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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

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DeAndra leads the business development and marketing program at Fundraising Academy–advancing Cause Selling fundraising education. She oversees partnerships, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives to expand the Academy’s reach and revenue growth. With over twenty-five years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and management, DeAndra has held key roles at organizations like World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy, UC-Santa Cruz, American Farmland Trust, and Silicon Valley Urban Debate League.

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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.

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Jarrett R. Ransom, MBA, has been a Certified Trainer for Fundraising Academy at National University since 2023 and is now serving as the Interim Executive Director for Fundraising Academy.
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.

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As Interim Program Manager, 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

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Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE is a Trainer at Fundraising Academy since 2022 he enjoys moderating and presenting on webinars with FA and presenting at national conferences. He has over 15 years of nonprofit work and fundraising experience as a one-person development team to a Chief Development Officer. He became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2016, earned a Certificate of Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2017, and earned his Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from IU LFSOP in 2024. Muhi serves as the co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation, helping families distribute more than $22 million since 2017.

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LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, is a Trainer at National University’s Fundraising Academy who possesses over twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector which spans secondary education, Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU), Private Professional Schools, and Healthcare. Her roles have included program management, director of annual giving, manager, associate director of alumni engagement, and annual giving. She is a transformational servant leader whose mission is laser-focused on transitioning affinity into philanthropic support. LaShonda’s training repertoire includes the application of the cause-selling cycle to garner gifts at every level of the donor pyramid.

In addition to Fundraising Academy’s CULTIVATE, she has presented at Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conferences, RAISE, AFP Lead St. Louis, HBCU Symposium, Council of Advancement in Education (CASE) District 4, and several others.

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Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, is a Trainer at National University’s Fundraising Academy and 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 Fundraising Academy at National University in 2019 and is passionate about advancing philanthropy and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in 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.

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Webinars &
Workshops

Enhance your relationship-driven fundraising skills with practical strategies and tailored advice from engaging speakers.

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Online
Learning Portal

Access no-cost, on-demand training resources and tools for building and retaining donor relationships.

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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 fundraisingacademy@nu.edu to explore partnership training opportunities or collaborate on a customized program for your team.

Connect with Us

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Webinars and
Live Workshops

Webinar Series

CFRE Webinar

Webinar Series

Celebrating Black Philanthropy: History, Impact, and Action

Webinar Series

The Stewardship Pipeline: Turning First Gifts into Long-Term Relationships

Webinars

Live Workshops

CFRE Credits

Led by Experts

Practical Application

Podcast Spotlight:

Strategies for Sustainable Leadership with DeAndra Hicks

Who We Are