21778 Developing Financial Resources

Subject level: Postgraduate

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 companies, but the major emphasis is on effectively managing and developing the variety of revenue sources in the context of the organisation's environment and in accord with the organisation's mission.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Explore the basic theories of philanthropy and fundraising.
2. Evaluate the centrality of pluralistic funds development to the survival, growth and legitimacy of not-for-profit organisations.
3. Explore the internal and external variables which determine the adoption of particular funds development methodologies.
4. Demonstrate awareness of the sources from which Australian community organisations obtain funds.
5. Demonstrate awareness of the management issues arising from a funds development program.
6. Use the language of this discipline effectively and with familiarity.
7. Demonstrate appropriate use of the methodologies and techniques to use when seeking funds from different sources.
8. Apply basic techniques to help raise funds from appropriate funding sources.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed primarily to make students aware of the range of methods available, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, which will vary for different nonprofits in different circumstances. The subject has two dimensions. Firstly 'Sources of Revenue' where students focus on the sources of revenue and on the techniques that are used to obtain financial support from these sources. The second dimension Management Implications' looks at the management implications of using a variety of methods to generate revenue. Here students become aware that different methods of raising revenue generate different obligations and different accountabilities for the revenue-raising organisation. This dimension shows students that all the methods cost money, some more than others, and some take a lot longer than others to generate their return. The methods therefore require coordinating, in effect managing, at the highest level of the organisation and within a clearly defined strategic resource development framework. Such a requirement is rarely met in practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

The Learning Guide will be supplemented by intensive workshops, lectures, individual assessment tasks and group work. Students who follow the Learning Guide, will keep up with the pace of the subject, present assessment tasks when required and study the subject in a logical and ordered way. The teaching strategies will see students develop skills in critical reflection and reflective practice, teamwork, the ability to understand issues through theoretical frameworks and conceptualising within a conceptual framework.

Content

• Critical review of resourcing Australia's non-profits: sources, forms, methods and issues.
• Critical review of individuals, households, financial institutions and non-profit organisations.
• Management issues in planning for the future.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Assessment Task 1 (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Assessment Task 2 (Individual)

Assessment item 3: Group Mark