Course Code: NPM505
Synopsis
NPM505 provides an overview of the ways in which non-profit organisations can raise funds from individuals and other sources of philanthropy. It will introduce students to funding sources and train students in fundraising techniques such as prospect research, grant writing, donor cultivation and solicitation and campaigning for support. The course will discuss the role and practices of fundraising as situated in contemporary philanthropic trends and philosophies. Students will apply their knowledge in case studies to derive best practices targeted for different non-profit organisations. Different schools of thought in strategic philanthropy will be discussed where fundraising activities centre around the organisation’s mission and values.
Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER
Topics
- Fundraising – key concepts, basic tenets
- Fundraising: importance to non-profit organisations (NPOs), relationship to vision, mission, positioning, strategy, needs
- How to fundraise – sponsorships, grants, donations
- Sponsorship
- Understanding of Grants & Grants making
- Donations – what and why, trends and different approaches including digital fundraising
- Donations – donor cycle & ladder of engagement
- Donations – other types of donations
- Understanding Corporate Donations
- Fundraising plan and strategy for an NPO
- Governance of Fundraising
- Understanding Strategic & Venture Philanthropy
Learning Outcome
- Discuss how fundraising and philanthropy are crucial for organisational development and sustainability
- Compare different fundraising tools and methodologies
- Improve fundraising strategies to align with motivations, needs and strategies of the organisation
- Construct strategies for effective fundraising outcomes
- Assess what is required to build and sustain strategic philanthropy
- Analyse opportunities for fundraising and philanthropy
- Demonstrate practical skills in fundraising and philanthropy
- Design new ways of undertaking fundraising in response to philanthropic trends
Dates for 2026 January Semester
| Session | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:30am to 5:30pm | SUSS |
| 2 | 8:30am to 5:30pm | SUSS |
| 3 | 8:30am to 5:30pm | SUSS |
| 4 | 8:30am to 5:30pm | Online |
Who Should Attend
- Fundraisers, Non profit Management, Non profit, Family Office Advisors, Wealth Manager, Wealth Advisors
Relevance of Course to Employment / Upskilling / Reskilling
Fundraising and philanthropy have become increasingly strategic functions within Singapore’s evolving social sector landscape. With the Government’s emphasis on strengthening the non-profit ecosystem and rising expectations for accountability and impact—professionals equipped with fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic strategy skills are in high demand.
NPM505 Fundraising and Philanthropy directly supports national upskilling and workforce development by preparing learners for roles that require both technical competency and sector understanding. The course provides practical, industry-aligned skills such as:
- Donor research, donor segmentation, and understanding donor motivations, crucial for fundraising executives, partnership managers, and development officers
- Grant writing, storytelling, and proposal development, which are among the most sought-after competencies across charities, social enterprises, and community organisations
- Designing fundraising strategies and plans, enabling participants to contribute immediately to organisational sustainability and program expansion
- Knowledge of governance, regulations, and ethical considerations, supporting compliance with the Charities Act and Commissioner of Charities guidelines
- Exposure to contemporary philanthropic trends, corporate giving models, and venture philanthropy, which are essential as Singapore shifts towards impact-driven giving and data-backed decision making
These capabilities are highly transferable across roles in the non-profit, public, healthcare, education, and corporate social responsibility (CSR/ESG) sectors.
Admission Prerequisites
- Ideally have some basic knowledge of fundraising fundamentals
Please refer to Graduate CET Admission Eligibility Criteria for Graduate CET Modular Courses.
Schedule
| Session | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 Face to Face Session | 8:30am to 12:00pm |
|
| 12pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2pm to 5:30pm |
| |
| Day 2 Face to Face Session | 8:30am to 12:00pm | Guest Speaker 1
|
| 12pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2pm to 5:30pm | Guest Speaker 2
| |
| Day 3 Face to Face Session | 8:30am to 12:00pm | Guest Speaker 3
|
| 12pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2pm to 5:30pm | Guest Speaker 4
| |
| Day 4
Zoom Session | 8:30am to 12:00pm |
|
| 12pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2pm to 5:30pm |
|
Assessments
- Assignments
- Others
- Class Participation
About the Trainer
Ms Joanna Tan
Joanna has held leadership positions across the social sector - covering healthcare, social services, education, and manpower.
She is both a visionary leader and hands-on problem solver, with a strong track record in philanthropy, enterprise strategy, and system-level transformation.
She is currently a Director at Institute of Mental Health (IMH) overseeing Corporate and Organisation Development, and Director of its Woodbridge Hospital Charity Fund.
Prior, she was at the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) driving social sector-wide capability development and organisation leadership development.
As CEO of a local charity Children’s Wishing Well from 2018 to 2025, Joanna led major organisational transformations — strengthening its governance and scaling the service delivery, social impact, and funds raised by more than 10-fold.
Joanna had previously held leadership roles at the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), contributing to national initiatives in healthcare integration, intermediate and long-term care, hospital development, and pandemic preparedness. She also advanced Singapore's international agenda through FTAs and at the UN, WHO, and ASEAN.
Over the past 2 decades, she was awarded many prizes and awards for her achievements and contributions to public service, including the National Day Award Commendation Medal 2018 and MSF Community Cares Award 2024.
Joanna is regularly invited by the Ministry of Education (MOE), National Council of Social Services (NCSS), and the local media as an expert on social issues such as philanthropy, community engagement, and social mobility issues in Singapore.
Since her teenage years, Joanna has consistently volunteered actively in various local and overseas charity organisations. She is currently serving as the Chairman of NTUC Health Medifund Committee and is a member of the national Medifund Advisory Committee. She also serves as a Board Director and Head of Fundraising at local charity O'Joy, and the School Advisory Committee of Yusof Ishak Secondary School.
She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with fellow social sector professionals and adult learners in her capacity as an associate lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and SUSS Academy.
She graduated from Harvard University in 2008 (Master of Public Health) and Kings College London in 2001 (Master in Science), both sponsored under Singapore Government scholarships.
Joanna is a respected social sector leader, well-liked colleague, and loving mother to all whom she serves.
Course Fee
| International Participants | Singapore Citizens (below 40yrs), Permanent Residents | SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy1 (S'poreans aged 40 and above) | Enhanced Training Support for SME2 (Singaporean and PRs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Course fee (A) | $3,168.00 | $2,640.00 | $2,640.00 | $2,640.00 |
| SSG grant (70%) (B) | - | $1,848.00 | $1,848.00 | $1,848.00 |
| Nett course fee (A) - (B) = (C) | $3,168.00 | $792.00 | $792.00 | $792.00 |
| 9% GST on nett course fee (D) | $285.12 | $71.28 | $71.28 | $71.28 |
| Total nett course fee payable, including GST (C) + (D) = (E) | $3,453.12 | $863.28 | $863.28 | $863.28 |
| Less additional funding if eligible under various schemes (F) | - | - | - | $528.00 |
| Total nett course fee payable, including GST, after additional funding from the various funding schemes (E) - (F) = (H) | $3,453.12 | $863.28 | $335.28 | $335.28 |
Note:
Singaporeans aged 40 years and above may apply to offset out-of-pocket course fees from their SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) 60 days before the programme start date, and up to 90 days after the programme start date. More information at /academics/executive-lifelong-learning/courses/grant---schemes/skillsfuture#skillsfuture-credit
For payment, please refer to /payment-modes for the various payment modes.
For Refund Policy, please refer to /admissions/financial-matters/tuition-fee-subsidy/cet-courses#refund-policy.
- A written request for a refund must be submitted and is subject to approval.
- If written notice of withdrawal is given within the cooling off period and before the course start date, a full refund of the fees paid less an administrative charge of $110.00 (exclusive of GST) will be given.
- No refund will be given for withdrawal thereafter.
- The cooling off period is defined as 7 working days after payment of course fee.
Course Completion Requirements
- Participants are required to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any prescribed examinations/assessments or submit any course/project work (if any) under the course requirement.
- Participants are required to complete all surveys and feedbacks related to the course
- The course fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the course fees without prior notice.
- Singapore University of Social Sciences reserves the right to amend and/or revise the above schedule without prior notice
For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:
Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: [email protected]