Institutional Fundraising - From Prospect to Partner

  • Author: Sarah Nielsen
  • Level: Beginner
  • Study time: 6 hours
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Course Description
Institutional Fundraising: From Prospect to Partner builds on core fundraising fundamentals by exploring three areas for funding diversification and relationship management: corporate partnerships, grant writing, and donor database management. Together, these topics show how opportunities with institutional donors are identified, pursued, tracked, and strengthened over time.

In this course you’ll learn how to build values-aligned relationships with corporate partners, write compelling grant proposals that speak to funder priorities, and maintain a donor database that supports stewardship and long-term engagement. This course is designed for fundraisers who understand the basics of fundraising and are ready to deepen their practice with a blend of practical tools, real examples, and hands-on exercises.

Course Lessons

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Sarah Nielsen

Sarah is a fundraising specialist with over ten years in the social impact sector. Her career began during her graduate studies in fundraising management and international development, after which she led programs and fundraising efforts across Canada and Southern and Eastern Africa with youth development organizations.

Sarah is currently a Director of Relativ Impact, where she works with their team and key partners to support purpose-driven organizations across the world in achieving significant impact through strategic communications, impact measurement, and resource mobilization.
Her leadership extends to her role as Campaign Chair for a YMCA endowment fund in Canada, where she drives fundraising to support summer program offerings for youth. Additionally, Sarah leads the Impact Measurement and Management Community of Practice for the Canada Forum for Impact Investment and Development (CAFIID) and sits on the Steering Committee for Women in Philanthropy South Africa (WiPSA).

With expertise spanning project development, impact measurement, team management, communications, and fundraising, Sarah has gained extensive experience in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies and initiatives. Sarah is committed to advancing innovative and sustainable funding approaches to help make the world better for people and the planet.

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