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Coursera

Strategic Fundraising: Donors, Gifts & Partnerships

via Coursera

Overview

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This course provides an in-depth look at the strategies and methodologies behind effective fundraising. It covers essential topics including understanding different donor types, the role of religion, gender, and community demographics in philanthropy, and approaches to high-net-worth giving. You’ll learn how to develop strong fundraising campaigns, integrate major gift strategies, and co-create meaningful donor relationships. Practical insights into grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and business sector fundraising will prepare you for real-world challenges. The course uniquely blends theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, offering you the tools to shape successful philanthropic initiatives. Through case studies and interactive content, you'll gain actionable insights that directly impact fundraising outcomes. This course is ideal for professionals in nonprofit organizations, fundraising managers, and development officers who want to enhance their skills. A background in fundraising or related fields is beneficial but not required. This course is part three 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

  • Understanding Individual Donors
    • This module explores the factors that shape individual donor behavior, including socio-demographic influences, motivations, and the impact of costs and benefits. Learners will gain practical strategies for engaging donors and optimizing fundraising efforts based on these insights.
  • The Role of Religion in Giving
    • This module explores how religious beliefs and practices influence charitable giving, examining trends in donor behavior and the impact of religious diversity on fundraising strategies. Learners will gain insights into specific traditions such as Judaism and understand how programmatic and relational giving shape philanthropic engagement.
  • Women and Philanthropy
    • This module explores the unique impact of women in philanthropy, examining their giving behaviors, leadership roles, and the use of technology to drive charitable contributions. Learners will gain insights into strategies for engaging women donors and understand the broader implications of gender on fundraising practices.
  • Philanthropy Among Communities of Color
    • This module explores the rich traditions and evolving practices of philanthropy within communities of color, highlighting demographic trends, cultural perspectives, and identity-based giving. Learners will gain insights into how inclusive strategies can enhance fundraising and resource mobilization in diverse contexts.
  • LGBTQ Philanthropy
    • This module explores how LGBTQ identities influence patterns of charitable giving and financial management within philanthropy. Learners will examine unique motivations and challenges faced by LGBTQ donors and discover strategies for fostering inclusive fundraising environments. By understanding these dynamics, participants will be better equipped to engage diverse donor communities.
  • Differentiating Generations and Their Giving
    • This module explores how giving behaviors differ across generations, considering factors such as life stage development and evolving attitudes toward philanthropy. Learners will gain insights into how organizations can adapt their donor engagement strategies using data-driven approaches tailored to generational trends.
  • High Net Worth Household Giving Insights
    • This module explores the charitable giving patterns, motivations, and decision-making processes of high net worth households, with a focus on demographic differences and implications for nonprofit fundraisers. Learners will gain insights into how race, ethnicity, and external events influence philanthropic behavior and how these trends can inform effective fundraising strategies.
  • Co-Creating Major Gifts
    • This module delves into the strategies and principles behind securing major gifts for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of donor relationships and collaborative gift creation. Learners will explore how to identify potential benefactors, engage in meaningful solicitation, and implement sustainable program management for long-term philanthropic success.
  • The Invitation to Give
    • This module guides learners through the process of confidently inviting donors to give, using research-driven strategies and structured conversation frameworks. Participants will explore factors influencing donor motivation and learn how to tailor their approach to align with both organizational needs and donor interests.
  • Campaign Essentials
    • This module guides learners through the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising campaigns, including campaign types, strategic planning, and the structured phases of execution. Learners will gain practical insights into aligning campaign plans with organizational strategy and managing the critical quiet phase to maximize fundraising success.
  • Planned Giving Principles
    • This module introduces the fundamentals of planned giving, including donor motivations, key giving instruments, and effective communication strategies. Learners will discover how to maximize tax benefits and target the right audiences to enhance fundraising outcomes.
  • Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Basics
    • This module introduces the mechanics and significance of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in modern philanthropy. Learners will explore the DAF giving process and discover effective strategies for engaging DAF donors. Practical guidance is provided for organizations seeking to facilitate and encourage DAF contributions.
  • Overview of Grantmaking Foundations
    • This module introduces the landscape of grantmaking foundations, exploring their types, roles, and the strategies nonprofits can use to secure funding. Learners will gain insights into how foundations operate, how to research potential funders, and best practices for building effective relationships.
  • Business Sector Fundraising
    • This module explores the motivations behind corporate charitable giving, examines four distinct models of company support, and provides strategies for aligning business sector fundraising with nonprofit goals. Learners will gain insights into how corporations make funding decisions and how nonprofits can effectively engage with business partners throughout the fundraising cycle.

Taught by

Wiley Skills Network

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