Module Overview

Many civil society organisations  (CSOs) rely heavily on donor funding. This can make your organisation vulnerable, because the donor might decide to stop your funding at any time. This module will help CSOs to explore innovative financial models: consultancy services, asset building, membership fees, social enterprise, microcredit, subsidiary profit-making enterprises, incubation, private sector funding, social and green bonds, crowdfunding and fiscal sponsorship. 

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Advanced Techniques for Local Fundraising (Advanced)?

When CSOs (civil society organisations) increase and diversify their income by implementing alternative funding models, they become stronger, more autonomous and less dependent on foreign funding.

What You Can Expect

We will describe 11 alternative, innovative funding models, indicate for which organisations they are suitable, and offer next steps to access the funding.

Knowledge and Skills

You will learn about alternative funding models and see examples of how they work, after which you can decide if they are suitable for your organisation.

What You Get

Know how:

• Learn about consultancy services, asset building, membership fees, social enterprise, microcredit, subsidiary profit-making enterprises, incubation, private sector funding, social and green bonds, crowdfunding and fiscal sponsorship.

Tools:

• Videos, instructions, quizzes and next steps to access these alternative funding models.

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Advanced Techniques for Local Fundraising (Advanced) (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Advanced Techniques for Local Fundraising (Advanced) module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Advanced Techniques for Local Fundraising (Advanced).
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

A proposal is a clear outline of an implementation plan for a project. It is an important instrument in securing external funding and partnerships. This course deals with applying for grants as well as managing the grant responsibly.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Proposal Writing (Advanced)?

This course is relevant for you if:

• You want to apply for a substantial grant from an organisation or company
• You applied for a donation and the donor asked for a proposal
• You want to make sure you manage an acquired grant well
• You want to learn to write proposals and manage grants for future use

What You Can Expect

We will guide you in making a solid proposal to secure funding and in managing the grant well.

Knowledge and Skills

Know How:

A step by step guide for proposal writing and grant management: from identifying potential donors, grant research, connecting with donors, presenting your organization, understanding requirements, project design, proposal writing, grant management, reporting to grant closure.

Examples:

• ATMA – Sample proposal
• Sample proposal from the Rwanda Education NGO Coordination Platform

What You Get

Tools:

• Checklist for proposal completeness
• Checklist for responsibilities in grant management
• Resources from Grantspace and CIVICUS

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Proposal Writing (Advanced) (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Proposal Writing (Advanced) module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Proposal Writing (Advanced).
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module focuses on the process of how to collect, store and disseminate the information you need for developing effective communication materials for fundraising.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Effective Documentation (Advanced)?

In order to communicate effectively, information has to be safely stored. It also needs to be accessible, up-to-date and easy to use. Therefore, effective documentation requires clear processes and procedures for documentation. Effective documentation is important for:

• Organising fundraising activities
• Writing grant applications
• Reporting to donors
• Communicating to the broader public (using a website, the social media, the press, and so on)

What You Can Expect

This module helps you describe the actual situation of information collection, storage and control within your organisation. It helps you decide which improvements you want to make, who should be (made) responsible for what and how to deal with privacy/confidentiality issues.

Knowledge and Skills

You will learn about:

• Different types of documentation needed for communication and fundraising purposes
• Relevant principles to keep in mind regarding both electronic and hard copy information storage and dissemination
• Formats and standards for documentation.

What You Get

Know How

• The principles of good documentation collection, storage and dissemination

Tools

• An inventory of types of documentation 
• A tool that allows you to categorise your electronical information files
• A documentation manual 

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Effective Documentation (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Effective Documentation (Advanced) module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Effective Documentation (Advanced).
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module teaches you the basics of designing and using a website

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Develop and Improve Your Website?

A website is the face of your organisation and can benefit the organisation in various ways. In order to develop an effective website it is important to understand the different purposes of a website and know the key elements of designing a website.

What You Can Expect

In this module, you will learn about the main purposes of a website, the benefits this can bring to your organisation, the key elements of website content and design and how you should organise the work related to your website. At the end of the module, you can assess the website of your own organisation, as a basis for a plan to (further) improve it.

Knowledge and Skills

At the end of this module, you know the different purposes of a website and the most important benefits that a website can bring you. You are aware of the key elements of website content and design, and the different tasks and expertise needed to develop and maintain a website. You know the strengths and weaknesses of your present site (if you have one) and have identified where it needs improvement.
If you do not have a website or wish to create a new one, you will be able to ask yourself the  most important questions on website technology before starting to develop a website.

What You Get

Know How

• How to create relevant content
• How to select good images and visuals
• Necessary skills and tasks for developing a website

Tools

• A list of the top five things to keep in mind for the content on your website
• A website assessment
• A checklist on website building

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Developing and Improving Websites (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Develop and Improve Your Website module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Developing and Improving Websites.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module teaches you how to stimulate existing donors to increase their contribution or to donate more frequently. The set of tools and techniques used to achieve this is called donor relations management.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Strong Relations with Your Donors?

When you can convince existing donors to donate more, or to donate more frequently, you can increase the income of your organisation and make that income more secure.

What You Can Expect

This module will help you develop a donor relations plan and calendar that are suitable for your organisation.

Knowledge and Skills

At the end of this module you will know:

• The different steps in the donor relations cycle
• The importance of donor relations management
• The main reasons why donors give or stop giving
• Important aspects of reporting to donors
• Different ways on how to stay in touch with your donors
• What a donor database is and how it should be used

And you will have the skills to:

• Divide your donors into different groups
• Make the right mixture of donor communication channels and tools
• Develop a donor database and use it well

What You Get

Tools:

• Questionnaire to self assess your current donor relations activities
• Selecting the donor relations channels that are most appropriate for your organisation
• Donor relations plan and calendar

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Strong Relations with Your Donors (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Strong Relations with Your Donors module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Strong Relations with Donors.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

In this module you will learn how to communicate to achieve good fundraising results and create digital engagement.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Effective Fundraising Communications?

In order to mobilise support and funds, you need to communicate in a convincing way.

What You Can Expect

Based on advice, tips, and exercises, you will be able to develop or improve your own fundraising communication, for a project or for the organisation as a whole.

Knowledge and Skills

You know the importance of show, tell and listen, have written your case for support and selected the right communication channels for your organisation. You have learned how to use these techniques to communicate in an engaging way.

What You Get

Know how:

• How to select the right mix of offline and online communication channels
• How to create good oral, written and visual presentations
• How to write a press release and use social media

Tools:

• Case for support creator
• Organisational leaflet creator
• Elevator pitch creator

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Effective Fundraising Communications (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Effective Fundraising Communications module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Effective Fundraising Communications.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module teaches you the basics of organising a local fundraising event. It helps you to reflect, choose, plan, and budget.
Please note that in this module, you will write your own event plan. Therefore, it is not advisable to do this course on your mobile phone.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Action Plan for a Local Fundraising Event?

Organising an event is a good way to start with fundraising. Prepare yourself well and follow the step-by-step approach that this module presents.

What You Can Expect

This module takes you through thirteen easy-to-follow steps, ranging from the objectives for the event to calculating the expected return on investment and post-event activities.

Knowledge and Skills

At the end of this module, you will know how to organise a profitable local fundraising event.

What You Get

Know how:

• The basic elements of different types of events
• How to make a complete action plan for organising an event

Tools:

• Formats for deciding on the needs; planning the when and where; developing the budget; making a publicity plan; making a guest list; describing the event flow
• Checklists for the materials required and for the event day activities
• Templates for thank you letters and for evaluation 
• A practical format for making a complete action plan

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Action Plan for a Local Fundraising Event (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Action Plan for a Local Fundraising Event module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Action Plan for a Local Fundraising Event.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

A fundraising plan for a project is the key moment to integrate all your project ideas, fundraising techniques and donor projections. Learn all the must-do steps for success.
Please note that in this module, you will write your own fundraising plan. Therefore, it is not advisable to do this course on your mobile phone.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Fundraising Plan for a Project?

A fundraising plan is the road map that defines your goals, methods and actions. It’s the document that will transform your ideas into realistic activities.

What You Can Expect

By the end of this module you will have your fundraising plan ready, from the naming of your project to defining each task. We will share good examples to get your ideas flowing!

Knowledge and Skills

Once you have learned to develop a detailed fundraising plan, you’ll be able to apply this knowledge in any future fundraising project.

What You Get

Know how:

• How to write a detailed fundraising plan for a project of your choice

Tool:

• A format with instructions for developing a solid fundraising plan

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Fundraising Plan for a Project (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Fundraising Plan for a Project module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Fundraising Plan for a Project.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module deals with the main elements of raising funds and other contributions from companies.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Corporate Donors?

Fundraising can be done with many types of donors. For many organisations individual donors are the key target group. But companies can also be an important source of income and support. To become successful at fundraising with companies you need to understand that different types of companies have different motives and options for giving. And know how to make the appropriate Ask.

What You Can Expect

In this module you learn that, just like individual donors, companies can be divided into different types who each have their own motives and options for giving. You will meet two imaginary potential donors and learn about their specific motives. Then the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility is explained and you learn how to choose which companies to approach and what to ask them.

Knowledge and Skills

At the end of this module you will have learned how to select the companies where your chances of success are highest and why. And what to ask them and how to do that.

What You Get

Know how:

• What are the motives for giving for different types of companies
• What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Tools:

• Listing the needs of your organisation for which you can ask support from a company
• A step-by-step guide on how to approach companies
• How to organise yourself to raise funds effectively 

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Basic understanding of Corporate Donors (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Corporate Donors module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Corporate Donors.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.

Module Overview

This module deals with the main elements of raising funds from individuals.

NOTE: If you have trouble going through this course online, you can download the PDF of this course.

Why Individual Donors?

By understanding the different types of individual donors and their motives for giving, you can choose the right approach to connect them to your cause.

What You Can Expect

You will learn about different donor types, their motives for giving and different strategies to approach individual donors.

Knowledge and Skills

At the end of this module, you know how to select and approach those individual donors where your chances of success are highest.

What You Get

Know how:

• What are the most common individual donor groups
• What are their motives for giving
• The donor appreciation cycle

Tools:

• Identifying potential individual donors

Certification:

• After completing the course and passing a brief exam, you can download an accredited certificate.

Note: To take the exam and obtain the certificate, you need to be signed in.

Course Requirements

• Basic computer skills: You should be comfortable using a computer.
• Internet connection: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.
• Prerequisite knowledge: Individual Donors (optional but recommended).

How to Login

1. Visit our website: Go to Weaving Resilience East Africa.
2. Enroll in the course: Find the Individual Donors module and click “Join.”
3. Sign up or log in: Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
4. Start learning: Access the course materials in the “Catalogue” section.

Why Take the Course with Us?

• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in Individual Donors.
• Comprehensive Content: Covers all essential topics in a concise 2-hour format.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with interactive sessions and practical exercises.
• Flexible Schedule: Learn at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of learners and instructors for ongoing support.

Additional Support

• Technical Support: Available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues.
• Discussion Forums: Participate in discussions with peers and instructors.
• Q&A Sessions: Regular live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and provide deeper insights.