OAFP 9310 - Philanthropy and Equity: New Business Models

This course examines the relationship between philanthropy, power, and equity in the arts and culture

sector, within the global context of shifting economic and political trends. Students will learn practical

techniques on both sides of the funding relationship – as grantseekers and grantmakers – as they build

an understanding of current and emerging best practices, effective strategies, and new approaches

used by cultural organizations of all types and sizes in their institutional and philanthropic

development. The course emphasizes context — recognizing that approaches effective in one regulatory

or cultural system may not transfer directly to another. Students will leave equipped to make strategic

choices about revenue mix, funder relationships, and organizational models that align financial

sustainability with equity values in their future arts management and policy roles.

Not applicable

Each class will be structured to best fit the week’s topic. In addition to lectures by the professor,

classes may include small group student presentations, guest speakers, video content, and group

discussion of course content. There will be time set aside to discuss current events during this

rapidly evolving time in the cultural, philanthropic, and political ecosystems.

Students’ final grade will be comprised of the following:

Weekly In-Class Analysis and Discussion of Assigned Materials (20% of grade)

Philanthropy in the News Discussion Leadership (10% of grade)

Reflective Journal (15% of grade)

Group Project:

• Written Paper (35% of grade)
• Final Group Presentations (20% of grade)

Students will be expected to complete and discuss weekly assigned materials, lead a Philanthropy in

the News discussion, complete an individual written Reflective Journal based upon four prompts

during the semester, and actively collaborate with a small group of fellow students to prepare a final

written paper and presentation.