MAS Philanthropy 2025
Through supervised research or a practical master鈥檚 thesis, MAS participants will have the opportunity to get in-depth, hands-on experience, working closely with the Geneva, Swiss, and international philanthropic sectors鈥攁 unique opportunity that opens doors to a future philanthropic engagement.
Information
Period
August 2025 - June 202760 ECTS credits
360 hours of teaching in class and online 鈥� 1'140 hours of personal work
Language
EnglishFormat
Blended learningRegistration
Early bird deadline
30 June 2025Registration deadline
31 July 2025Modules can be followed individually
Fees:
- CHF 20,000 for 3 CAS and a final project to obtain the MAS in Philanthropy
- CHF 14,000 for 2 CAS and a final report to obtain the DAS
- CHF 7,500 for each CAS
- CHF 3,000 for any single module of any CAS
Early bird: 10% discount for early bird or聽for members of Le Cercle de la philanthropie, Swiss Foundations, or Pro Fonds
Contribution to the SDGs
Objectives
- Master the complex, multifaceted context of contemporary Swiss and international philanthropy
- Understand philanthropy from a critical perspective
- Learn about the principles, best practices, and key strategic elements to operate within a complex and international ecosystem
Audience
The programme is designed for mid-level and experienced professionals involved in national and international philanthropic organisations, corporate philanthropy, single and multi-family offices, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in philanthropic organisations.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course the participants will be able to:
- Understand and master conceptual philanthropy frameworks, including novel financial instruments aligned with the U.N. SDG agenda 2030 and ESG metrics
- Develop an effective theory of change using state-of-the-art tools to implement, monitor, and evaluate the financial and social impact of a philanthropic endeavor
- Design philanthropic strategies aligned with organisational missions, legal and tax parameters, general goals, and specific objectives
- Master cutting-edge approaches to philanthropy, including emerging digital technologies
- Become inclusive leaders who harness the potential of board members,聽staff and volunteers, develop partnerships with public and private actors, and understand both the funder and grantee sides of philanthropy聽
- Put into practice an effective approach to collaborative and inclusive philanthropy
- Plan advocacy and influence within the overall strategy of a philanthropic organisation
- Master novel financial instruments and assess their relevance to daily practice
- Navigate the extensive philanthropic ecosystem in and around International Geneva
Programme
- Module 1: Introduction to philanthropy
- Module 2:聽Exploring the diversity and strategies of philanthropic foundations
- Module 3:聽Legal structuring of philanthropic projects
- Module 4:聽Theory of change and impact measurement
- Module 5:聽Inclusive leadership and governance
- Module 6:聽Talent management and development
- Module 7:聽Philanthropic project management
- Module 8:聽Philanthropic financial management and accountability
- Module 9:聽Resource and partner mobilisation
- Module 10: Strategies for influence
- Module 11: Trends in philanthropy
- Module 12: Philanthropy and innovative financial instruments
- Module 13: Philanthropy and International Geneva
- Module 14:聽Regional philanthropies
- Module 15: AI and philanthropy
- Optional module: Collaborative and inclusive philanthropy (Fully Online Asynchronous)
Final project
The objective of the final project is to develop empirical research on a priority theme relevant to philanthropic organizations that is of particular interest to the participant. The choice of the final project is determined by the candidate in agreement with the program management, based on their experience and professional objectives. This work, carried out under the supervision of a director, requires a significant personal contribution.聽This contribution consists in particular of activities such as:
- Research:聽Conducting thorough investigations to gather relevant data and insights on the chosen topic, complete with a full bibliography
- Choice and delimitation of the subject:聽Selecting a specific aspect of the broader theme and clearly defining its scope
- Definition of a methodology:聽Establishing a systematic approach for conducting the research, including data collection and analysis techniques
- Structuring and analysis of information:聽Organizing the collected data logically and performing detailed analysis to derive meaningful conclusions. Use the learning from the MAS courses, by applying learnings analytically
- Reflection:聽Engaging in critical thinking about the findings and their implications
- Position taking:聽Formulating and articulating a clear stance or perspective based on the research outcomes
- Writing:聽Documenting the entire process and findings in a coherent and scholarly manner, ensuring clarity and precision
The final project thus serves as a comprehensive project that not only enhances the participant鈥檚 understanding of a critical issue within philanthropic organizations but also demonstrates their ability to apply research skills to real-world challenges in the field.
Director(s)
Prof. Giuseppe UGAZIO, Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) and Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI), Laetitia GILL, Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), AV短视频 and Dani猫le CASTLE, Genevensis Communications
Partnership
Genevensis 鈥� The fully online module on Collaborative and Inclusive Philanthropy was supported and co-created with Porticus, a global philanthropic organisation that works to promote human dignity, social justice, and sustainability.
Presentation of CAS/DAS/MAS in Philanthropy
Description
- Module 1: Introduction to philanthropy
- Module 2:聽Exploring the diversity and strategies of philanthropic foundations
- Module 3:聽Legal structuring of philanthropic projects
- Module 4:聽Theory of change and impact measurement
- Module 5:聽Inclusive leadership and governance
Description
- Module 1:聽Talent management and development
- Module 2:聽Philanthropic project management
- Module 3:聽Philanthropic financial management and accountability
- Module 4:聽Resource and partner mobilisation
- Module 5: Strategies for influence
Description
- Module 1: Trends in philanthropy
- Module 2: Philanthropy and innovative financial instruments
- Module 3: Philanthropy and International Geneva
- Module 4:聽Regional philanthropies
- Module 5: AI and philanthropy
Assessment
The programme has a modular structure with an evaluation at the end of each module. Participants are required to earn a sufficient grade to pass each module (min. of 4/6) in order to obtain the certificate/diploma. The programme relies on a wide variety of evaluation methods to assess participants鈥� understanding of the course content, which includes open- answer exams, essays, case studies, in-class presentations, and reports. Participants are required to complete both individual and group work.
In-person participation is mandatory.
To obtain the MAS, participants have to write a final report.
In-person participation is mandatory.
To obtain the MAS, participants have to write a final report.
Pedagogical method
- Blended learning, each CAS entails 5 hybrid-learning modules. Each module takes place every 3-4 weeks. It includes 2 days in person (Friday and Saturday), one day asynchronous online (before the module) and one post-module assessment.
- Interactive experience-based learning embedding theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Emphasis on exchange and networking with lecturers and participants through in person modules. On-site visits of key institutions.
- Online learning consisting of a combination of short, pre-recorded videos and interactive webinars.
- Guided personal research work developing critical thinking skills.
- Learning from leading international academics and professional experts.
Diploma awarded
Participants who pass the assessment requirements and successfully complete all modules will be awarded the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Philanthropy by the AV短视频.
Admission criteria
- A minimum of three years鈥� professional experience
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree or equivalent
- English proficiency
No prior responsibilities in philanthropy required.
Steering committee
- Prof. Giuseppe UGAZIO, Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) and Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI), UNIGE
- Laetitia GILL, Executive Education Associate, Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), UNIGE
- Dani猫le CASTLE, CEO, Genevensis
- Prof. Giulia NERI-CASTRACANE, Faculty of Law, Professor, UNIGE
- Prof. Nicolas DUVOUX, Head, Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), UNIGE
Scientific committee
- Cheryl CHANG, Chief of Staff, Oak Foundation
- Alexandre EPALLE, General Director of Economic Development, Research, and Innovation of the Republic and Canton of Geneva represented by Catherine Zimmermann, Scientific Officer
- Carla HADDAD MARDINI, Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, UNICEF
- Thierry RENAUD, Deputy Secretary General - Head of the Animals and Ecosystems Unit, Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
- Isabella RIES-BOWMAN, Head of Foundations, The Ocean Cleanup
- Stefan SCHOEBI, Director, Stiftung Schweiz
Number of participants
Max. 25 participants
Detailed fees
- Early bird (10% discount) offered for applications received before 30 June 2025聽or for members of Le Cercle de la philanthropie, Swiss Foundations, or Pro Fonds; courses eligible for the ch猫que annuel de formation from the State of Geneva.
Cancellation Policy
Withdrawal before the start of the training programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.-.
Schedule
Fridays and Saturdays from 08:30 to 17:30
UNIGE professors, lecturers and researchers; professionals in the practice of philanthropy from Switzerland and abroad.
Testimonial Alexandra Spaethe, Alumna DAS
Testimonial Ga毛l Soucasse - Alumni DAS
Testimonial Yasmine Studer - Alumna DAS