NOPM International Fundraising

As a foundational complement to the Master of Science Program in Nonprofit Management, this course provides a comprehensive overview of elements to explore, analyze and understand for fundraising in the international context.  It introduces the history of philanthropy and its role around the world, and the unique cultural, political, economic, legal and ethical considerations critical to fundraising development, effectiveness and impact.  Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of donor groups including corporate, foundation, major, individual, institutional and multilateral donors.  Students will also consider the fundraising tools and fundamental and strategic practices utilized by the fundraising professional such as digital, online, offline, events, personal and campaign measures.     

Students will refine, enhance and improve their skills through analysis of case studies and small group and class exercises and participation.  Students will also learn practical application from weekly reflections and donor profiles, global regional philanthropy group presentations, and a final project involving an international fundraising plan.  The course also considers current and emerging trends, as well as the larger issues and challenges – such as political and economic impact and greater demands for accountability and return on investment – confronting today’s fundraising professionals.

The course is designed for students new to the civil society sector as well as those with more experience who are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills for application globally. By the conclusion of the course, both categories of students will share a common lexicon of the topic and be prepared to effectively engage and explore fundraising practices in the international environment such as being able to produce and defend a regionally appropriate international fundraising strategy that addresses legal, cultural, and ethical constraints. Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a shared vocabulary and conceptual grounding in international philanthropy
• Analyze global fundraising issues using sector data, regional context, and donor intelligence
• Strategically design and defend an international fundraising model responsive to legal, cultural, and ethical frameworks
• Show practical readiness to contribute to fund development initiatives within diverse international organizations

Through this d