Who We Are
Who We Are
Fundraising Academy by Sanford Institute of Philanthropy helps nonprofits elevate their fundraising and community impact with a proven, relationship-driven approach. Led by top nonprofit experts, our training prepares professionals to build lasting donor relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.
Our History
Sanford Learning at National University, including the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy and Sanford Harmony, were founded to empower educators, parents, and nonprofit professionals on their unique career and academic journeys.
Since 2014, Sanford Institute of Philanthropy has been preparing thousands of nonprofit professionals to advance their careers and contribute positive societal change with value-rich fundraising resources and credit-bearing training programs.
Meet the Team
Our team consists of industry experts who understand the effort fundraisers put forth every day. They bring real-world experience, trend-based insights, and proven strategies to help passionate fundraisers make a lasting impact in their communities.
Our Cause Champions
View Bio
As Program Coordinator at Fundraising Academy, Jessie oversees our programs, including webinars, workshops, conferences, and customized cohorts. With experience spanning higher education, hospitality, biotech, and interior design, Jessie brings a diverse skill set and a dynamic perspective to her role as Program Coordinator. As a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, she is passionate about bringing her wisdom gained, creativity, and adaptability to the nonprofit sector.
View Bio
Jarrett R. Ransom, MBA, has been a Certified Trainer for Fundraising Academy at National University since 2023. Jarrett is widely recognized as the Nonprofit Nerd®. With more than two decades of working exclusively with nonprofit organizations, Jarrett founded her consulting firm in 2009 and has since partnered with organizations nationwide to strengthen their leadership, strategy, and fundraising capacity. As President and CEO of The Rayvan Group, Jarrett specializes in strategic planning, interim leadership, and fractional fundraising support. She has held more than ten interim executive leadership roles for nonprofits across the country, providing stability and direction during critical periods of transition. In addition to her consulting work, Jarrett is the host of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed, a podcast that explores leadership, wellness, and best practices within the nonprofit sector. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Jarrett continues to champion innovation and excellence in the nonprofit community.
View Bio
Katie oversees programs, including webinars, workshops, conferences, and customized cohorts. With nearly fifteen years of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, event management, fundraising, and recreation, Katie has served in influential roles for Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego, San Diego Foundation, and multiple Federally Qualified Health Centers. A graduate of San Diego State University, she is passionate about equipping fundraisers with critical success tools and creating deep, meaningful connections within the nonprofit sector.
Leaders Who Make Philanthropy Happen
Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE, CFRM
Senior Ambassador
Expertise: Nonprofit management; grant distribution; endowment building; giving circles; donor advised funds
View Bio
Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE, enjoys moderating and presenting webinars, as well as speaking at national conferences. He has more than 15 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience, serving in roles ranging from a one-person development team to Chief Development Officer. He became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2016, earned a Certificate of Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2017, and completed the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2024. Muhi serves as the co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation, helping families distribute more than $22 million in charitable giving since 2017.
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE
Senior Ambassador
Expertise: Relationship cultivation; annual funds; portfolio management; affinity group giving; major gifts; stewardship
View Bio
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, spanning secondary education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), private professional schools, and healthcare. Her roles have included program manager, director of annual giving, manager, associate director of alumni engagement, and annual giving professional. She is a transformational servant leader whose mission is laser-focused on converting affinity into philanthropic support. LaShonda’s training repertoire includes applying the cause-selling cycle to secure gifts at every level of the donor pyramid.
She has presented at the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference, RAISE, AFP LEAD St. Louis, the HBCU Symposium, CASE District IV, and numerous other conferences and events.
Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE
Senior Ambassador
Expertise: Major and legacy giving; nonprofit management; fundraising education; diversity, equity, and inclusion
View Bio
Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He has held leadership roles across hospital, social service, and arts organizations, including Executive Director and Development Director, and has taught numerous fundraising courses throughout his career. Jack joined the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy team in 2019 and is passionate about advancing philanthropy and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the sector.
Explore Our Training & Education
We offer fundraising training courses in a variety of flexible formats to meet the unique needs of today’s nonprofit professionals.
Fundraising
Essentials Certificate
Revolutionize your fundraising strategy with a flexible program designed to help you build stronger donor relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.
Webinars &
Workshops
Enhance your relationship-driven fundraising skills with practical strategies and tailored advice from engaging speakers.
Online
Learning Portal
Access no-cost, on-demand training resources and tools for building and retaining donor relationships.
Partner with Us
Fundraising Academy by Sanford Institute of Philanthropy provides a comprehensive fundraising training program designed to empower your network of fundraisers. As a partner, you’ll gain access to:
Customized Cause Selling guides and exclusive training
A live, cohort-based fundraising certificate program
The innovative Cause Selling textbook
CFRE credit-eligible content
Partnering with us helps you build stronger donor relationships, reach new audiences, and increase revenue. Connect with us at SanfordPhilanthropy@nu.edu to explore partnership training opportunities or collaborate on a customized program for your team.
Connect with Us
Sign up to receive news about our latest fundraising resources, professional training programs, upcoming webinars, and more.