Networking, Fundraising and Philanthropy: How to Build Meaningful Relationships for You and Your Organization

Special event of the BU African Studies Center and Diaspora Studies Initiative Facilitated by DiasporaMatters (Ireland), an organization with global expertise in effective networking and fundraising strategies The ability to be a world-class networker has never been more important in helping to shape your professional career and institutional development. In this session, we will share strategies and practices that can help develop your networking capacities. As increasing pressure continues to grow on institutions and civil society organizations from a funding perspective, the workshop will explore also the linkages between networking, philanthropy and fundraising. It will share insights on emerging trends in these sectors and equip participants with skills and ideas to build meaningful relationships to meet the professional and institutional challenges. • Learn how to build and manage your network • Gain insight into nurturing meaningful professional relationships • Pick up tips and skills to help with your career development • Explore emerging potentials of philanthropic giving • Learn best practices on varied fundraising methods The event is facilitated by Diaspora Matters, a global consultancy and training firm based out of Dublin, Ireland which provides services in areas of networking, fundraising, and diaspora engagement in development. Since its inception, Diaspora Matters has researched, written and spoken extensively on how different countries are engaging their diaspora communities. It has worked globally in Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, and North America with clients including institutions such as Accenture, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, EU, Google, HSBC, KPMG, UBS, United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), USAID and World Bank. Dr. Martin Russell is an experienced scholar and consultant on the topics of networking, fundraising, and philanthropy. He has written on a range of topics relating to diaspora strategies including the role of government in diaspora engagement, representation rights, diaspora media, diaspora networking, and conflict transformation. Publications to date include “Diaspora Engagement through Representation: A Discussion” and “Diaspora Strategies: Explore the Role of Government,” Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit. He has spoken at numerous international conferences engaging several key stakeholders active in the diaspora engagement process, ranging from academic conferences to public speaking at organisations such as Fulbright. Please RSVP to rodima@bu.edu. The workshop is free and open to the public.