF 1,800
Junior professionals (*): CHF 2,200
(*) Bachelor's and master’s degree-seeking students and PhD candidates only. The tuition fees for lifelong learning students are subject to employment status.
Micro-credentials: This programme has applied for micro-credential recognition. The application is currently under review, and the final decision is pending.
Note: A few scholarships (including course fees, travel and housing fees) are available for candidates from Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Selection based on the country of residence and motivation.
Scholarship application deadline: 15 March 2026 (Early applications are encouraged.)
Application deadline for all the others: 15 April 2026
Course Director:
Giuseppe Ugazio
Giuseppe Ugazio is Assistant Professor in Behavioral Philanthropy at the Geneva Finance Research Insitute. He holds two Doctorates in Philosophy and in Neuroeconomics from the University of Zurich.
He is an interdisciplinary behavioral scientist studying the neuro-psychological mechanisms that drive complex human social behaviors. Using interdisciplinary experimental methods he probes the affective, cognitive, and behavioral control mechanisms that support social decision-making. In particular, his research focuses on understanding how these decision mechanisms compete and interact to drive choices related to philanthropy. To understand philanthropy, he is also developing an AI approach to disclose motivations to engage in prosocial endeavors looking in particular at the role played by emotions and moral values
Laetitia Gill
Laetitia Gill is a recognised expert in philanthropy and social innovation, with experience across the private and non-profit sectors. From 2017 to 2022, she served as the first Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), where she helped shape its strategy and co-founded the MAS in Philanthropy at the University of Geneva. In partnership with Fondation de France, she also co-created the European Academy of Strategic Philanthropy for leaders of grant-making foundations.
She previously served for ten years as Secretary General for a group of philanthropists in France and has over 15 years’ experience advancing diversity and inclusive leadership across France, Switzerland, and Canada, including co-authoring Switzerland’s first report on diversity on foundation boards (2022).
Based in Montréal since 2022, Laetitia is Co-Director of the MAS in Philanthropy at the University of Geneva, where she teaches Governance and Inclusive Leadership, serves on the National Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, and works as a senior consultant in strategy and governance for philanthropic organisations.
Danièle Castle
Previously lifelong learning specialist at EPFL, Danièle Castle began her career in public relations at Burson-Marsteller International in Geneva. After working at Elizabeth Arden and Ares Serono International (Director Corporate Communications), she set up her own company, which is still operational. Within this context, she managed the image and philanthropic activity of HNWI. At World Heart Federation, she was in charge of cause marketing. She then became Executive Director of Graduate Women International, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on girls' and women's education, which she rebranded completely. After leaving the NGO, she set up the first Kickstart Accelerator EdTech in Switzerland, operated by VentureLab in partnership with EPFL, prior to joining digitalswitzerland as Senior Director, Education and Talent.
Danièle Castle co-designed and co-directs the Master in Advanced Studies (MAS) in Philanthropy at the University of Geneva, is a member of VentureKick jury which seed funds startups, sat on the board of a circular economy SME and currently sits on the board of a development NGO. Danièle has published in media across the world and contributed to different book chapters, as well as to the development of several university courses in different institutions.
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