Learn how you can help nonprofit
organizations in our community

Improve your community and strengthen nonprofit organizations through a new program offered by the Center for Nonprofit Organization Advancement (CNOA), sponsored by Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach.

The 55+ generation is known for wanting choice, meaning and purpose. If you are looking to learn some new skills, for interesting and challenging opportunities to make an impact on big societal problems, from education to the environment, hunger to homelessness to health care, here is a place to start.

The Center provides the education and training to help 55+ participants fill meaningful roles as volunteer coordinators or directors of development for local nonprofit organizations.
Certicate recipients have the opportunity to volunteer and help a local nonprofit organization in strengthening its fundraising and advancement programs.

Nonprofits appreciate the value of volunteers — here is your chance to make a positive difference.

Program Details

Click here to download application instructions in PDF format.

Click here to download application in PDF format. This form can be completed on your computer and emailed to us, or printed out and filled in manually.

Click here to visit the Nonprofit Support Center -- "Helping nonprofits do their work better."

Part 1:
Introduction to the Nonprofit Development — What is Fund Development
02/28/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. The Nonprofit Sector — Local, State and National
2. Understanding the Nonprofit Model — Board, Staff, Volunteers
3. Mission, Vision and the Strategic Plan
4. The Development Paradigm
5. Balanced Fundraising: What goes into the Mix?
6. The Fund Development Plan: Setting Goals & Objectives

Part 2:
Donor Development: Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship
03/20/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. Using Technology to Manage Donor Information
2. Communicating Your Message
3. Prospect Research
4. Making the Ask
5. Thanking Your Donors

Part 3:
Annual Giving: Maximizing Unrestricted Revenue
04/10/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. Special Events: Is it Worth it?
2. Direct Mail Strategies
3. Fundraising Technology
4. Raising More Money Model

Part 4:
Building Your Grant-Writing Team
05/01/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. Using Technology to Research, Research, Research
2. Developing Case of Support — Review Mission and Vision
3. General Operating Versus Program Support
4. Grant Calendar & Timeline

Part 5:
Planned Giving: Building Lifelong Donors
05/22/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. What is Planned Giving and Why Is It Important?
2. Tax Benefits
3. Bequests & Life Insurance
4. Charitable Trusts
5. Prospecting
6. Marketing Your Plan
7. Caring for Your Donors

Part 6:
Developing a Capital Campaign
06/12/08, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

1. What is a Capital Campaign and What is the Process?
2. Are You Ready? The Feasibility Study
3. Campaign Structure: Defining Roles for Staff, Consultants & Volunteers
4. Creating Your Case for Support
5. Qualifying Prospects
6. Donor Development