Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities and Sciences

College and campus initiatives

The College and VCU offer several existing programs and partnerships where you can connect with faculty and students, such as:

• VCU’s Service-Learning Associates Program allows faculty to work with an organization on a specific collaborative project.
• The Division of Community Engagement offers funding for collaborative projects involving community partners and two or more units at VCU. Announcements for the grants are usually released during the winter.
• Some faculty members teach undergraduate service-learning courses or graduate professional courses where students work with community groups and agencies.
  • To learn more about opportunities to work with service-learning classes, contact Lynn Pelco in the Division of Community Engagement at lepelco@vcu.edu or (804) 827-8215.
  • To connect with professional classes — such as courses in program evaluation or other practice or skills areas — contact the relevant faculty member or Kevin Allison, associate dean for community activities, at kallison@vcu.edu
• A number of federal and foundation grants focus on linking faculty researchers with community partners. For grant opportunities, see the research funding resources on the faculty Web site or explore funding opportunities listed on ConnectRichmond.

Academic programs

If you’re seeking educational programs in the area of nonprofit studies, the College offers several graduate programs and a minor in nonprofit management and administration through the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

Graduate programs

• Post-baccalaureate certificate in nonprofit management
  The post-baccalaureate certificate in nonprofit management, open to applicants from any undergraduate major, instructs students in nonprofit governance, management, fundraising, program development and evaluation.
• Master of Public Administration
  The school also offers a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management, among other focus areas. The program is designed train working professionals and pre-service students for progressively responsible administrative careers in the governmental and nonprofit sectors.

For more information on both the certificate and M.P.A. programs, contact Carl Ameringer at cfameringer@vcu.edu.

Minor in nonprofit management and administration

The minor in nonprofit management and administration through the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs addresses such topics as financial human resources management and public relations to prepare students to work in the nonprofit sector, as well as for graduate study in public administration, law, urban planning and public policy, among others.

Service-learning

Faculty members are also able to enhance courses by extending their classroom into the real world. Volunteer and service-learning opportunities allow students to combine campus and community life to assist the local area and earn course credit while promoting personal growth and civic engagement. VCU’s Division of Community Engagement offers more information about what service-learning courses are offered each semester and how to find courses in your subject area.

Community resources

ConnectRichmond, a part of the ConnectNetwork, is a free one-stop, local communication, information and resources exchange that helps link academicians, civic leaders, volunteers and nonprofit organizations with service and partnership opportunities. Connect Richmond serves the city of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan, as well as the surrounding metropolitan area.

The Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations offers further support in connecting the nearly 40,000 nonprofit organizations operating in Virginia. VANNO provides nonprofits with information and advocacy with special attention focused on addressing the management, governance and public policy needs of organizations with limited internal resources. Nonprofits are assisted with locating and utilizing existing services and expertise whenever possible and developing additional resources as gaps are identified.

Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence

If you want to strengthen the organization of your nonprofit, the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence can help you build resources, recruit volunteers and train your leadership.

As a supporting organization to The Community Foundation, the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence was created as a central resource for local capacity building and technical assistance efforts within the nonprofit sector.

The Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence helps nonprofits identify and address issues and strengthen skills to encourage problem solving and implement change. Working with VCU’s Nonprofit Learning Point program and several local foundations and corporate funders, the partnership provides low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities for staff and volunteers.

In collaboration with the Connect Network and Hands On Greater Richmond, the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence also promotes resource sharing and communication between organizations, as well as connects nonprofits with volunteer individuals and groups.

Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

The Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence leads the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders program, a dynamic eight-month experience for the next generation of nonprofit leaders in the metro Richmond area. Participants will advance their understanding and practice of leadership in the nonprofit sector and build their network of nonprofit colleagues. To learn more, contact Susan Wilkes at susanwilkes@comcast.net.