K2SP 2080 - Fundraising & Management of the Cultural Sector

This course is designed for students who want to acquire the theoretical and practical fundamentals of fundraising in the cultural sector. It will provide students with the best practices and most effective strategies and methods used in fundraising for cultural organizations. From understanding the current philanthropic landscape and trends to learning more about the motivations behind individual donor giving, students will become familiar with key fundraising concepts and acquire applicable skills. Key concepts include: annual giving programs, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, fundraisers and special events, capital campaigns and endowments, public/private partnerships, digital fundraising, the role of stewardship, volunteers and board members, and future trends in fundraising and philanthropy.

Cultural organizations across the world have faced or will face deep cuts in public funding. Some organizations already operate in environments without a strong tradition of public funding. In every case, fundraising has become a vital necessity to ensure a sustainable source of income for cultural institutions. These factors have led to the professionalization of fundraising, transforming it into a recognized field with a tested set of techniques and skills that we will explore in this course. Students will learn the key fundamentals of managing a successful fundraising operation, including how it fits into the larger picture of a cultural organization: links with program development and marketing; metrics for measuring success; accountability and ethics; leveraging your board of trustees and donors to grow support and build community; and the strategic mobilization of resources to foster organizational growth.

Pauline WONG-LEMASSON

Cours magistral seul

English

Before each class, students are required to read the assigned texts/documents.

There are no pre-requisites for the course. However, students should have a sound cultural background and an interest in the financing of cultural organizations. Students are expected to read all required readings.

Autumn 2023-2024

Student participation: 10%
Press review: 10%
Final paper: 40%
Final presentation: 40%

Each class will start with a press review presented by the students. Then, the class will consist of a one-hour lecture illustrated by data and case studies. The lecture will be followed by an additional hour of discussion with a guest speaker (either live on Zoom or pre-recorded) or small group activities and role plays. Guest speakers include donors/patrons of the cultural sector, directors of cultural organizations, professional fundraisers, staff of foundations, board members, etc.