Faculty of Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces the variety of revenue sources utilised by third-sector organisations and the variety of methods that are used to tap these resources. Particular attention is given to fundraising from individuals and corporations, but the emphasis is on effectively managing a whole variety of funding resources.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. be aware of the variety of sources from which community organisations obtain funds
2. be able to think about raising funds in a systematic manner, particularly from the perspective of management
3. understand some of the basic theories of philanthropy and resource mobilisation
4. be aware of some of the dilemmas that fundraising imposes for community organisations
5. be familiar with and be able to apply some basic techniques to help raise funds from major funding sources
6. understand the centrality of fundraising or development to the survival, growth and legitimacy of non profit organisations
7. apply knowledge of fundraising and written communication skills to funding applications and planning documents

Contribution to graduate profile

A distinctive feature of non profit organisations is the diversity of their funding sources. Managing this diversity is a major challenge to their managers. This subject introduces students to the variety of revenue sources utilised by third sector organisations and the variety of methods that are used to tap these resources. Particular attention is given to fundraising from individuals and corporations, but the emphasis is on effectively managing a whole variety of funding resources.

Teaching and learning strategies

Students will learn through a combination of set readings, lectures, workshop exercises, case studies and written assignments requiring them to apply concepts to their own work environment. Where appropriate, students will also be expected to conduct their own research in order to complete set assessment tasks.

Students will be encouraged to be active rather than passive learners. Each subject will feature 3 Block sessions through the semester, which may include a selection of the following teaching and learning strategies:

• full lectures or mini lectures (possibly including guest speakers)
• large group discussion
• practical group exercises
• small group discussion
• student presentations (individual or group projects)
• workshops on specific practical skills
• role play

Students are also required to maintain a regular reading schedule which may include a textbook, a prescribed set of readings and/or some selected key references. In some subjects there will also be an expectation that students will pursue their own research in areas relevant to their assessment tasks.

Central to the teaching and learning philosophy of this subject, is the integration of work based learning through assessment tasks that require students to apply theory to practice and reflect on this process in the context of their own communities and community organisations.

Content

This subject is designed primarily to make students aware of the range of funding methods available, and to be able to identify their organisation's strengths and weaknesses, which will vary for different non profits in different circumstances. It includes a critical review of:

• current political and social trends that impact on resourcing non-profits
• the theories, concepts and practices of resource mobilisation in nonprofit community organisations
• the legal requirements pertaining to nonprofit resource mobilisation
• resourcing Australia's non-profits - sources, forms, methods and issues with particular attention to: individuals, households, financial institutions and non-profit philanthropy
• the ethical considerations that relate to the different forms of resource mobilisation
• the risks associated with different forms of resource mobilisation
• the project planning involved in implementing a cohesive and coherent resource mobilisation strategy for a given nonprofit community organisation
• the documentation and presentation of an organisation's five-year resource mobilisation plan

Assessment

Assignment 1	50%
Students are required to write a critical report on their organisation's current resource mobilisation status supporting their views by drawing from the readings. Addresses objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Assignment 2	50%
Students are required to write and produce a formal plan for future resource mobilisation for the organisation used in assignment 1. The presentation and content of the plan is of a standard that can be distributed to the organisation's board, funders, sponsors and donors where appropriate. It is a planning and marketing tool. Addresses objectives 1-7.

All assignments will be made secure through a combination of updating of assessment tasks across semesters, requiring students to draw on their own organisational experience and/or with the use of plagiarism detection software.

To pass the subject, students must achieve at least 50% of the final overall grade.

Recommended text(s)

Funds Development reading guide.

Indicative references

Armstrong, L. (2004) A Place for Indigenous Economic Self Sufficiency in a Reconciled Australia, Journal of Indigenous Policy – Issue 4

Dees, J. G., Emerson J, Economy P. Eds (2001) Enterprising Nonprofits – A Tool Kit for Social Entrepreneurs. New York, John Wiley

Elder, J., Meadows, K. (2000) Getting commercial about being charitable – Business and community partnerships in Philanthropy Monograph #1, 2000. Philanthropy Australia

Leat, D. Lethlean, E. (2000) 'Trusts and Foundations in Australia'. Australian Philanthropy – Research Papers 2000 – Philanthropy Monograph #2, 2000. Philanthropy Australia.

Lyons, M. (2001) Third Sector: the contribution of nonprofit and co-operative enterprises in Australia, St Leonards, Allen & Unwin

Lyons, M. (2000) 'Understanding Australian Philanthropy'. Australian Philanthropy – Research Papers 2000 – Philanthropy Monograph #3, 2000. Ed Diana Leat . Philanthropy Australia.

Morris, S. (2001) Partnerships for Success – A guide for developing successful community projects and securing funding and support. Australia. samanthamorris@ozemail.com.au

Our Community. (2002) How to Find Money Fast – 50 Great Ideas to Raise up to $5000, Melbourne.

Our Community. (2002) How to Win a Philanthropic Grant – the Essential Guide, Melbourne.

Sprinkel Grace, K. (2005) Beyond Fundraising: New Strategies for Nonprofit Innovation and Investment, 2nd Edition, Wiley

Bray, I. M., (2005) Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits: Real World Strategies That Work, NOLO

Greenfield, J. M. (2002) Fundraising Fundamentals: A Guide to Annual Giving for Professionals and Volunteers 2nd edition: Wiley;

Gow Pettey, J. (2002) Cultivating Diversity in Fundraising: Wiley

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, (2004) Funding Effectiveness: Lessons in Building Nonprofit Capacity, Jossey-Bass

Klien, K. (2003) Fundraising in Times of Crisis, Jossey-Bass

Robinson, A. (2004) Grassroots Grants: An Activist's Guide to Grantseeking, 2nd Edition, Jossey-Bass

Korngold, A. (2005) Leveraging Good Will: Strengthening Nonprofits by Engaging Businesses, Jossey-Bass

Brinckerhoff , P. C. (2002) Mission-Based Marketing: Positioning Your Not-for-Profit in an Increasingly Competitive World, 2 Edition, Wiley

Andresen, K. (2006) Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes, Wiley