National School Foundation Association:
Nina Menis, Executive Director
Phone: 866-824-8513 | Cell: 630-863-6613
Email: nina@schoolfoundations.org
National University/Sanford Institute of Philanthropy
Anna Cearley, Public Relations Director
Phone: 858-642-8163 | Cell: 858-210-0942
Email: acearley@nu.edu
National School Foundation Association Launches Certification Program to Promote Quality
Standards for Education Foundation Leadership
Program developed in conjunction with National University and its Sanford Institute of
Philanthropy, a provider of innovative fundraising strategies for nonprofits
Chicago, Ill. – April 23, 2015 – The National School Foundation Association (NSFA), the
recognized leader of the Pre K-12 education foundation movement in the United States,
announced today the launch of a specialized certification program that sets the gold standard
for quality education foundation leadership. Believed to be the only one of its kind in the
nation, the program is offered completely online based on curriculum developed through a
unique educational alignment with National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, a
provider of innovative fundraising strategies for nonprofits.
The NSFA’s Education Foundation Leadership certification program recognizes a growing need
to address funding gaps for the nation’s Pre K-12 schools through a formalized professional
development process. The coursework foundation for the certification process comes from San
Diego-based National University, the second-largest private nonprofit university in California,
and its Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. Created through the support of philanthropist T.
Denny Sanford, the Institute offers seminars, certificate programs and a master’s program with
an emphasis on cause sales, cause leadership and fundraising – developed by the University’s
School of Business and Management and Division of Extended Learning. The Institute also
collaborates with organizations to help create customized programs.
“The role of education foundations in our society is becoming even more urgent as we have
seen significant education cuts over the past decade and a realignment of resources that have
forced schools to make difficult choices that impact student success,” said NSFA Executive
Director Nina Menis. “We are very pleased to be offering this unique program through our
partnership with the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at National University since it reinforces
our goal of providing high quality professional development opportunities that benefit our
schools.”
The Education Foundation Leadership certification program, announced today at the NSFA’s
10th Annual National Conference April 22-24 in Chicago, is meant to augment the NSFA’s
current training and support efforts to its more than 1,000 member foundations through a
curriculum that emphasizes leadership, financial management and relationship building.
Education foundations are privately operated, nonprofit organizations established to assist
public and private schools, and many are facing increased education needs. According to a
2014 study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, states are providing less per-pupil
funding for K-12th grade than they did six years ago, which has led in many cases to larger class
sizes or the reduction of programs.
“We are so pleased to be collaborating with the NSFA to help train a new generation of
education foundation leaders, whose work is critical to the future successes of our K-12
schools,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, President of National University. “This is a wonderful
example of the nonprofit and education communities working together to create a better
tomorrow.”
Registration for the Education Foundation Leadership Program begins this month, and courses
will start by Summer 2015. Program completers receive a certificate of completion from
National University, and the formal certification through the NSFA.
The curriculum for the NSFA certification program is designed to be completed in 6 months.
Developed through a collaborative process with the NSFA, it emphasizes skills and knowledge
required to effectively lead education foundations, with fundraising elements integrated
throughout the program. Areas of focus include: Building and sustaining a well-connected and
engaged board of directors; Efficient organizational planning and development; Key financial
management techniques; Establishing effective and cooperative relationships with school
districts and other community stakeholders; Key legal requirements and comprehensive
resource and marketing strategies.
About The National School Foundation Association
The National School Foundation Association (NSFA) is a recognized leader of the Pre K-12
education foundation movement in the United States, providing training and support for their
development and quest to increase student achievement through strategic philanthropic
investment and involvement. Supported in the early stages with a grant from the U.S.
Department of Education, the mission of the NSFA is to provide support, training, and resources
to education foundations and their leaders to maximize their success. This mission is
accomplished through State Affiliate Organizations (Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah), individual memberships throughout the United States and
with the support of partners, business leaders, education leaders and government officials who
share our passion for quality educational programs for our nation’s
schools. www.SchoolFoundations.org.
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 Sanford Institute of Philanthropy
Established through a generous gift from philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford, the
Sanford Institute of Philanthropy is housed at National University and trains existing and future
nonprofit leaders. The Institute’s unique approach to philanthropy applies proven business
principles and a fundraising focus to cause organizations with the aim of maximizing their
positive impact in our communities.
http://sanfordeducationcenter.org/instituteofphilanthropy.cfm
For more information about registration or about the program please contact:
Nina Menis
Phone: 866-824-8513 | Cell: 630-863-6613
Email: nina@schoolfoundations.org