National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy Continues The San Diego Foundation Legacy of Educating Regional Nonprofit Fundraisers

Under the new collaboration with National University, The Foundation’s program will adopt a fundraising-focused curriculum that reflects the mission of the University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, which was created through the generous support of philanthropist and entrepreneur T. Denny Sanford. The San Diego Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life within all of our communities by promoting and increasing responsible and effective philanthropy. The certificate program, created 13 years ago to support the work of nonprofits, will be further enhanced through the partnership with National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy.

“We believe in the importance of fundraising and leadership skills training and education, and we are pleased that National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy will assume responsibility of this valuable program that addresses the needs of our nonprofit community and our region,” San Diego Foundation President and CEO Kathlyn Mead shared.

National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy offers seminars, certificate programs and a master’s program with an emphasis on cause sales, cause leadership and fundraising – developed by National University’s School of Business and Management and Division of Extended Learning. Upcoming all-day seminars are scheduled for June 9 and August 4. The Institute also develops specialized programs for organizations such as The San Diego Foundation and other groups, such as a recently-announced certification program being offered by the National School Foundation Association.

“We are very pleased to be collaborating with The San Diego Foundation to help train a new generation of nonprofit leaders who are also skilled fundraisers,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, President of National University. “We are dedicated to helping build a better tomorrow for future generations, and this coordinated effort supports that goal by ensuring more positive impacts for our communities in the San Diego region.”

Under The San Diego Foundation certificate program’s structure, participants meet several times a year for 2-4 days of intensive training, ultimately earning a certificate through The San Diego Foundation. Starting this year, the program’s curriculum is developed by National University in coordination with the University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. A new cohort for The San Diego Foundation’s certificate program is expected to launch this summer, with training to take place at the Sanford Education Center at National University.

About National University
About National University Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 140,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California. To learn more, visit www.nu.edu.

About The San Diego Foundation
Celebrating 40 years of philanthropic leadership (1975-2015), The San Diego Foundation’s purpose is to promote and increase effective and responsible charitable giving to grow a vibrant region. The Foundation manages more than $682 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 its inception, The Foundation has granted more than $924 million to the San Diego region’s nonprofit community. Join us as we look ahead to the next 40 years with the Future40 event series and Fund for the Future. For more information, visit The San Diego Foundation’s website, SDF News blog, Facebook and Twitter pages.