Strategic Philanthropy
Overview
This is an applied unit in which students explore philanthropy’s strategic role supporting organisations and initiatives aiming to address social and environmental challenges. It examines how philanthropy fits within the broader social impact ecosystem. Students will critically reflect on the different approaches which can enhance philanthropy’s impact, and consider how the role of philanthropy is evolving. Students will develop an understanding of the key components of grantmaking processes, including the legal and regulatory context and ethical and governance challenges. As this is an experential learning unit, students design and implement a process that culminates in making a real grant to an organisation.
Requisites
Rule
37.5 credit points
AND
Enrolment in Master of Social Impact
AND
Completion of SIP60004 Social Investment and Philanthropy
OR
75 credit points
AND
Enrolment in a Swinburne Business School's Master Degree
AND
Approval from the convenor
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of the key concepts, approaches and debates in relation to philanthropy’s role as a funder of social impact
- Apply problem-solving and decision-making methodologies in the context of grantmaking
- Critically evaluate governance and decision-making practices within the context of grantmaking
- Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences and function as an effective member or leader of a team
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Workshop | 5.60 | 5 weeks | 28 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 4.00 | 2 weeks | 8 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Individual | 15 - 25% | 1,3,4 |
| Reflective Essay | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,3 |
| Report | Group | 40 - 60% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- How philanthropy fits within the broader social impact ecosystem, including the various functions and roles of philanthropy
- Different approaches to enhancing philanthropy’s impact
- The evolution of philanthropy’s role and practices over time, and the current debates focusing on this
- The legal and regulatory context for grantmaking
- Grantmaking processes and practices
- Ethical and governance issues in the grantmaking process
- Technological solutions used as part of the grantmaking process
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.