Duration: 1 day
Level: Basic
Venue: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Synopsis
This is an introductory course designed for participants seeking to enhance their knowledge and practice of fundraising and donor engagement.
This one-day course provides an overview of the latest trends in philanthropy and giving, practical insights into fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and grant applications for non-profit and social impact programmes. Participants will examine the core principles of fundraising, including donor motivations, relationship building, storytelling, and the design of effective appeals.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to outline a simple fundraising plan, identify suitable engagement approaches for different donor groups, and apply structured thinking to the development of sustainable fundraising initiatives.
Who Should Attend
Fundraising Executives, Marketing Communications Executives, Outreach Executives, Programme Executives, Social Service Executives, Corporate Social Responsibility Executives, Grants Executives and Grantmaking Officers.
Topics
- The latest trends in philanthropy and giving.
- Principles of fundraising strategies and the design of effective campaigns.
- Effective donor identification, engagement, and relationship building.
Objectives
- Critically examine the evolution and latest trends in philanthropy and giving.
- Understanding the basic principles of fundraising strategies and donor engagement.
- Analyse the design of effective fundraising campaigns and grant appeals.
Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding (Theory Component)
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of fundraising strategies.
- Analyse how economic, cultural, and political factors shaped the philanthropy landscape in Singapore.
- Assess the different engagement strategies for different donor groups.
B. Key Skills (Practical Component)
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Discuss the critical factors of effective storytelling and relationship building.
- Critically examine the effectiveness and limitations of fundraising appeals and campaigns.
- Construct strategies for an effective fundraising plan in Singapore.
Schedule
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | |
| 09:00 - 09:20 | Introductions, learning goals |
| 09:20 – 10:00 | Evolution and latest trends in philanthropy and giving, including how economic, cultural, and political factors shaped the philanthropy landscape in Singapore. |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Break |
| 10:45 - 12:00 | Basic principles of fundraising strategies, including design and effective storytelling. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Donor identification, engagement, and relationship building. Writing grant applications using the Theory of Change logic model. |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Briefing and group discussions for Assessment |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Break |
| 15:15 – 15:30 | Round up and feedback survey |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Assessment: Group presentations and Q&A |
*SUSS reserves the right to change the course dates, topics and trainers.
Assessments
- Assignment & individual presentation
Requirements
- Participants must have a Diploma in any area of study
About the Trainers
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 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.
Application Procedures
Please submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- Coloured copy (back and front) of NRIC for Singaporeans and PRs, or "Employment"/"S"
Pass for foreign applicant
- Application form
Course Fee
1 Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy:
Singaporeans aged 40 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course
fees.
2 Enhanced Training Support
for SMEs: SME-sponsored employees (Singaporean Citizens and PRs) aged 21
and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.
- 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 the various payment modes, please refer here.
Course Withdrawal and Refund
Request for withdrawal from a course must be submitted to SUSS Academy formally in writing.
- Course Withdrawal before Application Close Date: No charges.
- Course Withdrawal after course confirmation: 50% of the full course fee with an administration fee imposed.
- Course Withdrawal after the course commences: Full course fee applies.
For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:
Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: [email protected]