The ILSS Fundraising Program
Scholarship applications must be submitted by July 4th. All applications must be submitted by July 18th
About Us
India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) is a non-profit organisation that works to build and nurture capacity and talent in India’s social sector.
Mission & Vision
The non-profit sector in India has 500+ nonprofits with an annual budget above 5 crores. Although it is the largest nonprofit sector in the world, it is still nascent in terms of a focus on leadership development and capacity building for sustainability, growth, and resilience.
ILSS aims to strengthen leadership capacity in the development sector through:
– Strong research-based design for Programs
– Access to the best faculty from practitioners to academics
– A growing network of social sector individuals and organizations
Continuing ILSS’s commitment to building capacity in the social sector, the ILSS Fundraising Program is a rigorous virtual learning course specifically designed for fundraising professionals.
The Program is the first of its kind in India: a platform for in-depth engagement with leaders in the field, fostering strong networks, and knowledge-building through contextual study. Through the course of the Program, participants will cover a comprehensive curriculum through a wide range of approaches, carrying forward vital skills and lasting connections.
Program Objectives
- Build fundraising skills in an experiential manner through case studies, simulations, group activities, pitching and role-playing with personal guidance and assessment by domain experts
- Gain fundraising insights from experts across multiple channels by discussing best practices, understanding the Indian funding landscape, and the varied requirements of organizations at specific stages of growth
- Get exposed to emerging trends and practices such as resource-based fundraising, venture philanthropy, impact bonds, retail fundraising, and more
- Craft a unique narrative and formulate successful fundraising strategies to carry forward to your context
- Create lasting and dynamic networks through engaging with like-minded experts and peers, as well as the Network of Fundraising Professionals
Program Outline
Participants will cover a comprehensive curriculum through a wide variety of approaches, with weekly talks, interactive sessions, as well as readings and assignments. With asynchronous and synchronous components, that allow participants to learn at their own pace, the Program involves 50+ hours of engaged learning. Including independent study, participants will commit 3-5 hours a week on average.
Introduction to Fundraising in India
A deep-dive into the current sector landscape vis-a-vis fundraising, emerging instruments, and future outlook; a critical evaluation of different funding streams; creating a resilient portfolio and fundraising strategy for your organization; understanding compliance and regulatory frameworks.
Institutional Fundraising
Building the systems, tools and skills to effectively manage the complete fundraising cycle with institutional donors – from foundations, to CSR and government; articulating a strong narrative around your organization’s programs and impact; laying a strong foundation for funding, from prospecting, to building the donor pipeline, to crafting effective proposals and pitches; closing the deal.
Individual Giving
Leveraging the untapped potential of individual donors – HNI and retail; understanding why various individuals give; designing impactful campaigns and movements to mobilize support; building and managing donor databases; unlocking maximum donor value.
Donor Engagement and Stewardship
Creating lasting donor relationships; tailoring stewardship plans to foster trust with donors – both institutional and individual; understanding the powerful potential of technology to automate reporting and engagement.
Who is the Program For?
- Founders and/or Chief Fundraisers of small and medium SPOs (preferably in operation for >3 years)
- Corporate Professionals who have recently joined the Fundraising/Development verticals of SPOs
- Experienced Social Sector Professionals transitioning to a Fundraising/Development role
- Alumni from the ILSS Leadership Program
*Eligibility Requirements : At least 5 years of Work Experience
Program Fees
Rs 1L + 18% GST, includes 1 year of membership to Network of Fundraising Professionals
