Colleges and Schools

This course covers the fundamentals of effective resource development as they pertain to nonprofit organizations. Principles and best practices of fundraising are studied, including the fundraising process (i.e., organizational readiness, case development, donor pyramid, strategic planning, management and research). The principles that undergird effective fundraising practices will also be reviewed, including the historical, organizational, legal, ethical, and theoretical contexts of fundraising.

This course takes an in-depth look at the annual give techniques and processes by which financial resources are secured by nonprofit managers and fundraisers. Attention is given to direct mail, phonathon, email, event, and social media fundraising programs for individuals along with advances in technology and research for fundraising.

Capital campaign and major gift fundraising will be explored within the context of a broad fundraising program for nonprofit organizations. The course includes preparing, planning, managing, and implementing a capital campaign with major gift donors. Special topics will include financing the campaign, major gift solicitation, board involvement in fundraising, campaign structure, and volunteer networks.

Grant writing will be explored within the context of philanthropic and marketing programs at charitable foundations and corporations. The course will build skills in written communication with multiple opportunities to write case statements, grant proposals, cover letters, and stewardship pieces. Topics will include theory and practical application.

Planned giving will be explored within the context of the estate planning and philanthropic giving options for individuals. This course will include not only the more technical description of giving vehicles (e.g., charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder unitrusts, and charitable lead trusts) but will concentrate on the marketing and management aspects of a planned giving program.