The Capstone Paper is the culminating academic and experiential component of the Philanthropy and Development Graduate Program.  Each student completes a research study that demonstrates the student's ability to integrate knowledge of theory, practice, and philosophical perspectives of the field. The Paper is original in scope and one that brings new knowledge, perspectives or resources to the field. The study is developed around a specific issue or project of professional interest or relevance to the student.

Philanthropy is the philosophy and process of supporting not-for-profit organizations through financial and other contributions. This course presents an overview of the history of philanthropy, emphasizing the interaction between philanthropy and societal trends. It shows the evolution of North American philanthropy from its religious roots to its current, more secular, applications. It examines the relationship between philanthropy and public policy as well as the role of corporations and foundations. Highlighted are emerging trends and practices in development, and a review of global practices and trends.

Globalization is a reality for everyone, for every organization, everywhere.  Funding models and priorities are changing, techniques are evolving and donor expectations are being driven by communications and information revolutions.  It is change, on a spectacular scale.  One of the keys to this brave new philanthropic world is understanding the implications history and the culture of giving, both in North America and around the world and the way in which they have shaped today's global environment.  This course aims to provide students with an introduction to the global context of philanthrophy and give them a route map and key reflexes which they can use to develop their fundraising in a context of permanent change and challenges.

The topic of leadership is both popular and elusive. Bookshelves are filled with an abundance of prescriptive approaches to leadership development. And yet, few authors explain why a lack of leadership persists in government, business and in the nonprofit sector. Has the age of institutionalization and shift to participatory management, stymied the development of leaders -- limiting our ability to think beyond the present, to innovate outside-the-box, to make courageous and risky decisions? Or has leadership taken on new meanings, shaped by the decade we were born into? Do we have reasonable or exaggerated expectations of people in leadership positions? To what extent does leadership come from within, or is it a skill to be learned during one's lifetime? This course focuses on the need for leadership in the nonprofit sector and explores how it shapes an organization's philanthropic culture.

This course provides an integrated and comprehensive approach to fund development focusing on the annual fund and gift planning. Course texts, lectures, and class/group discussions will provide tools and techniques for a successful integrated development program with a goal of moving prospects along the donor continuum and up the donor pyramid resulting in more and larger contributions.

Building long-term relationships with others is one of the most important and powerful concepts behind philanthropy and fund development. Effective organizations depend upon healthy relationships, and so do effective communities. Genuine relationships do not trespass on personal and professional relationships, creating a bank of favors bartered away through self-interested transactions. This course focuses on relationships at both the individual and group level, within and outside of the nonprofit / NGO. The course will review theories about human and group interaction, and strategies to build long term, mutually beneficial relationships. Students will learn key communications concepts to support relationship building.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of non-profit organizations and crucial to the development function. The service of private citizens in fund raising and other activities is an enduring cultural phenomenon in the U.S. Attention will be paid to the human dynamics of volunteerism; the use of volunteers as agents of change; volunteer management; as well as the selection, recruitment, training, and motivation of volunteers. Case studies and simulations will be used extensively.

This course provides an overview of the SMU Capstone Paper and an introduction to qualitative research. The course will focus on conducting a literature review and creating annotated bibliographies.

It is incumbent upon philanthropy to understand the cultural dimension of giving and volunteering that rests within the differing ethnicities that make up an increasing portion of our population. This course will examine the application of intercultural issues and experiences that define and impact today’s concept of philanthropy.

As the field of development becomes more complex and demanding, the role of resource management (time, people, and money) takes on increasing importance for the development professional. This course will explore and integrate these issues, and provide resources and tools to build management effectiveness within development. Experiential learning and practical applications of course content will be emphasized.

All activities in successful religious or humanistic-based institutions are grounded in theologically and philosophically sound principles. Themes in this section include community, promoting the common good, service to others, and personal giving as an active component in human development. Larger issues of pluralistic world culture, the flow of resources, and developing global communication will be considered in their ethical and moral dimensions. In addition to study and reflection of these global issues, the student will be encouraged and empowered to develop a perspective on his or her own role as a facilitator for and contributor to the strengthening of the global fabric.

This course will provide an overview of major and capital gifts processes to benefit students in designing successful planning and implementation principles for their institution or campaign. Instruction will focus on: (1) establishing an effective major and capital gifts plan; (2) managing the process from the needs assessment through the pre-campaign and active solicitation phase; (3) developing an effective case for support and a validation process for major gifts; (4) solicitation training, which will include effectively handling objections; (5) assessment management; and (6) the role of consultants in capital campaigns.

Successful development efforts are often preceded by organizational planning. Strategic planning provides an opportunity to create an organizational vision and identify the steps necessary to make that future a reality. The course will incorporate a strategic planning simulation, emphasize the role of development professionals in the planning process and alignment of strategic goals with organizational resources.

This course is designed to help students develop the strategic planning and marketing communication skills necessary to gain support for nonprofit organizations and their programs in the community. Through relevant case studies, readings, and discussions, students will discuss effective strategies and tactics to their own individual organizations.

This course focuses on applying organization development, systems thinking, framing and organization leadership to the practice of development.  This course is grounded in the belief that successful development efforts, while utilizing specialized skills and methodologies, are ultimately dependent upon organizational expertise and effective leadership.