My role
As the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and part of the JFK University leadership team, I oversaw the growth and development of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. Additionally, I sat on the advisory board. Credit for the vision of SIP's expansion came from the Institute's director Solomon Belette. My role as his manager was to ensure these goals were aligned with the University's broader goals, remove barriers to this expansion, and provide a supportive structure for the Institute's growth. Our close working relationship was pivotal in expanding its reach and offerings. By integrating SIP into the communications and events teams that also reported to me, we were able to rapidly expand its reach. Under my leadership, Solomon was able to bring the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy to over 350 Bay Area nonprofit organizations across all 9 counties.
Sanford Institute of Philanthropy Offerings
The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F Kennedy (SIP) annually engages with over 350 Bay Area nonprofit organizations. The SIP’s mission is to help strengthen nonprofit communities in the Bay Area by providing a range of high quality educational and professional development opportunities for individuals and organizations alike. Throughout the year, the Institute offers seminars and webinars focused on fundraising, sustainable strategies, and cause selling models. With the aim of providing nonprofit leaders, organizations, and individuals with the support they need to make a difference in the world, the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy offers the following programming and resources.
Fundraising Academy
The Fundraising Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum of fundraising training courses designed to enhance fundraising capabilities for nonprofit leaders.
Annual Philanthropy Summit
This free, day-long event brings together the nonprofit community, a panel of local experts, and a keynote speaker to focus on a topic of relevance to the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape.
Monthly Seminars
Hosted at JFKU’s Pleasant Hill campus, these monthly seminars feature local experts presenting on issues of fundraising and effective nonprofit governance.
Lunch and Learn Seminars
This lunch-time series begins with a half hour of networking followed by an hour-long lecture-style presentation addressing issues that nonprofits are challenged with, including fundraising and other issues of organizational sustainability.
Monthly Webinars
Hosted by the National University Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, these monthly webinars focused on fundraising are available to all affiliate branches of SIP and their communities.
AFP Webinars
SIP is a recognized partner of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the JFKU SIP office is a designated viewing location for the organization’s webinars. All are welcome.
Foundation Directory Online
This highly useful database for nonprofits seeking foundation support is accessible from the Pleasant Hill office and available to the entire community, free of charge. Tech support and assistance is available.
The Creative Team
All copy for Sanford Institute of Philanthropy marketing content was written by Kelly Egan and edited by myself. Text for this page's section, "Sanford Institute of Philanthropy Offerings" is from the official Sanford Institute of Philanthropy flyer.
All SIP Video's were produced in conjunction with Mr Smith Studios.
All Graphic design work on SIP marketing materials designed by Alexis Vilay edited by myself.
All SIP Event photography provided by Elena Graham.