Sanford Institute of Philanthropy Celebrates Graduates of Fundraising Academy Certificate Program
San Diego, Calif. (PRWEB) May 26, 2016 -- The first graduating class of the Fundraising Academy through the recently-established partnership between The San Diego Foundation and National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy was recognized at a special ceremony. The event included a presentation of one-minute videos developed by the graduates during their certificate program, which emphasizes powerful and proven methods developed by the Institute to strengthen the fundraising abilities of the region’s nonprofits.
“We are honored to recognize the San Diego nonprofits and their dedicated participants who have completed our Fundraising Academy,” said Dr. Lena Rodriguez, Endowed Director of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. “Nonprofits serve a vital role by improving the quality of life in our communities, and our mission is to educate nonprofit leaders through capacity-building programs that offer strategies and tools that assist nonprofit leaders, their development officers and board members in their fundraising functions.”
The graduation event took place May 19 at National University’s Sanford Education Center, and it included one-minute video presentations by the program’s graduates, who represent nonprofits including Epilepsy San Diego, Operation Samahan, and Firefighter Aid.
This is the first year the Fundraising Academy certificate program has been offered in partnership with the private, nonprofit National University and its Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, which is part of the University’s School of Business and Management. The Fundraising Academy is underwritten in large part by The San Diego Foundation and designed to enhance the fundraising skills of nonprofit leaders by increasing their fundraising capacity and donor relationship building skills.
In partnership with the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, the program incorporates curriculum that has been developed through National University, including the Cause Sales approach based on the vision of philanthropist and entrepreneur T. Denny Sanford. Cause Sales blends the passion of philanthropy with an emphasis on proven business principles to strengthen donor relations and fundraising skills. Elements include communication skills, prospecting strategy, basic psychology, relationship building techniques, as well as research approaches and data analysis.
Kathlyn Mead, President and CEO of The San Diego Foundation noted that The San Diego Foundation has been committed to promoting philanthropy and civic engagement throughout the San Diego region, and is dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit community through the Fundraising Academy.
“Our partnership with the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at National University ensures access to a rich and valuable learning opportunity for San Diego’s nonprofits, which is critical to their ability to have even greater impacts in our community,” she said. “We congratulate the accomplishments of The Fundraising Academy's graduating class and look forward to celebrating their ongoing dedication and contributions to our region.”
Fundraising, leadership skills training and education are at the core of successful nonprofit organizations, and The Fundraising Academy includes 70 hours of instruction spread over 10 days. Courses include Basics in Fundraising; Cause Selling/Social Skills; Major Gifts; and Planned Giving.
Enrollment is now open for the 2016-17 Fundraising Academy Certificate Program, which begins Sept. 13. Fundraising professionals interested in the program, or who are interested in attending the 2015-2016 graduation and video presentations, can call (844) 225-6681 or visit sanfordeducationcenter.org/the-fundraising-academy.cfm
About the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at National University
The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at National University is dedicated to supporting the sustainability and positive contributions of nonprofits through education programs that have impacted more than 4,500 nonprofit professionals. Based on the vision of philanthropist and entrepreneur T. Denny Sanford, the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy movement started in 2014 at National University, a California-based private, nonprofit university, and is being expanded nationally in coordination with educational institutions and organizations. A cornerstone of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy movement is the Cause Sales approach toward fundraising and donor relationships that blends the passion of philanthropy with an emphasis on proven business principles. http://sanfordeducationcenter.org/instituteofphilanthropy.cfm
About The San Diego Foundation
The San Diego Foundation promotes and increases effective and responsible charitable giving to grow a more vibrant region. The Foundation manages more than $652 million in assets, more than half of which reside in permanent endowment funds that extend the impact of today’s gifts to future generations. Since 1975, The Foundation has granted more than $977 million to the nonprofit community. For more information, visit our website and consider a donation to the Fund for the Future Endowment which supports San Diego now and forever. https://www.sdfoundation.org/
Anna Cearley, National University, http://www.jfku.edu/, +1 (858) 642-8163, [email protected]
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