Fundraising, Development and Finance

Program Overview

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This course equips students with practical skills in fundraising, development, and financial management for cultural organizations. Through lectures, discussions, and exercises, students learn to craft grant applications, secure corporate sponsorship, and interpret financial statements. The course prepares graduates for careers in the arts and cultural sector, enabling them to effectively communicate their work to funders and stakeholders, manage finances, and plan for long-term sustainability.

Program Outline

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Outline:

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What You Will Learn:

• This course will equip you with a practical understanding of fundraising, development, and financial management for cultural organizations.
• You will learn how to craft grant applications and secure sponsorship from commercial organizations.
• You will gain knowledge of financial literacy and interpretation, essential for long-term financial planning.

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Course Structure:

• The course is delivered on campus in four themed blocks over four days.
• These blocks comprise:
• Two blocks on Finance
• One block on Applying for Funding
• One block on Corporate Sponsorship
• Online access to readings, resources, and advance exercises/pre-work is provided.

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Course Duration:

• The course lasts for one semester (15 weeks during January-May).
• You will spend 24 hours in the classroom, over 4 days of teaching during January-March.
• You will also spend around a day a week undertaking independent study.

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Modules:

• Finance: This module provides a foundation in financial literacy and interpretation, covering cashflows, balance sheets, budgets, and profit and loss accounts.
• Applying for Funding: This module focuses on crafting successful grant applications, understanding what makes a strong application and why.
• Corporate Sponsorship: This module explores the dynamics of corporate sponsorship for arts and culture, teaching you how to balance sponsorship with your mission and values.
You will learn how to generate sponsorship opportunities and communicate your work to this type of funder.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Two assessments are required to complete the course:
1. Produce a funding application or a sponsorship proposal for an activity/project of your choice. An exam testing your knowledge of the finance and fundraising material covered in the course.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria will be provided by the course tutors.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The course is taught using a blend of lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises.

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Faculty:

• The module is delivered by two specialist tutors: Rachel Blanche (Fundraising) and Alice McGrath (Finance).
• Both tutors have extensive experience in the arts and cultural sector.

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Unique Approaches:

• The course emphasizes the practicalities of fundraising and financial management for cultural organizations.
• Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• This course can lead to careers in fundraising, development, and financial management in the arts and cultural sector.
• You could work for arts organizations, cultural institutions, or government agencies.

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Opportunities:

• Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Communicate your work effectively to funders and stakeholders.
• Understand the dynamics of corporate sponsorship and how to leverage it.
• Understand and interpret financial statements.
• Manage and plan finances for long-term sustainability.

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Outcomes:

• This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a career in fundraising, development, or financial management for cultural organizations.

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Other:

• The course is delivered on QMU's campus in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• The course is open to anyone working or aspiring to work in the arts and cultural sector.
• This course is suitable for Continuing Professional Development and is also taught as part of other degree courses.
• Students with particular support requirements can contact the Disability Service.
• Students will have access to QMU's learning resource centre and online resources.
• Limited online access to Student Services support is available.
• Students will not be provided with a personal academic tutor.

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Please note:

• The course will run depending on the number of students registered.
• Confirmation of commencement will be provided four weeks in advance of the start date.