Institute on Philanthropy
Invest in professional learning to build the future of your nonprofit.
When you work for a nonprofit organization, you develop a passion for expanding the good work it does. We get that. And we want to help you keep doing the good you’re doing — and do it even better.
The University of Richmond's Institute on Philanthropy (IOP) is the Mid-Atlantic region’s premiere provider of professional development for nonprofit staff and leaders. We offer workshops, short courses, and in-depth institutes for nonprofit staffs seeking to expand the good work of their organizations. We also offer leadership development programs for nonprofit leaders and board members.
Supporting Your Nonprofit Organization
We’ve collected knowledgeable experts and materials in the following in-demand areas of nonprofit operations and organizational needs:
- Fund Development: Planning, implementing and following up on fundraising efforts.
- Grant Writing: Identifying relevant grant opportunities, writing successful applications and managing grant funds.
- Developing Nonprofit Leadership: Develop management and leadership skills for your organization’s executives and board.
- Strategic Communications: Telling the story of your organization at the right time to the right audience.
Work While You Learn
Our “work while you learn” format encourages participants to develop strategic plans for their nonprofit organizations that can be implemented right away. Our programs facilitate and encourage sharing best practices, challenges and solutions among participants.
Participants who successfully complete IOP institutes earn a certificate from the University of Richmond. And since IOP is a CFRE International Approved Provider for continuing education, you can apply course hours toward CFRE certification.
Bring the Entire Nonprofit Team
Nonprofits are welcome to send entire teams to institutes. Because participants address actual issues facing their own nonprofits during each institute, teams are able to develop organizational plans for their nonprofits. Over time, we recommend attending all of the programs to experience a comprehensive, strategic approach to fundraising, strategic communications, grant writing and planned giving.
Find out how you can expand the impact of your nonprofit organization by enrolling in an IOP program. Join our contact list — we’ll contact you with more information.
Join our contact list — we’ll get in touch and send you periodic updates.
Our Programming Options
We offer programs that fit the busy, sometimes unpredictable schedules of nonprofit professionals. From hands-on workshops that last a couple of hours to multi-day institutes that provide in-depth coverage, our online programs are designed with nonprofit organizations in mind.
Workshops
We offer interactive workshops that address current issues and challenges facing nonprofit organizations. Join fellow nonprofit staff members in collaborative problem-solving, learning from one another while developing plans for your organization.
Short Courses
We offer short courses that dig a little deeper into current issues and challenges. Engage with experts in nonprofit leadership and operations to discover new approaches to problems your organization may be facing.
Institutes
We offer multi-day institutes that comprehensively address fund development, strategic communications and grantwriting. Network with a cohort of nonprofit professionals along with instructors who are experts in specific operations. Develop in-depth strategies and tactics to implement in your organization.
About the Institute on Philanthropy
Institute on Philanthropy
The Institute on Philanthropy at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va., is a program of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. Institutes, labs and workshops are held online or on the University of Richmond campus. The University of Richmond is the only private liberal arts college in the nation’s top 25 to include a division dedicated to adult students and working professionals.
CFRE Eligibility
Full participation in IOP courses is applicable for points in Category 1.B - Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification based on the number of contact hours for each class.
CFRE International’s mission is dedicated to setting standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process for fundraising professionals.