University for Peace and UPEACE Centre for Executive Education

Online Course - October 22-November 26, 2026

Tackling Finance in the Social Sector

From Fundraising to Impact Investment. Build practical tools to fund social impact work with more confidence, clarity, and long-term strategy.

Live online sessions Personalized facilitator feedback Certificate from a UN-established institution

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Social sector professional working on fundraising strategy

Fund Social Impact With Confidence

Build a stronger case for the work that matters.

Raising funds for social impact work is both an art and a science. This course guides you step-by-step through crafting compelling proposals and building the relationships that turn ideas into funded, sustainable projects.

Over four weeks, you will learn to tell your story, make the case for your project, identify the right funders, and steward relationships for long-term impact. Each session balances crafting a compelling proposal with finding and connecting to the right funders, giving you actionable skills you can apply immediately.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for innovators, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and professionals who want to fund impactful projects, programs, or products. Prior fundraising experience is not required, but curiosity and commitment to creating change are essential. We also invite you to think of a specific project that you want to fundraise for as you join this course.

"It may seem something simple. It is just semantics: donation vs. investment. But I think to a millennial, who has grown up in a very different world, one that is more participatory because of the digital tools that we have, to them they want to feel like they are making an investment."

Amy Webb, Author and Founder of the Future Today Institute

What to expect

Course skills and benefits

Flip the circles to explore the practical tools, coaching, network, and resources you will build throughout the course.

Online course participants in a Zoom session

Flexible Online Format

Compelling content for your busy schedule.

With an average of 4-10 hours of work per week, this online course is made for your busy schedule. It includes videos, live webinars, articles, assignments, and forums for discussion.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Craft proposals that clearly articulate impact, assets, and potential.
Identify, approach, and build relationships with funders who align with your mission.
Develop financial and project planning skills that underpin strong funding requests.
Build mindsets and strategies for long-term stewardship, reporting, and relationship growth.

Course Preview

See how this course helps social sector leaders fund their ideas.

Watch the course video for a quick look at the themes, practical approach, and kind of work participants develop throughout the learning experience.

Course Journey

From story and strategy to a stronger case for support.

This course counts as part of the Diploma in Social Innovation or Global Leadership Diploma.

Weekly content breakdown

Week 1: Setting the Stage - Crafting the intro: story, mission, assets and traction; how to find funders.
Week 2: Framing the Case - Problem statement and why your work matters; building funder relationships.
Week 3: Making the Ask - Project request, budget, and making the ask.
Week 4: Closing the Loop - Monitoring, evaluation, learning, reporting, and stewardship.
Final Project: 3-5 page executive summary or case for support for your project.
Optional Practical Exercise: Hot seat interview to practice a 1:1 funder meeting with peer and facilitator feedback.

Course Details

Everything you need to plan your experience.

Facilitators

Abhinav Khanal

Abhinav Khanal is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Bean Voyage, a non-profit social enterprise that provides training and market access to smallholder women coffee producers in Costa Rica and Nepal.

He is also the Co-Founder & Chief Thought Officer at Little Big Fund, which provides knowledge, networks, and micro-grants to early-stage non-profit leaders around the world. He is a Cordes Fellow, Resolution Fellow, Trust Scholar, Watson Scholar, and a One Young World Ambassador. Abhinav has a B.A in Political Science from Earlham College.

Andrea Parra Nunez

Andrea Parra Nunez is the Head of Operations at Little Big Fund. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam and a Master's of Science in Management and Leadership from Edhec Business School in France. She currently serves as Head of Operations and Partnerships at Little Big Fund, an organization that supports early-stage social entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and microgrants.

At Little Big Fund, Andrea manages operations and logistics for the fellowship program, co-facilitates workshops for over 50 social impact leaders each year, and leads communications efforts including social media growth, newsletters, and public outreach. She also serves as a Mentor with The Resolution Project, guiding young changemakers as they design and launch their ventures. Andrea has lived and worked in six countries, bringing an international perspective, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills to her work.

Course Schedule

This 4-week online course includes four live sessions and an optional Hot Seat practice session:

October 22, 2026: Session 1
October 27, 2026: Session 2
November 5, 2026: Session 3
November 12, 2026: Session 4
November 26, 2026: Hot Seat

The course is designed with a flexible schedule to accommodate working professionals and includes personalized feedback from your instructor.

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Course Cost

$650 tuition rate for the 4-week online course. A certificate is awarded upon completion by the Centre for Executive Education at the University for Peace, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Reserve your spot with $250.
Confirm and register by paying in full: $650.

If your participation needs a financial plan to be possible, contact us and we will be happy to share available options.

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Questions?

Have a question? Contact us at centre@upeace.org with inquiries or to set up a phone call, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.

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Trusted by Organizations

Organizations around the world learn with the UPEACE Centre.

Logos from organizations that have worked with the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education

Past Participants Say

Real reflections from social impact professionals.

"Take this class to become a better fundraiser! In a complex world, organizations need to do everything to make sure they can grow and glory. These course lays the groundwork to become a top-tier fundraiser."

Sam Powers

New York - Founder and President of the Nonprofit Lens on Life

"If you have a project in mind, and you are ready or coming close to finishing the prototyping and experimentation phase. I highly suggest adding this course into your toolkit as it provides material and insights that will enhance your project further than the original draft"

Kirti Daryanani

Aruba - Deputy CEO of Gianni's Group

"Do you have a dream, but funding has always been a roadblock? This course gives you the skills to fund your dreams."

Jacob Hoffius

Colombia - Social Studies Teacher

"This course is a thorough dive into fundraising without being overwhelming. You are able to digest all of the information at your own pace, making it enjoyable."

Chelcie Mohammed

United Kingdom - President at Prosper Social Finance

Ready to build your funding strategy?

Join the next Tackling Finance cohort and strengthen the case for your social impact work.