Philanthropy, Ethics, and the Foundations of Fundraising

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

10 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Achieving Excellence in Fundraising

Overview

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This course covers the core principles of philanthropy, emphasizing ethical fundraising practices and the legal aspects involved. Learners will develop a personal philosophy of fundraising, understand the joy of giving, and explore strategies for advocating social change through effective fundraising. By the end of this course, learners will gain practical skills in building comprehensive fundraising programs, identifying and engaging potential donors, and preparing their organizations for successful fundraising campaigns. The course sets itself apart by blending foundational theory with hands-on, real-world fundraising practices. It explores the challenges and transformations in the sector, particularly when navigating a crisis or nonprofit subsector complexities. This course is ideal for professionals in fundraising, nonprofit management, and those pursuing a career in philanthropy. Some prior understanding of fundraising or nonprofit work will be beneficial. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. From Achieving Excellence in Fundraising Copyright © 2022 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

Developing a Personal Philosophy of Fundraising

This module guides learners through the process of developing a personal philosophy of fundraising, emphasizing ethical reflection and the societal role of philanthropy. Learners will examine how personal and organizational values influence fundraising practices and understand the importance of building a compelling case for support.

A Commitment to Ethical Fundraising

This module explores the ethical foundations of fundraising, focusing on principles, dilemmas, and frameworks that guide responsible donor relations. Learners will examine the intersection of ethics, trust, and social justice within the nonprofit sector, and apply ethical reasoning to real-world scenarios.

Legal Aspects of Fundraising

This module explores the legal responsibilities and regulatory requirements involved in nonprofit fundraising. Learners will gain insight into state and federal laws, IRS reporting, donor privacy, and the distinctions between different types of charitable and member benefit organizations. By the end, participants will understand how to ensure compliance and ethical standards in fundraising activities.

Theory in Fundraising

This module examines how key social science theories inform and shape effective fundraising strategies. Learners will explore concepts such as boundary spanning, resource dependence, gift theory, and symbolic interactionism to better understand donor motivations and engagement. By connecting theory to practice, participants will gain tools to enhance their fundraising approaches.

The Joy of Giving

This module explores how acts of giving—both time and money—impact psychological, social, and physical well-being. Learners will examine cultural and lifespan differences in giving, discover how generosity spreads through social networks, and learn strategies to enhance the positive effects of giving.

The Philanthropic Context for Fundraising

This module explores the dynamic landscape of philanthropy, highlighting the factors that influence fundraising and nonprofit operations. Learners will examine how economic, social, and political changes impact giving trends and the overall size and scope of the nonprofit sector. By understanding these contexts, students will be better equipped to navigate and respond to challenges in fundraising.

Fundraising in Challenging Times: Crisis, Survival, and Transformation

This module explores how fundraising professionals can navigate various types of crises, develop effective leadership habits, and uphold ethical standards to sustain donor engagement during uncertain times. Learners will gain practical strategies and insights for adapting to rapidly changing environments and ensuring organizational resilience.

Fundraising Across Nonprofit Subsectors

This module explores the unique characteristics of various nonprofit subsectors, examining donor behaviors and the challenges organizations face in fundraising. Learners will gain insights into giving trends and develop strategies tailored to different types of nonprofits, including foundations and international affairs organizations.

Global Philanthropy and Cross-Cultural Fundraising

This module explores how philanthropy and fundraising practices differ across cultures and regions, highlighting the impact of cultural identity on donor engagement. Learners will gain insights into global trends, the influence of cultural norms, and effective strategies for cross-cultural fundraising. The module also addresses how to thoughtfully apply generalizations without resorting to stereotypes.

Fundraising for Advocacy and Social Change

This module explores how nonprofits leverage advocacy and social movements to drive fundraising for social change. Learners will examine case studies on racial and gender justice, resource mobilization, and the interplay between activism and financial support. By the end, you'll understand how institutional identity and advocacy strategies shape successful fundraising efforts.