Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement and Rhodes Business School are proud to offer Africa's first ever university-level course in Advancement - the practice of building, maintaining and improving support, skills and funds for an organisation or institution.

What does the course cover?

The 2012 Rhodes University certificate course covered key aspects of Advancement, including relationship management, governance, skills capacity, fundraising, marketing, planning, strategy, and leadership as well as the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors. South African case studies and experiences from local and international professionals in the field formed part of the ten-day course which was offered in two five-day blocks.

Who should go on the course?

The certificate course is aimed at professionals in the field of Advancement including academics, administrators, CEOs and trustees who are involved in fundraising, marketing, donor and project management, and community-building at universities, big institutions and non-profit organisations.

Is the course university accredited?

Yes! The certificate course is the first step in the development of a new post-graduate diploma in Advancement being developed by Rhodes Business School and Inyathelo as part of their collective efforts to build and sustain higher education institutions and the non-profit sector in South Africa and on the continent, and to build professional practice in the Advancement field.

Rhodes University has earned a world-wide reputation for the high quality of its education and all Rhodes degrees are internationally recognised. The University also enjoys the distinction of having among the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates in South Africa, outstanding postgraduate success rates, and the best research output per academic staff member.

Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement has pioneered the processes and practices of Advancement in South Africa over the past decade, and is widely considered to be the destination for people and organisations to access Advancement and philanthropy products and services, as well as the place to go to for advice, information, resources and support on how to give funds effectively for the greatest social impact.