Geneva School of Economics and Management Geneva School of Economics and Management

This module prepares participants to address the most essential questions when setting up a philanthropic organization. It will showcase how to translate personal motivations and philanthropic ideals into actionable principles defining the essence of a philanthropic organization. We will distinguish different types of philanthropy, such as family-led foundations, corporate giving or regranting entities, among others. We will address questions such as: what are the key dimensions which need to be orchestrated for a coherent philanthropic project, what are different approaches to deliver impact, and what are the defining factors to build a foundation’s strategy.

16 hours in class;, reading up at home 34 hours

For philanthropic organisation to reach their objectives with minimum operating expenses and with the understanding that engaged employees deliver higher performance, they must ensure that employees are engaged and active as well as to have an effective board. This module explains the levers that enable leaders to motivate teams and reassure donors. Understanding what leadership means to different generations, how leadership selects diverse teams, how to mobilise and motivate teams, members and volunteers and how to manage in complex situations are all part of this course. As board/staff interaction when badly managed can be deleterious to a philanthropic venture, this module also examines how philanthropic boards and staff interact most effectively. Finally, how to integrate ethics and what ethics means for a philanthropic leader is also part of the module.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

Developing a strategy and understanding how to measure its effectiveness is a requirement in today’s philanthropic activity, as more and more organisations compete for money and attention. In this module participants will learn how organisations evaluate their impact and what theories of impact measurement exist, beyond simply fixing strategy, objectives and outcomes. Participants will learn to set up their organization’s “theory of change”, understand the differences between inputs, outcomes, outputs, and impact, and how to measure each of these. They will learn about logical frameworks and other tools that organisations use. This module also covers the unintended (potentially negative) consequences of philanthropic interventions.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

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 donor 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 distribute and coordinate resource allocations across projects, strategies for maximizing complementarity between projects, and effective project management. It will include best practices in working with grantees, acknowledging the power dynamic of the funder-donor relationship, using trust and relationship building. The module also proposes monitoring and evaluation tools adapted to different sectors of philanthropy e.g. health, education, poverty reduction, as well as sourcing opportunities, such as using open applications, call for proposals, invite-only etc.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

According to the purpose of the philanthropic organisation and the country in which it is based, legal possibilities for structure and tax aspects will vary. This module will consider available Swiss, European and international philanthropic legal structures, and will focus on those structures available under Swiss law. These range from traditional single purpose forms (foundations and associations) to hybrid (profit/non-profit) models. Innovative contract-based solutions, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) and impact bonds will also be presented. Tax, governance and financial-related restrictions and/or requirements will be addressed when reviewing the various possible structures.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

As many Swiss foundations are small, and often friends and family are co-opted, this module provides the know-how to structure the organisation to assess required skills, develop a staff growth plan and put into place policies, that are coherent with the overall philanthropic vision and mission and strategy. This module will examine human resources management, needs assessment, running volunteer teams, multi-country staff and multicultural settings in respect with the values and culture of the institution. Ensuring that learning and development is happening at all levels of the organization. It will examine Swiss staffing laws and practices and draw general guidelines for international staff and give the tools to develop and enhance the team leadership and performance. It will also address motivating and maintain volunteers.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

This module will cover basic financial management principles as well as how to create budgets, monitor and control spending, creating financial statements and GAAP compliance. It will include information on the structure of the financial planning and management of the foundation, depending on the structure of a foundation (is it a foundation managed into perpetuity or one that is in spend-down?), on how finances are managed and invested (In-house, with asset managers or as part of holdings in a company?), and on the region of activity of the organization (does it operate nationally, cross-border, both?). It will also deliver the means to estimate the sustainability and level of agreement between the mission of a foundation and its investments.

16 hours in class; reading up at home 34 hours

Philanthropy is frequently operating internationally interacting with very diverse geographies, cultures, societies, and traditions. These are often very different from the backgrounds of organizations board members, project managers, and decision makers. To successfully and ethically develop projects across borders and cultures, philanthropic organizations need to build solid relations with local entities, such as grass root movements or local NGOs. In this module we focus on strategies to involve and listen to these local entities in the project planning of organization and analyses to anticipate potential unintended consequences. This module further looks at the current debate on the legitimacy of philanthropy, which results by well-intended but poorly planned cross-border philanthropic initiatives. We will also learn how to plan and develop advocacy strategies to engage with local governments and NGOs (including potentially illegal organizations) tailoring these to local traditions and customs, discussing the limitations of a one-size fits all advocacy.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

In an increasingly connected world, partnerships and collaborations are essential to garnering sustainable contributions. This module will focus on donor grantee relationships, moving away from money-centered fundraising towards a new model of fundraising, collaborative and transformational, leading to sustainable financing. The goal is to position the fundraising professionals as leaders who facilitate the philanthropic process and make change possible. It will cover practical topics, such as the sourcing of philanthropic partners, principles for online and offline fundraising and resources needed to raise funds. It will also explore how to create, develop and nurture long-term relationships that facilitate impact. The module will provide a solid grounding in fundraising principles and practice and enable the participants to design their own exhilarating fundraising strategy

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

In a world where organisations compete for attention, communications fulfil vital roles in raising awareness of issues and solutions, attracting staff and volunteers, and donors. Understanding how to target specific audiences and craft meaningful messaging and campaigns are a key part of having visibility and reach. This is particularly relevant for organizations whose current projects are frequently international and involve different cultures, geo-political landscapes and religions. In these scenarios is where the legitimacy of philanthropy and of its effectiveness is most likely to be questioned. This module delivers key insights for achieving effective communication, considering, among others, audience segmentation, messaging, and storytelling. Here we focus on effective communications both online and off-line. Finally, this module discusses how to leverage diversity and cross-cultural settings looking at techniques for conflict resolution and strategies for negotiations with other stakeholders to build successful partnerships.

16 hours in class; 8 hours online, reading up at home 51 hours

This module introduces the SDGs and discuses key trends in philanthropy, looking at the role of philanthropic organizations in funding innovation, systems change and leveraging technology (e.g., artificial intelligence). It also covers emerging trends in philanthropy (e.g. growth, activism, collaboration, new models, diversity inclusion) and how philanthropy is practiced differently around the world. The module will help you understand the motivation and drivers of philanthropists and foundations and develop your own role influencing the future of philanthropy.

Module supported by the Julius Baer Foundation.

16 hours in class; reading up at home 17 hours