Short Intensive Program (SIP): Effective Strategic Philanthropy

Non-profit organizations and social enterprises play an important role in every country in the world: as laboratories for social innovation, as the delivery system for critical goods and services at scale, as the stewards of our cultural heritage, and as advocates for a more just and inclusive society. About 12% of HBS alumni currently work full-time in the social sector, and about 85% will serve on a non-profit board at some point, and almost all of you will be donors to, investors in, or volunteers for a rich diversity of social sector organizations over the course of your lives. This SIP will take a closer look at how to be an effective and strategic partner to the rapidly evolving social sector, be that as a philanthropist, impact investor, board member, employee or corporate partner. Whether you plan to invest your money or your time (as a volunteer, board member or employee), the SIP will use a mixture of readings, role-plays, and class discussions, combined with perspectives from a range of alumni active in the philanthropic and social sectors to help you define your own strategy for effective engagement and prepare for the field's rapidly evolving future.