Funding Fundamentals course
Funding Fundamentals course to support great giving
New in-person workshops coming in 2025…watch this space
Looking to gain an understanding of giving in Aotearoa New Zealand, your role in it, and access tips and tools to maximise your impact as a funding advisor or philanthropist?
Funding Fundamentals offers comprehensive professional development for those working in the funding sector. It has a unique Aotearoa New Zealand focus, explores fund-seeker perspectives and acknowledges the diversity of the sector by covering multiple funding approaches.
The programme is designed for people who are new (or recent) to the sector. More experienced hands wanting a refresher on best practice, or to fill in some gaps in their knowledge, may also find it useful.
Funding Fundamentals was delivered online in August-October 2022 and will be refreshed in 2025 and offered as a comprehensive in-person workshop, followed by 3 online zoom sessions where you can learn and connect with your peers in the sector.
This course was highly rated by previous attendees and we look forward to continuing this offer in the future.
Dr Christina Howard’s 30-year career spans community, government, tertiary education and philanthropy, including a decade working at the Todd Foundation, where she led their organisational transformation to a pro-active, systems change funder. In her early 20s she established a Volunteer Centre in Invercargill, and her time in government included oversight of research, evaluation and monitoring for DIA’s funding programmes. After a move to the beautiful Coromandel area in 2019, Christina has been working as a consultant for a variety of philanthropic and community organisations.
“When I started in philanthropy, I learnt so much from generous colleagues, but would have loved a course like this. I’m looking forward to sharing the wisdom and experience of philanthropic leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand with our participants.”
You can also purchase and watch the 2022 online series delivered in your own time. While designed and recommended as a full course, you may also choose to purchase individual modules of interest.
Module 1: Aotearoa’s philanthropic journey
• Historical and cultural origins of giving and philanthropy (focus on Māori and European concepts)
• How our philanthropic landscape has changed over time
• Developing a uniquely Aotearoa model of philanthropy
Module 2: Aotearoa’s funding ecosystem
• The structures underpinning the system
• Different types of funders - and fundseekers
• Putting the pieces together; understanding where you fit
Module 3: Understanding your organisation
• Vision, strategy, values, purpose – how they’re brought to life
• Organisational culture and the factors shaping it
• What does this mean for you in your role?
Module 4: Funding methods
• Contestable/responsive, pro-active and participatory methods
• Key features and considerations for each method
• General guidelines and best practice suggestions for each method
NOTE: strongly recommend enrolling for modules 5 and 6 together, content builds across both
Module 5: The funding relationship – Part 1
• Funding relationship models (and mindsets)
• Power, practices and processes
• What makes a good funding relationship? - Fund seeker perspectives
Module 6: The funding relationship – Part 2
• What do mana enhancing relationships look like in a funding context?
• Making your interactions and relationships mana enhancing
Module 7: Understanding your communities
• Making your funding practices accessible and inclusive
• Applying an equity lens
• Acknowledging and respecting community aspirations
• Ways to engage and build understanding
NOTE: strongly recommend enrolling for modules 8 and 9 together, content builds across both
Module 8: The art of assessment – Part 1
• Assessment processes and their purpose
• Developing your critical thinking skills and adding value
• Eligibility, alignment, needs/opportunities
Module 9: The art of assessment Part 2
• Understanding organisational capability
• Understanding budgets and performance reports (financial statements)
• Assessing risk and success factors; making recommendations
Module 10: Understanding the impact of your funding
• What does ‘impact’ mean in your organisation?
• Reporting methods and question types – accountability, evaluative, learning
• Using reporting/feedback loops
1:1 session with Christina Howard (up to one hour)
For those undertaking the full course, this is an opportunity to ask your questions and discuss your specific situation with a leading philanthropic expert.
2022 online course price:
$850 for full 10-module online course for PNZ members, $1100 for non-members + GST.
$90 per module standalone for PNZ members, $125 for non-members + GST.
For any questions regarding this course please contact gin@philanthropy.org.nz.