La Vanguardia Academy
A project-based learning program for Latinx college students, Allies and early/mid-career professionals. Questions about the application or program structure? Reach out to Pavel at [email protected] |
About the program
Somos El Poder is excited to announce the launching of La Vanguardia Academy Program, a project-based learning program for Latinx college students and early/mid-career professionals interested in transitioning into a career in fundraising. This one of a kind fundraising certificate program will give participants an inside scoop on all the best practices in fundraising from seasoned Latinx fundraisers all over the country. We also welcome allies from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who have a position, career focus on advancing Latinx in the US today.
The Academy is focused on training the next generation of Latinx leaders and leaders working to support the Latinx community in the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Somos El Poder is fully invested in developing an equitable and sustainable pipeline of fundraising and development professionals.
After participants complete the program and receive their certificates, their names will be shared with top search companies to assist in securing a fundraising position. Somos El Poder members will also have full access to the list of cohort after the program is complete.
Why apply for La Vanguardia Academy?
COST STRUCTURE
Application
La Vanguardia Academy application period is now open!
Applications will consist of contact information, two short answers and a resume. Applicants will be informed of their application in mid-March. Application deadline is now October 18, 2024.
Somos El Poder is excited to announce the launching of La Vanguardia Academy Program, a project-based learning program for Latinx college students and early/mid-career professionals interested in transitioning into a career in fundraising. This one of a kind fundraising certificate program will give participants an inside scoop on all the best practices in fundraising from seasoned Latinx fundraisers all over the country. We also welcome allies from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who have a position, career focus on advancing Latinx in the US today.
The Academy is focused on training the next generation of Latinx leaders and leaders working to support the Latinx community in the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Somos El Poder is fully invested in developing an equitable and sustainable pipeline of fundraising and development professionals.
After participants complete the program and receive their certificates, their names will be shared with top search companies to assist in securing a fundraising position. Somos El Poder members will also have full access to the list of cohort after the program is complete.
Why apply for La Vanguardia Academy?
- Access to fundraising courses to head start your fundraising career!
- Name shared with search firms and SEP members informing them of your certificate completion!
- National cohort to collaborate and learn with!
COST STRUCTURE
- College Students: $125
- Somos El Poder Members: $275
- Early to Mid-Career Professionals: $450
Application
La Vanguardia Academy application period is now open!
Applications will consist of contact information, two short answers and a resume. Applicants will be informed of their application in mid-March. Application deadline is now October 18, 2024.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program structure will consist of 12 classes and two exam periods before receiving a certificate of completion. Course overview below. We will provide opportunities for cohort members to network with each other and other SEP members outside of courses and exams.
You can also download our PDF on the program here.
Overview of Fundraising Systems and Methods
This course is an overview of everything one needs to know about the fundraising process, fundraising as a career, and standards of professional practice. Participants will explore the structure of a non-profit and learn the roles of the board, staff, and volunteers.
Individual Major Gifts
This course will provide a comprehensive view of major and principal gift development work. Participants will gain an understanding of the philosophy and strategies implemented in major gift development including prospect identification, how to initially engage a potential major gift donor, the process of cultivation and move management. Participants will also learn effective proposal writing, making a successful ask and on-going donor stewardship.
Direct Mail (Paper and Digital Fundraising)
In this course, participants will learn how direct mail is the backbone of fundraising and a great lead generation tool. Participants will also learn how to use the latest digital tools to create a movement for causes by building authentic and powerful relationships through social media, SMS (text) and digital organizing tactics, crowdfunding, monthly giving, and emerging fundraising technologies.
Prospect Research
Prospect research is key to getting the most of your relationship with major donors. This course will take participants through each step to identifying and prioritizing the funders that are most likely to support their organization. Participants will get firsthand experience in researching individuals who could be eventual donors to their organization.
Stewardship
Research suggests that thanking donors while also showing their impact is the most important way to increase a donor's giving to an organization. This course will explore how participants can improve the quality of their relationships with their donors and increase support to their organization. Participants will develop appropriate fundraising strategies and plans for their donors including: ways to involve potential donors before and after donations, and providing ongoing recognition and opportunities for giving.
Cultivation Design
The backbone of any successful fundraising operation is an understanding of the cultivation process. Participants will be guided through the process of designing a cultivation plan. This exercise will increase their success in building relationships, engaging the prospect and preparing to make the ask.
Cold Calling and Getting the First Appointment
Why do some Development Officers get to new wealthy philanthropists…..first? How can you reach the philanthropists everyone wants to talk to and introduce your institution? Every organization has their top prospects they would love to reach, perhaps they aren't billionaires but they are the people who can make those game changing gifts! We ask Development Officers to reach new major gifts prospects. But often nobody realizes that getting a difficult or first appointment is a learned skill. This is the only training in the US on this subject. It will help you acquire new, first time relationships with individuals, corporate and foundation giving officers.
Planned Giving
In this course, participants will gain an introduction to the basic teminoloy and concepts in the field of planned giving. This course will also provide an overview of each planned giving vehicle. Participants will learn how to identify and assess prospective donors, recognize planned giving benefits, match a donor's interests and needs with appropriate planned giving options, and structure a successful solicitation.
Creating a 12-Month Plan
Fundraising plans are essential for fundraising success. A written plan will allow organizations to focus on their efforts, plan out their yearly fundraising calendar, and give them guidance on strategy and tactics needed when they are in the thick of events, mailings, and calls. Participants will learn how to draft a fundraising plan, which leveraging the information learned from other courses.
Capital Campaigns
Capital campaigns enable organizations to raise the funds necessary for growth - often being used to invest in new facilities, equipment, and/or endowment funds. These are significant undertakings that require careful preparation and plenty of time. This course will breakdown the components of a capital campaign and how to launch one.
Corporate Fundraising and Small Business Campaigns
Participants will learn how to speak the unique language of businesses and corporations when raising support from the for-profit sector. Companies can fund and strengthen nonprofits in many ways. Participants will also gain the skills and confidence for successful fundraising in the corporate office and local businesses.
Grant Writing and Institutional Fundraising
Foundations, nonprofits, schools, and other agencies often rely on grants for funding their programs. Participants will explore the roles of grantees and grantors and acquire a practical understanding of how the grant proposal process works. Participants will also write their own proposals and conduct a peer review process to evaluate their grant proposals.
Questions
Questions about the application or program structure? Reach out to:
Pavel Rutherford, La Vanguardia Director, Somos El Poder
[email protected]
The program structure will consist of 12 classes and two exam periods before receiving a certificate of completion. Course overview below. We will provide opportunities for cohort members to network with each other and other SEP members outside of courses and exams.
You can also download our PDF on the program here.
Overview of Fundraising Systems and Methods
This course is an overview of everything one needs to know about the fundraising process, fundraising as a career, and standards of professional practice. Participants will explore the structure of a non-profit and learn the roles of the board, staff, and volunteers.
Individual Major Gifts
This course will provide a comprehensive view of major and principal gift development work. Participants will gain an understanding of the philosophy and strategies implemented in major gift development including prospect identification, how to initially engage a potential major gift donor, the process of cultivation and move management. Participants will also learn effective proposal writing, making a successful ask and on-going donor stewardship.
Direct Mail (Paper and Digital Fundraising)
In this course, participants will learn how direct mail is the backbone of fundraising and a great lead generation tool. Participants will also learn how to use the latest digital tools to create a movement for causes by building authentic and powerful relationships through social media, SMS (text) and digital organizing tactics, crowdfunding, monthly giving, and emerging fundraising technologies.
Prospect Research
Prospect research is key to getting the most of your relationship with major donors. This course will take participants through each step to identifying and prioritizing the funders that are most likely to support their organization. Participants will get firsthand experience in researching individuals who could be eventual donors to their organization.
Stewardship
Research suggests that thanking donors while also showing their impact is the most important way to increase a donor's giving to an organization. This course will explore how participants can improve the quality of their relationships with their donors and increase support to their organization. Participants will develop appropriate fundraising strategies and plans for their donors including: ways to involve potential donors before and after donations, and providing ongoing recognition and opportunities for giving.
Cultivation Design
The backbone of any successful fundraising operation is an understanding of the cultivation process. Participants will be guided through the process of designing a cultivation plan. This exercise will increase their success in building relationships, engaging the prospect and preparing to make the ask.
Cold Calling and Getting the First Appointment
Why do some Development Officers get to new wealthy philanthropists…..first? How can you reach the philanthropists everyone wants to talk to and introduce your institution? Every organization has their top prospects they would love to reach, perhaps they aren't billionaires but they are the people who can make those game changing gifts! We ask Development Officers to reach new major gifts prospects. But often nobody realizes that getting a difficult or first appointment is a learned skill. This is the only training in the US on this subject. It will help you acquire new, first time relationships with individuals, corporate and foundation giving officers.
Planned Giving
In this course, participants will gain an introduction to the basic teminoloy and concepts in the field of planned giving. This course will also provide an overview of each planned giving vehicle. Participants will learn how to identify and assess prospective donors, recognize planned giving benefits, match a donor's interests and needs with appropriate planned giving options, and structure a successful solicitation.
Creating a 12-Month Plan
Fundraising plans are essential for fundraising success. A written plan will allow organizations to focus on their efforts, plan out their yearly fundraising calendar, and give them guidance on strategy and tactics needed when they are in the thick of events, mailings, and calls. Participants will learn how to draft a fundraising plan, which leveraging the information learned from other courses.
Capital Campaigns
Capital campaigns enable organizations to raise the funds necessary for growth - often being used to invest in new facilities, equipment, and/or endowment funds. These are significant undertakings that require careful preparation and plenty of time. This course will breakdown the components of a capital campaign and how to launch one.
Corporate Fundraising and Small Business Campaigns
Participants will learn how to speak the unique language of businesses and corporations when raising support from the for-profit sector. Companies can fund and strengthen nonprofits in many ways. Participants will also gain the skills and confidence for successful fundraising in the corporate office and local businesses.
Grant Writing and Institutional Fundraising
Foundations, nonprofits, schools, and other agencies often rely on grants for funding their programs. Participants will explore the roles of grantees and grantors and acquire a practical understanding of how the grant proposal process works. Participants will also write their own proposals and conduct a peer review process to evaluate their grant proposals.
Questions
Questions about the application or program structure? Reach out to:
Pavel Rutherford, La Vanguardia Director, Somos El Poder
[email protected]
¡Estamos Orgullosos de Nuestros Graduados de 2022-23!
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