Students and professionals with a strong interest in philanthropy and fundraising can now apply to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation. It is the first academic qualification of its kind in Africa.

Offered by The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School, the course follows years of planning and collaboration with Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, to professionalise this sector with the support of Inyathelo’s funders and partners.

“We’re very excited about the launch of this excellent new programme,” says Dr Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of CAPSI and professor at Wits Business School. “The Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation is a marriage between philanthropy and academia. We cannot wait to see our alumni use the skills and knowledge acquired in this diploma to make changes that ripple across Africa.”

This course provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and leadership skills, as well as core competencies as managers in the philanthropy and non-profit sectors. It provides a comprehensive overview of the complex world of grant-making and grant-seeking and allows learners to understand the thinking that shapes resource mobilisation and donor decision-making. The course also suits those leaning more towards academia and research, as they can continue their studies to doctoral level at CAPSI.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation covers one year of full-time study, with six core courses and a choice of three electives. Topics include:

• Organising and managing resource mobilisation
• Measuring and reporting performance for not-for-profit organisations (NPOs)
• Marketing and communications
• Working with communities and ethical leadership

The three electives candidates can choose from are:

• Philanthropy and fundraising in African educational institutions
• Philanthropic foundations
• Philanthropy and public policy and innovations in philanthropy

Suitable diploma candidates would currently hold positions such as senior education officers (including principals and officers of education institutions), officials of advancement units at higher education institutions, non-profit sector managers, grant-makers, fundraisers, development practitioners, public policy officials, community foundation managers, corporate social investment/responsibility managers, and consultants.

Diploma development
Inyathelo, a non-profit trust, has laid the foundation for philanthropic and fundraising studies over two decades. Many of its educational interventions have been enabled through financial support and involvement from the Kresge Foundation, a philanthropic private foundation with its headquarters in Michigan, United States.

The Kresge Foundation has funded two multi-year Inyathelo programme initiatives that support institutionalising advancement at universities, showcasing community and individual philanthropy, and philanthropic research. These include workshops, research reports and networking events for university leaders.

Inyathelo and CAPSI entered into a partnership in 2019 to discuss the professionalisation of the field of advancement, fundraising and grant management, and to review the integration of theory with practice. The new diploma course structure is the product of a stakeholder workshop organised by Inyathelo and CAPSI in 2019, with considerable input by leaders in education and philanthropy. This was funded by the Kresge Foundation.

Nazeema Mohamed, executive director of Inyathelo, says, “We have high hopes for the graduates. They will receive training, capacity-building and strong networks that will stand them in good stead to address the many educational and development challenges we must overcome to build a more egalitarian, productive and healthy society.”

The deadline for course applications is 31 May 2021. Admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree (NQF 7), although non-degreed individuals with working experience will be considered in exceptional cases. The cost is R84 000. The course starts in June 2021.

Course enquiries:

• 0861 000 927
• marketing@wits.ac.za
• Download the brochure at Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation

For more information and media enquiries:

Jane Balnaves

Wits Business School

jane.balnaves@wits.ac.za