Corporate Fundraising

This free online course is designed for civil society organisations seeking to strengthen their resource mobilisation strategies through effective corporate fundraising. The course explores how and why corporations engage with civil society organisations, and provides practical insights into identifying potential partners, building relationships, and managing corporate support in ways that align with organisational values and accountability requirements.

The course is contextualised for Kenya but is relevant to civil society organisations worldwide. Participants will gain an understanding of corporate motivations, including corporate social responsibility (CSR), and will examine different forms of corporate support such as cash donations, in-kind contributions, sponsorships, and employee volunteering.

By the end of the course, learners will be better equipped to engage the private sector as a strategic partner in sustainable resource mobilisation. This course is available in English and Portuguese. The course duration is 1.5 hours.

LO1 Describe why corporations support civil society organisations and the role of corporate social responsibility in giving

LO2 Identify different types of corporate giving, including cash, in-kind support, sponsorships, and employee volunteering

LO3 Identify potential corporate partners relevant to civil society organisation objectives

LO4 Describe how civil society organisations initiate contact and approach corporate partners

LO5 Describe how relationships with corporate partners are developed and maintained over time

LO6 Explain key considerations in managing corporate partnerships, including accountability, alignment with values, and reputation management

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of corporate motivations for engaging with civil society organisations
• Recognise different forms of corporate support and their relevance to organisational resource mobilisation strategies
• Identify appropriate corporate partners aligned with organisational mission and objectives
• Understand the basic principles of initiating and developing corporate relationships
• Interpret the importance of maintaining long-term corporate partnerships through trust and accountability
• Apply awareness of reputational and ethical considerations in corporate fundraising contexts

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