21183 Funds Development

Subject level: Undergraduate

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

Assessment item 1: Assignment 1

Assessment item 2: Assignment 2