Giving 2.0: The MOOC from Coursera

A philanthropist is anyone who gives anything — time, money, experience, skills, and networks — in any amount, to create a better world. This course will empower you to practice philanthropy more effectively and make your giving more meaningful to both you and those you strive to help.

Giving 2.0: The MOOC, is a Stanford University-sponsored online course intended to teach givers of all ages, backgrounds, incomes and experiences to give more effectively. Taught by social entrepreneur, philanthropist and bestselling author Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, Giving 2.0: The MOOC will teach you how to assess nonprofits, create a high-impact philanthropic strategy, volunteer more effectively, use existing, free technology for good and more.

Giving 2.0: The MOOC is a six-module course. Each module has a particular theme and 5-10 content-packed and activity-rich, videos exploring that theme. Videos will include lectures from Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen as well as interviews, discussions and lectures given by guest speakers. Guest speakers are renowned leaders in multiple industries including philanthropy, technology and business, who will provide unique insights into course topics. Course participants will have the opportunity to join Talkabouts – small virtual meeting groups created to discuss class-related topics. By the course’s conclusion, course participants will have created an Individual Giving Action Plan to guide their future giving in a highly effective and meaningful way. Course participants will also complete a formal nonprofit assessment and be provided with ongoing, post-MOOC philanthropy education content that will support continued development and execution of their philanthropic goals.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Philanthropy

Learners will examine how to approach their giving in new ways, why they have given historically and how they – through strategy and planning – can give in a way that matters more.

Philanthropic Strategy

The goal of this module is to study the tools used to craft a philanthropic strategy. Learners will be guided through issue area selection, the theory of change framework, how to assess a social or environmental issue’s landscape and how to pick a high-impact intervention strategy.

Nonprofit Selection and Assessment

This module will empower learners to efficiently assess any nonprofit through a variety of tools, metrics and perspectives. Course participants will learn how to research and engage with nonprofits, as well as conduct a comprehensive nonprofit assessment.

Taking Stock

Learners will reflect on all of the resources they can access and/or deploy in order to realize their full giving potential.

Giving with Greater Meaning

This module centers on discovering the many, diverse ways course participants can leverage their unique philanthropic resources to create the impact they want to have. We have numerous guest speakers sharing their expertise in this module – review the lessons that interest you before moving on to module 6.

Philanthropy – the Never-Ending Gift

Learners will take stock of their progress over the course and learn how to stay connected with the course content and their fellow course participants moving forward.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a greater sense of strategy and skill in philanthropy

Teaches how to assess nonprofits

Covers topics highly relevant to those working in philanthropy

Taught by a recognized expert in philanthropy

Provides ongoing post-course support

Requires no prior knowledge of the topic

Reviews summary

Highly rated philanthropy mooc

Learners say this course is well received and is highly rated. Assignments are thought-provoking and the course provides a great overview of philanthropy. Students say the content is interesting, well structured, and practical. Some students did express concern that there is no certificate upon course completion. However, an overwhelming majority of students recommend this course.

Assignments help students think critically.

"The assignments are thought-provoking."

"I am more equipped to make decisions that affect the social change I want to see and am empowered to make informed decisions regarding which organizations are having the biggest impact."

The course content is interesting and well structured.

"The content is relevant and informative."

"The course is well structured."

"The structure and course content is very practical and clear."

This course does not provide a certificate upon completion.

"But they dont provide certifiction on completion"

"The course is nice. Very informative. But -Little upset, since there is no provision of completion/grade certificates."

"Yes it was an eye opener for me learn the course investment management in philanthropic skills,i wish recommend this course to every student."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Giving 2.0: The MOOC with these activities:

Review philanthropy concepts

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Brush up on the core concepts of philanthropy to better understand the course material.

Browse courses on Nonprofit Sector

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Read articles and books on philanthropy.
Review your notes from previous coursework or training on philanthropy.
Attend a workshop or webinar on philanthropy.

Read 'Give Smart: Philanthropy That Gets Results'

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Learn from the experiences of seasoned philanthropists to enhance your giving strategies.

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book.
Take notes and highlight important passages.
Write a summary of the book.

Learn about nonprofit assessment

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Develop skills in assessing nonprofits to make more informed giving decisions.

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Follow a tutorial on nonprofit assessment.
Read case studies and examples of nonprofit assessments.

Five other activities

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Volunteer with a nonprofit

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Gain firsthand experience in the nonprofit sector to better understand the impact of your giving.

Browse courses on Nonprofit Sector

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Research different nonprofits.
Choose a nonprofit to volunteer with.
Contact the nonprofit and express your interest.
Complete the volunteer application process.
Attend volunteer training.

Assess a nonprofit using a framework

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Apply your knowledge of nonprofit assessment to real-world scenarios.

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Choose a nonprofit to assess.
Select a nonprofit assessment framework.
Gather data on the nonprofit.
Conduct the assessment.
Write a report on your findings.

Develop a Nonprofit Assessment Rubric

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Create a tool to assess nonprofits and improve your giving decisions.

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Identify the key criteria for assessing nonprofits.
Develop a scoring system for each criterion.
Test the rubric on a few nonprofits.
Revise the rubric based on your findings.
Share the rubric with other donors.

Develop a philanthropic strategy

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Create a personalized plan for your giving to maximize its impact.

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Define your philanthropic goals.
Research different charitable causes.
Identify potential grantees.
Develop a giving budget.
Write a letter of intent.

Mentor a new donor

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Share your knowledge and experience to help others become more effective philanthropists.

Browse courses on Nonprofit Sector

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Find a new donor to mentor.
Set up a regular meeting schedule.
Discuss different aspects of philanthropy.
Provide guidance and support.
Celebrate your mentee's successes.

Career center

Learners who complete Giving 2.0: The MOOC will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philanthropy Advisor

Philanthropy Advisors use their deep knowledge of philanthropy and investment to help clients make strategic decisions about their charitable giving. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the philanthropic landscape, including how to assess nonprofits, create a high-impact philanthropic strategy, and use technology for good. This knowledge can help Philanthropy Advisors better serve their clients by providing them with the tools and resources they need to make informed giving decisions.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers research and write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. This course can help Grant Writers develop the skills they need to write compelling grant proposals by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to assess nonprofits. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Grant Writers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in grant writing.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. This course can help Nonprofit Managers develop the skills they need to lead their organizations effectively by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to assess nonprofits. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Nonprofit Managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in nonprofit management.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental problems. This course can help Social Entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to launch and grow their ventures by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to assess nonprofits. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Social Entrepreneurs stay up-to-date on the latest trends in social entrepreneurship.

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Program Officer

Program Officers are responsible for managing grant portfolios and overseeing the implementation of grant programs. This course can help Program Officers develop the skills they need to assess nonprofits and make funding decisions by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Program Officers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in grant making.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility programs. This course can help Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop the skills they need to assess nonprofits and create high-impact philanthropic strategies by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Corporate Social Responsibility Managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in corporate social responsibility.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. This course can help Sustainability Managers develop the skills they need to assess nonprofits and create high-impact philanthropic strategies by providing them with a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape. Additionally, the course provides guidance on how to use technology for good, which can help Sustainability Managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends in sustainability.

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Investor Relations Manager

Investor Relations Managers are responsible for managing relationships with investors and communicating the company's financial performance. This course may be useful for Investor Relations Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to assess nonprofits.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. This course may be useful for Financial Advisors who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to assess nonprofits.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading sales teams and developing sales strategies. This course may be useful for Sales Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of businesses. This course may be useful for Operations Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing the human resources department of businesses. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for overseeing the information technology department of businesses. This course may be useful for Information Technology Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants provide administrative support to businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for Administrative Assistants who want to develop a deeper understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how to use technology for good.

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