# Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology course launches

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/10/29/certificate-in-philanthropic-psychology-course-launches/
- Published: 2019-10-29T09:00:58+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy has launched a course to help fundraisers
use insights from psychology to inform their communications and build a better donor
experience.**

The [Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/certificate-in-philanthropic-psychology-tickets-74968393483)
is a 40-hour course of university style learning, hosted online by the [Institute’s](http://philanthropy-institute.org.uk/)
Professors Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant. 

Philanthropic psychology focuses on how donors’ actions make them feel, with the
course aiming to teach a new perspective on the role of fundraising through exploring
the concepts of identity and wellbeing, how people love others, and how to use this
to make a deeper connection with donors and supporters and improve their experience.

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Starting in January, course participants will attend virtual lectures given by the
course team, undertake assigned readings, participate in group discussions and be
encouraged to reflect on their own professional practice. There will also self-test
quizzes to test learning and a practical 1500 word assignment at the end of the 
course for those who wish to gain the certificate.

The course is structured as follows:

Week 1: What is Philanthropic Psychology and what value can the study of it offer
fundraisers?

Week 2: How can we define love in giving?

Week 3: Who are your donors? How does people’s sense of who they are drive giving?

Week 4: How does giving contribute to donors’ personal sense of wellbeing and how
can we boost this?

Week 5: What is the best way to talk to your donors in order to grow their capacity
to love others?

Week 6: How can you translate this knowledge into the design of a donor journey 
for your organisation, including thank-you communications, newsletters, upgrades
and appeals?

Week 7: How can you double, triple and quadruple giving as a consequence?

Week 8: How does this way of thinking make a difference in how you think about your
role as a fundraiser?

The first class will begin on 13 January, and will be available four times a year.

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