Course Catalog
External Relations: Fundraising and Institutional Giving
93-827
Units: 6
Description
Building on the fundamentals introduced in External Relations: Fundraising and Philanthropy (93-826) this course will provide an introduction to corporate, foundation, and government fundraising programs. We will examine how institutional giving compliments individual giving in a development office. Foregrounding institutional giving as a series of mutually beneficial partnerships, we will explore the areas of work required to grow thriving institutional giving programs: relationship-building, organizational and workflow planning, program and prospect research, data collection, evaluation, writing, budgeting, and clear messaging.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful conclusion of the course, students will be able to understand the basic principles of corporate, foundation, and government giving. Skills and knowledge gained through this course will be assessed through readings, class participation, and assignments. Specific learning objectives include:
- Understand the differences and similarities between corporate, foundation, and government giving, how each area can function, and how these elements fit into a broader fundraising strategy and department.
- Demonstrate an understanding of prospect research, with an ability to identify appropriate potential sponsors for specific programs and organizations.
- Interpret and summarize the philanthropic motivations and giving frameworks across corporate, foundation, and government entities.
- Create logical and persuasive letters of inquiry and proposals, ensuring that language and accompanying budgets reflect both a program’s reality as well as that specific funder’s priorities.
- Identify and create solicitation approaches that are aligned with the interests and processes of corporate prospects.
- Evaluate grant proposals, understanding the rigor that foundations use to score and select grants through panels, and applying this knowledge to one's own writing.
Prerequisites Description
None