For this week's #TinaTuesday I had the pleasure of sitting down with Solomon Belette from the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F. Kennedy University.  Many of you may know that we have an amazing fully accredited, non-profit University located right here in Pleasant Hill.  JFKU (an affiliate of the National University) offers a range of degree programs to either finish your education or continue it by getting your Master's (thought about doing this myself), Doctoral, or Certificate Programs in these areas...College of Business and Professional Studies, College of Psychology, College of Law, Continuing Education, Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership

What you may not have known is that The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy also exists at JFKU and was officially opened in 2016.  The "SIP" helps non-profits to significantly increase their fundraising capabilities and the impact they have in their communities and society through a proven contemporary curriculum presented by world-class nonprofit leaders, best in class faculty, and renowned philanthropists.  SIP was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist, T. Denny Sanford who noticed a deficit in programs that teach necessary fundraising and leadership skills in the non-profit environment.  Out of this awareness, he launched the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at the National University School of Business and Management in 2014.  During the following year, the book - "Cause Selling - The Sanford Way" was published. The book is aimed at nonprofit organizations to help maximize their fundraising potential through the application of proven business and sales principles. The Institute utilizes this book as the foundation of a series of educational programs offered throughout the year.  The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F. Kennedy University offers high-quality educational opportunities and seminars scheduled throughout the year. The information at these events are applicable to professionals, volunteers, and consultants working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.  Their aim is to:

• Provide formal education and training to the leaders of nonprofit organizations with an emphasis on cause selling and fundraising
• Serve the local community and strengthen the philanthropic sector in the Bay Area
• Prepare current and future generations to innovate and transform philanthropy
• Lead the expansion effort of the Institute within the National University system

Currently, The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at JFKU is excited to launch the very first program of its kind in Northern California called "The Fundraising Academy Program."  This intensive training program offers professional development through an 80-hour certificate program that spans a period of over six months.  In this "Cohort" (basically this means that you're with the same people throughout the entire course = peers consistency) participants will:

• Learn from world-class leaders in the nonprofit sector
• Collaborate with other nonprofit professionals
• Expand their networks of colleagues and nonprofit organizations
• Share their personal challenges and triumphs with a like-minded group of peers
• Develop the fundraising skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive nonprofit markets and challenging fiscal reality

Here is the Fundraising Academy schedule for 2018..

SESSION 1: Basics in Fundraising / March 28-29, 2018 
SESSION 2: Cause Selling & Social Skills / May 31-June 1, 2018 
SESSION 3: Major Gifts / August 2-3, 2018 
SESSION 4: Planned Giving / September 20-21, 2018
GRADUATION: October 23, 2018

If you're interested in learning more or joining the first of its kind Fundraising Academy in Northern California, visit their website here: The Fundraising Academy (space is limited though, so you might want to be quick about it).  Thank you so much Solomon, for educating me on all of the amazing things that the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy is doing for our non-profit community.  It is so amazing to learn about programs in our community that truly strive to help others learn and grow.