Program Overview

Master of Advanced Studies in Philanthropy

The Master of Advanced Studies in Philanthropy is a program designed for mid-level and experienced professionals involved in national and international philanthropic organizations, corporate philanthropy, single and multi-family offices, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in philanthropic organizations.

Objectives

• Master the complex, multifaceted context of contemporary Swiss and international philanthropy
• Understand philanthropy from a critical perspective
• Learn about the principles, best practices, and key strategic elements to operate within a complex and international ecosystem

Audience

The program is designed for professionals with a minimum of three years of experience, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and English proficiency. No prior experience in philanthropy is required.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and master conceptual philanthropy frameworks, including novel financial instruments aligned with the U.N. SDG agenda 2030 and ESG metrics
• Develop an effective theory of change using state-of-the-art tools to implement, monitor, and evaluate the financial and social impact of a philanthropic endeavor
• Design philanthropic strategies aligned with organizational missions, legal and tax parameters, general goals, and specific objectives
• Master cutting-edge approaches to philanthropy, including emerging digital technologies
• Become inclusive leaders who harness the potential of staff and volunteers, develop partnerships with public and private actors, and understand both the funder and grantee sides of philanthropy
• Put into practice an effective approach to collaborative and inclusive philanthropy
• Plan advocacy and influence within the overall strategy of a philanthropic organization
• Master novel financial instruments and assess their relevance to daily practice
• Navigate the extensive philanthropic ecosystem in and around International Geneva

Program Structure

The program consists of three Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS):

• CAS Frontiers in Philanthropy
• CAS Strategic Philanthropy
• CAS Operational Philanthropy

Each CAS entails 5 hybrid-learning modules, except for one module in the CAS in Frontiers in Philanthropy, which is offered exclusively online. The program relies on a blended learning approach, combining in-person and online learning, with an emphasis on interactive, experience-based learning.

Modules

The program includes the following modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to philanthropy
• Module 2: Exploring the diversity and strategies of philanthropic foundations
• Module 3: Legal structuring of philanthropic projects
• Module 4: Philanthropic project management
• Module 5: Theory of change and impact measurement
• Module 6: Inclusive leadership and governance
• Module 7: Talent management and development
• Module 8: Philanthropic financial management and accountability
• Module 9: Resource mobilisation and fund management
• Module 10: Regional philanthropic realities, building alliances and joining local networks
• Module 11: Looking back to move forward: history in philanthropy and new perspectives
• Module 12: Collaborative and inclusive philanthropy (Fully Online Asynchronous)
• Module 13: Strategies for influence
• Module 14: Philanthropy and innovative financial instruments
• Module 15: Philanthropy and International Geneva

Final Project

The objective of the final project is to develop empirical research on a priority theme relevant to philanthropic organizations. The project requires a significant personal contribution, including research, choice and delimitation of the subject, definition of a methodology, structuring and analysis of information, reflection, and position taking.

Diploma Awarded

Participants who pass the assessment requirements and successfully complete all modules will be awarded the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Philanthropy by the University of Geneva.

Fees

• CHF 20,000 for 3 CAS and a final project to obtain the MAS in Philanthropy
• CHF 14,000 for 2 CAS and a final report to obtain the DAS
• CHF 7,500 for each CAS (CAS Frontiers in Philanthropy: CHF 6,000 one-off special price for those enrolling in the 2024 edition who have already completed a DAS in Philanthropy and are members of the association Le Cercle de la Philanthropie)
• CHF 3,000 for any single module of any CAS

Early bird: 10% discount for early bird or for members of Le Cercle de la philanthropie, Swiss Foundations, or Pro Fonds.

Admission Criteria

• A minimum of three years professional experience
• Bachelors degree or equivalent
• English proficiency

Number of Participants

Max. 25 participants

Cancellation Policy

Withdrawal before the start of the training programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.

Pedagogical Method

The program uses a blended learning approach, combining in-person and online learning, with an emphasis on interactive, experience-based learning. The program includes guided personal research work, developing critical thinking skills, and learning from leading international academics and professional experts.

Assessment

The program has a modular structure with an evaluation at the end of each module. Participants are required to earn a sufficient grade to pass each module (min. of 4/6) in order to obtain the certificate/diploma. The program relies on a wide variety of evaluation methods to assess participants understanding of the course content.

Partnerships

The program is supported by partnerships with various organizations, including Genevensis, Porticus, and others.

Directors

• Prof. Giuseppe UGAZIO, Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) and Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI)
• Laetitia GILL, Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), University of Geneva
• Danièle CASTLE, Genevensis Communications

Coordinator

• Clarice DONGUI, University of Geneva

Steering Committee

• Prof. Giuseppe UGAZIO, Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM) and Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI), UNIGE
• Laetitia GILL, Executive Education Associate, GCP, UNIGE
• Danièle CASTLE, CEO, Genevensis
• Prof. Giulia NERI-CASTRACANE, Faculty of Law, Professor, UNIGE
• Prof. Henry PETER, Head, Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP), UNIGE

Scientific Committee

• Cheryl CHANG, Chief of Staff, Oak Foundation
• Alexandre EPALLE, General Director of Economic Development, Research, and Innovation of the Republic and Canton of Geneva represented by Catherine Zimmermann, Economic Affairs Officer
• Carla HADDAD MARDINI, Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, UNICEF
• Julien SEMELIN, Head of Environment Investments, Cartier for Nature
• Isabella RIES-BOWMAN, Head of Foundations, The Ocean Cleanup
• Stefan SCHOEBI, Director, Stiftung Schweiz

Related Programs

• DAS - Strategic and Operational Philanthropy (2025)
• CAS - Frontiers in Philanthropy (2026)
• CAS - Operational Philanthropy (2026)
• CAS - Strategic Philanthropy (2025)

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

The program contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social and environmental challenges.