Fundraising Management Courses

Accountability and transparency are key in today's society. Students develop realistic marketing and communication skills to inspire the general public. In addition, students gain an understanding of the budgetary obligations and financial plans of an organization to establish trust in the brand they represent. Students learn the importance of running a not-for-profit like a business and the critical role of marketing, public relations and financial management in the world of fundraising.

Students gain an overview of the principles, ethics and practices of professional fundraising and a systemic examination of the thinking and preparation that is required before an organization can engage in successful fundraising. Students examine the evolution of fundraising in North America, the role the voluntary sector plays in today's society and the changing nature of the position of the fundraising professional. They also analyze the needs of an organization and apply fundraising approaches that best suit the organization's needs.

Elements of a successful fundraising campaign are examined. Students learn how to develop a compelling case for support, attract the best leadership potential, train volunteers, develop donor prospects and prepare a plan of action. Students also learn the importance of pre-planning and gain knowledge of feasibility studies. Management and financial strategies to effectively control the fundraising process of campaigns are explored. Practical implementation of fundraising strategies required to manage information generated during a campaign, such as processing gifts and dealing with information flow and technology are addressed. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements.

Issues and processes involved in designing, planning and organizing special events are presented. Students examine the organization, advantages and disadvantages of special events as a fundraising technique including tasks and responsibilities, working with committees, creative development of event concepts, scheduling and budgeting and strategies for maximizing profits from the event. Corporate partnerships and grant seeking, and entrepreneurial and third-party fundraising activities are also examined. Students develop fundraising plans according to the needs and capabilities of the organization they represent, such as finances and human resources. Relationships with the corporate sector and the means to identify their interest in fundraising are explored.

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their learnings and appropriate concepts through a series of reports, modelling a non-profit organization and/or having direct contact with one. Students analyze existing fundraising practices and make recommendations for enhancements. Acting as members of a Board of Directors, students provide recommendations for improvement for the benefit of the organization and the future of the cause This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements. Pre-requisites: OL157, OL156, OL377, OL380, and OL329.

The funding relationship between the charitable sector, corporations and individual donors is integral to fundraising. Students explore the needs, requirements and motivations of donors (corporations or individuals) and what sustains long-term partnerships with the non-profit sector. They also learn to identify, analyze and rate potential prospects and prepare a solicitation approach accordingly. This course includes mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and group work requirements. We recommend students take OL157 prior to taking this course.