Although I greatly enjoy GFTEI courses at Korbel, I often find myself taking elective courses where I am the only GFTEI student. The course that fits that description this quarter is Financial Management and Fundraising for Non-Profits (FMFNP). While the course has the word ‘finance’ in the title, it mostly consists of students in the International Administration and International Studies degrees. Hearing their perspectives on working in non-profit organizations is certainly interesting. I’ve previously worked in a very efficiently run environmental organization, but many of my fellow students are currently working in organizations that are just getting off the ground or have even failed. Thus, in examining budgets, statements of financial position, and program proposals we all have different, real-life experiences to share. We are also tasked with bringing in a panel of industry professionals including Executive Directors, Board Members, Foundation Leaders and Fundraisers whose anecdotes bring life to the readings we have done. My group is bringing in the Fundraisers panel in two weeks and we’re very excited to hear their insights on the best ways to make non-profit organizations sustainable.
I’ve also been able to integrate portions of this class with my Microfinance course. Learning how to critique IRS 990 forms and balance sheets in FMFNP has helped me assess how well BRAC Uganda is doing, and how that will affect their future potential for securing international loans. I’m also able to write my FMFNP final on the similarities and differences in financing, governance, and the spirit of giving between American and Ugandan non-profit organizations. The research I’ll be doing for this paper will help illuminate topics for me to bring up with the directors of BRAC Uganda when I go for my site visit in three weeks. It’s certainly helpful to have this cross-over in course skills and topics!
