The team in the Centre for Philanthropy are creating free online educational resources for charity sector professionals. Many charities are coping with huge challenges as demand on their services is increasing at the same time as planned fundraising events have had to be cancelled due to the lockdown, and as regular giving is threatened by donors facing financial uncertainty. To help share ideas and perspectives on how to better understand and encourage philanthropy, a one day version of our successful Masters programme in Philanthropic Studies is now freely available online.
The MA in a Day covers topics such as ‘Fundamentals of Philanthropy’, ‘Volunteering and Society’ and ‘Major Donor Fundraising’, offering a short lecture and a handful of readings and useful resources. Regular Friday webchats are also being held to enable colleagues to discuss the material with our academic staff and guest experts from the philanthropy sector.
Dr Beth Breeze, director of the Centre for Philanthropy, says “In these most unusual and challenging times we are keen to use our resources to help the charity sector in any way we can. The response to the ‘MA in a Day’ has been fantastic, and we’re happy to hear that other philanthropy academic centres are now developing similar initiatives.”
The Centre for Philanthropy staff are also developing a Futurelearn MOOC (massive, open, online course) on ‘Understanding Fundraising’ which begins on 8 June 2020, offering 3 weeks of guided learning on all aspects of the basic principles and practices involved in securing voluntary income for good causes. Pre-register your interest in this course by emailing philanthropy@kent.ac.uk.
Dr Lesley Alborough, who is leading on the MOOC and whose post is funded by Pears Foundation, adds “this short course will give people the knowledge and confidence to start fundraising for their chosen cause, no matter their background or role.”