CAS Operational Philanthropy 2026
Information
Period
January 2026 - June 2026Language
EnglishFormat
Blended learningRegistration
Early bird deadline
25 October 2025Registration deadline
25 November 2025Fees:
CAS: CHF 7,500.-
Single module: 3,000.-
Early bird: 10% discount for early bird orÌýfor members of Le Cercle de la philanthropie, Swiss Foundations, or Pro Fonds
Contribution to the SDGs
Objectives
- Understand philanthropy from a systemic perspective
- Become equipped to master the complex, multifaceted context of contemporary Swiss and international philanthropy
- Learn about the principles, best practices and key strategic elements to set up and run a structured and professional philanthropic organization
Audience
Learning outcomes
At the end of the programme participants will be able to:
- Understand and master the knowledge of conceptual philanthropy frameworks as well as differences between private and corporate philanthropy
- Use strategic and operational tools within their own professional philanthropic fields and evaluate their results
- Understand operational imperatives of philanthropy to successfully put them into practice with particular attention to the SDGs
- Develop a philanthropic strategy in line with their organization’s mission and general objectives
- Know how to operationalize a strategy from the selection and contracting of projects, through monitoring to the evaluation results
- Develop skills needed to successfully develop partnerships, with both the public and private sector as well as the essentials of fundraising and fund management
Programme
- Module 1:ÌýTalent management and development
- Module 2:ÌýPhilanthropic project management
- Module 3: Philanthropic financial management and accountability
- Module 4: Resource and partner mobilisation
- Module 5: Strategies for influence
Ìý
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¶ÌÊÓÆµ, Danièle CASTLE, Genevensis Communications
Partnership
Description
In an ever-evolving world, shifting from VUCA to BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible), this module will equip participants with the adaptive tools needed to develop a resilient and responsible, human-centred culture and leadership. By using the foresight maturity model, we will explore various aspects of sustainable people management, both strategically and tactically. The course will cover seven key processes, including needs assessment aligned with the organization’s mission, managing volunteer teams, coordinating multi-country staff in multicultural settings, and identifying key dimensions of effective leadership and well-being. Additionally, we will investigate emerging trends in sustainability and the impacts of artificial intelligence on people management practices.
Description
A rigorous selection of projects in line with the vision and strategy of the organisation is the best way to ensure efficiency and to maintain donors’ trust. This module therefore looks at a strategic and structured assessment of benefits, risks, collateral efforts and key success factors of each project. We examine how to manage philanthropic projects effectively in terms of resource allocations, coordination, impact and relationship with the donors. It will include best practices in working with grantees, the expectations of grant-givers and how they select the projects to be supported. The module also proposes a brief overview of communications.
Fee
Speakers
Description
This module tackles the challenge for non-profit foundation executives to strike a balance between creating public value and managing the bottom line. It is designed to help foundation executives understand the tools, techniques and concepts of good financial management and investments. Guided by experts in finance and accounting, participants will develop analytical skills for understanding their financial position more fully, their audited financial statements and learn to identify threats to the financial sustainability of their organisation. They will also learn how the effective use of budgeting and cash-flow planning can enhance their ability of creating value. Finally, based on the financial assessment of their organisation, they will learn how to optimally structure their financial investment portfolio.
Fee
Speakers
Description
Partnerships are essential to garnering funds and in-kind contributions, including time, expertise, and personal networks. The spirit of this module is to move away from money-centred fundraising to focus on collaborative and transformational donor-grantee relationships leading to sustainable financing. It will cover the proven fundamentals of private fundraising, including building donor loyalty through state-of-the-art donor journeys; sourcing philanthropic partners; fundraising resources; motivations for giving; offline fundraising models; digital fundraising. It will explore other funding models, such as public-private partnerships, as well as fundraising innovations that can help non-profit organisations raise funds in new ways and reach new, diverse audiences. It will show both sides of the same coin: fundraising and grant giving.
Description
Advocacy can be defined as raising support for an idea, a policy or a plan. It can be practised through grassroots organising, coalition-building, lobbying, and public education campaigns, as well as judicial means. Advocacy in philanthropy serves as a powerful mechanism for driving change and addressing root causes of societal issues. Through case studies, guest speakers, and interactive exercises, students will learn how philanthropic organisations and individuals can leverage their resources, networks, and influence to advocate for policy reforms, amplify marginalised voices, and promote social justice. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to critically assess advocacy efforts in philanthropy and contribute meaningfully to advancing positive societal change.
Assessment
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.
Admission criteria
A minimum of three years professional experience is required, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.ÌýEnglish proficiency is also required.ÌýNo prior responsibilities in philanthropy required.
The course is particularly suitable for:
- Family office philanthropy managers
- Managers in philanthropic giving organisations
- Managers in organisation who receive philanthropic giving
- Project managers
- Operational and strategic foundation managers
- Social entrepreneurs
- People desirous to enter the field of philanthropy
- Wealth managers interested in integrating philanthropic instruments to their (sustainable) investments portfolios (e.g. blended finance)
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
- Danièle 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
Application File
- Copy of identity document or passportÌý
- Passport photo (.jpg format)Ìý
- Curriculum vitaeÌý
- Cover letterÌý
- Letter of recommendationÌý
- Copy of the highest educational qualification obtainedÌý
- Copy of work certificate(s)Ìý
- Proof of English language levelÌý
Number of participants
Detailed fees
- CHF 7,500.-Ìýfor theÌýCAS
- CHF 3,000.- for a single module
- 10% early bird discount before 30 June 2025
Cancellation Policy
Any withdrawal before the start of the programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.-. Fees will be payable in full once the course has begun.
Schedule
Fridays and Saturdays 09:00Ìýto 17:00 and online
UNIGE professors, lecturers and researchers; professionals in the practice of philanthropy from Switzerland and abroad