Category: Modules

Funding is a key concern for every think tank due to how it affects its sustainability, the way people work, and the type of research that is conducted, as well as the potential for having sustained policy influence.

Even though there is an ample offering of capacity building activities that focus on how to do effective fundraising, little has been done in terms of systematising diverse existing funding models, along with their implications and consequences on think tanks’ performance, relevance, identity, and sustainability.

This course systematises what is known about the funding models that currently prevail in the South and analyses its implications and consequences so as to provide participating think tanks with better evidence to identify and implement changes.

In Module 1 the facilitators describe what a funding model is, and what is unique about them in the case of think tanks. They lead listeners into reflecting on where their organisations are at the moment and how they can re-think their funding models. The facilitators also discuss what implications a change in the funding model can have on the core functions of any think tank: research, policy relevance and communications.

Module 2 focuses on the main avenues to change a funding model and potential ways for generating new income, including their advantages and risks. Some of the options discussed are re-structuring or shifting cost allocation, investing in fundraising, building income-generating structures, and developing local sources of funding. The trainers specially describe options for diversification of funding resources, such as accessing government resources and local philanthropy. Finally, they explore a set of policies and

strategies to soundly manage the diverse sources of funding.

The subject of think tank governance and management rarely gets the attention that the fields of research and communications receive. However, poor governance arrangements and limited management capacity are most likely to explain any shortfalls in research quality and communication impact. Executive director transitions can put the survival of the think tank at risk if the governance is not strong enough. And even well-designed fundraising campaigns can fail to deliver their objectives if an organisation’s management is unable to cope with the sudden increase in funds and responsibilities.

This short course is composed of two modules that discuss the governance and management of think tanks and policy research organisations. This topic encompasses many aspects: governing bodies, boards, senior management and line management, fundraising and the allocation of funds, communications, human resources, finance experts, and more.

This course focuses on two crucial elements: boards and the management of research teams. In the first module, the trainer discusses three main types of boards and the roles they play within organisations. In the second module, the trainer focuses on research team structures and line-management within research teams and projects.

In Module 2 the trainer focuses on key aspects of think tank management, how research programmes can be organised, and the value of line-management tools such as mentoring and performance assessments. The session also explores common challenges faced by think tanks and provides recommendations on ways to carry out staff appraisals as both a management and a learning tool.

In Module 1 the trainer describes what governance and management entail for think tanks, why they are important, and the difference between them. Next, key aspects of governance are discussed, with a focus on different types of boards and the roles they play as well as the characteristics of an ideal board. A description of the ideal relationship between the board and the leadership and staff of a think tank is offered.  Finally, the trainer offers some case studies on leadership transitions and support to researchers.

In this space you will find the presentations and recordings of the overview and participant’s presentations sessions

This is an elusive issue in think tank practice. In this module we will provide an overview of the terms governance and management, explain the importance of boards and the different types that exist, and discuss management and leadership issues, and explore the governance and management arrangements of a particular think tank model. These discussions can be the cornerstone to long-term success for a think tank.

This module provides an introduction to think tanks, discussing their elusive definition and functions. It also provides and overview of evidence informed policy making and the role of think tanks in it.

Through the school we will have several sessions in which we will discuss crosscutting issues through live sessions or workshops.