Charity giving and receiving customs. Philanthropy in the twenty-first century. Contrasting approaches to giving in diverse historical contexts and traditions. Motivations of donors. Need, identity formation, philanthropy, politics, social transformation.

Issues of why people organize, give, and donate time. Theories of the sector. Policy formulation in the sector. Becoming philanthropically literate.

Main perspectives of civil society activities around the world. The state's connection with civil society. The impact of the nonprofit sector on the state’s development goals. How the government regulates the non-profit sector for performance. How and whether the government and philanthropic organizations invest in civil society strength.

The role of nonprofit in mixed economies. Public policy controversies: regulation of fundraising, antitrust against universities, ‘‘unfair’’ competition with for-profit firms, the tax treatment of donations, etc.

Philanthropy's ethics and values that are based on a broad interpretation of philanthropy (as voluntary effort for the common good and as an ethical ideal). Philanthropic activity considering discussed ethical ideal.

Aspects of local and global nonprofit legal regulation. Local and global nonprofit formation, operation, and governance. Officers and directors' responsibilities and liabilities Solicitation for charitable purposes. Tax-exemption of public benefit and mutual benefit organizations, of Contributions to charity, of foundations, of membership organizations.

Philanthropic foundations questions of legitimacy, effectiveness, and accountability. The importance of foundations in modern civilization. How roles are filled successfully. How is role fulfillment assessed. Current trends in foundation philanthropy and their implications for the future of local and global philanthropy.

Elements of a nonprofit organization's fundraising process. Fundraising's central tenets, Putting together a proposition for philanthropic support. Techniques and strategies that are relevant. Evaluating possible sources of assistance. Human resources effective engagement. Management of processes. Theory that is relevant to practice. Current practice examined and analyzed. Proposal of practice standards. Ethical issues in fundraising.

Experiential learning as an intern in a non-profit organization or project. Practical experience and insights. Gaining experience in real world philanthropic issues. Applying knowledge, skills, and values learned in the classroom.