Short Course / Certificate Programme / Online Course
Primary Audience
Individuals, charities, NGOs, CICs, project teams and community organisations
Duration
6-8 weeks
Delivery Mode
Live online with templates, assignments and review clinics
Fee / Pricing
£495 individual / £2,500 organisation
Core Output
Case for support, donor map, grant calendar, application framework
Why This Programme
Fundraising failure is often not caused by lack of purpose. It is caused by weak positioning, unclear project logic, poor donor fit, underdeveloped budgets and insufficient internal readiness. This programme helps participants build a disciplined approach to fundraising and grant preparation
Who Should Apply
This programme is especially suited to:
Founders of mission-led organisations
Charity and NGO managers
Programme coordinators and project leads
Trustees supporting income generation
Small teams developing donor readiness systems
Professionals preparing grant applications or donor pitches
What Participants Will Gain
Develop a clearer fundraising direction
Build a credible case for support
Identify better-fit donor prospects
Create a practical donor map and grant calendar
Improve proposal structure and internal readiness
Approach funders with more confidence and discipline
What You Will Study
The programme focuses on the following areas
Module 1: Fundraising readiness
Understand what funders expect and how internal readiness affects external success.
Module 2: Case for support
Build a clear, credible and evidence-based narrative for donor engagement.
Module 3: Donor mapping
Identify foundations, CSR partners, grant makers and institutional funding prospects.
Module 6: Readiness clinic
Review participant materials and improve the quality of submission preparation.
Module 5: Application framework
Structure proposals, budgets, outcomes and evidence in a coherent format.
Module 4: Grant calendar and pipeline
Develop a realistic opportunity calendar, responsibilities and submission rhythm.
Learning Experience
The programme is delivered through live sessions, worked examples, guided templates and practical assignments. It is designed to be accessible for small organisations while still building serious institutional habits around fundraising planning and proposal discipline.
Assessment, Outputs and Completion Standard
Participants complete a case for support, donor map, grant calendar and application framework. Organisations may use the outputs internally as part of their funding preparation process.
Pricing and Access
Individual fee: £495. Organisation fee: £2,500. Group pricing, sponsored cohorts or bespoke organisational delivery may be agreed separately.
Why Study This at LSSE
LSSE teaches this subject within a wider framework of social enterprise, sustainable economics, leadership, governance and institutional development. The programme is designed to be practical without becoming superficial, and academically serious without becoming inaccessible. Participants are expected to leave with stronger judgement, clearer documentation and a more credible operating approach.
Progression Routes
This programme links naturally to the ESG Project Design & Donor Readiness Lab, ESG Impact Reporting Certificate and LSSE Society project clinics.