PHDE634 Strategic Giving (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of major, planned and capital gift fundraising including the design, planning and successful implementation of a major and planned gifts program for nonprofit organizations. The course focuses on establishing an effective major and planned gifts program, developing a donor stewardship program and making the ask.  Students are expected to participate in simulated cultivation and solicitation calls as part of this class. Students become familiar with instruments for planned giving, estate planning and the roles of different professionals in charitable gift planning.

 Additionally, students explore the role of the capital campaign as part of the development operation.  When should a campaign be considered?  Course content focuses on how to go about planning for and implementing a successful campaign.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Define the key elements of a successful major gifts program.
2. Examine the major gift process including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gifts.
3. Develop and implement specific solicitation plans for targeted constituencies.
4. Ask for and secure gifts from current and prospective donors in order to generate financial support for the organization.
5. Successfully plan, prepare for and execute a capital campaign.      
6. Compare and contrast the various motivations of philanthropic donors and evaluate the values that underlie the different motivations for giving.