Three Day Conference in 2025

Purpose of RFP: The Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) seeks proposals from among its member institutions to serve as Host for the 1-day member/ board meeting and 2-day biennial conference, to be held in July 2025. Other dates can be considered. The meeting and conference would take place over three days, with the following suggested format: The first day is the member meeting or board retreat and (smaller, more informal) member reception, and the subsequent two days are the conference, with a (larger) reception on the evening of the first day. The dates are flexible, but traditionally, NACC’s Biennial Conference dates are 3 days attached to the weekends in the second week of July 2025, i.e., Monday-Wednesday 7-9 July 2025 or Wednesday-Friday 9-11 July 2025.

Purpose of Biennial Conference: The 2025 conference will be the 15th anniversary of NACC’s conferences, which are traditionally held biennially. Past academic hosts have provided substantial resources in the form of conference venues and catering, funding, and organizational effort. We salute these past host universities: Arizona State University, University of San Diego, DePaul University, Texas A&M University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, the Bayes School of Business, part of City, University of London, and Auburn University. Conferences do not need to be hosted by one university/program.

The Biennial Conference attracts sponsorships from NACC university members, local host institution philanthropy, and other sources; all of which sustain the operations of the organization. Consequently, the Biennial conference provides a signal to the global academic peer communities of the vitality of NACC and its programs.

Theme for the 2025 Biennial Conference: We encourage interested host institutions to suggest themes for the conference. NACC will assist with having a host/conference committee help develop the theme as needed.

Selected papers may be published in a special issue of our key partner Sagamore Publisher’s Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership.

Eligibility: Respondents to the RFP must be NACC members at the time of the submission materials. Institutions that are in the process of applying for NACC membership may be part of joint applications with current members.

Required Conditions: A dedicated coordinating staff member must be assigned to connect with NACC to plan, arrange, and facilitate conference logistics on site. The host institution(s) may recommend suggested hotels, but accommodations are arranged by the conference participants themselves. Reception space must be provided by the host institution for up to 125 attendees. On-site dining or catering services must also be available. Meeting space must be sufficient for two (non-concurrent) plenary sessions with seating for approximately 80 – 100 attendees, plus five break-out presentation spaces for concurrent topical panels. Presentation hardware, adaptable software programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint, and internet access must be provided, including technical support.

Preferred Conditions: The ideal host institution will be accessible readily by air transport and near a population center of sufficient size to accommodate the group. In addition to in- kind physical services, host institutions are asked to provide sponsorship (for example; covering the costs meals, breaks, or receptions), or to facilitate fundraising from external sources. NACC will also solicit sponsorships from other NACC members, as it has in the past to cover other necessary costs.

Cover Letter and Budget: In a signed cover letter, describe the facilities that will be provided by your institution. Complete a budget indicating the amount of direct and indirect contributions your institution will invest in the Biennial Conference.

Letter of Support from Institutional Executive Officer: Provide a letter confirming support for this proposal signed by the chief executive officer (i.e. president, provost, dean or department head).

Additional information: You are welcome to submit any additional information you think will be useful in helping us in our deliberations.

Due Date: Complete responses to this RFP in PDF format are due no later than Monday, April 5, 2024. The PDF document should include the signed cover letter, budget, and institutional letter of support (plus any additional materials). Email to Nicole Collier, NACC Executive Director: nicole.e.collier@tamu.edu.

Dr. Genevieve Shaker, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Dr. Genevieve Shaker
Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies
Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

New Board Member Feature: Genevieve Shaker

Dr. Gen Shaker, an Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, holds the prestigious Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership. Her journey in academia is deeply rooted in her passion for understanding and enhancing the philanthropic landscape. As reflected by several awards for mentoring others, Dr. Shaker also has a well-known personal reputation for the professional development of aspiring scholars and fundraisers.

Dr. Shaker’s research primarily focuses on donor behavior, fundraising practices, the role of philanthropy in higher education, and the role of higher education in advancing the common good. She is known for studies on how academic professionals contribute to philanthropic activities, bridging a unique connection between education and philanthropy. Her many publications benefit from her commitment to research-based practices and are a testament to her dedication in bringing the best academe has to offer to bear on society. Through scholarship and public presentations, she has contributed to the understanding of fundraising strategies and donor relations in the nonprofit sector. Dr. Shaker seeks to apply the best insights from research and practice to policy insights and development.

Dr. Shaker’s academic work is grounded in 20 years of work as an advancement officer for the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts, where she oversaw the school’s $20 million-dollar contribution to an overall $3.9 billion university-wide campaign. This experience has informed Dr. Shaker’s contributions to translating research into practice, drawn from practitioners’ interests, concerns, and challenges. In alignment with the goals expressed through the creation of the Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership, she is contributing to the development of fundraising leaders is as an active teacher, collaborator, and research advisor for The Fund Raising School, the Lilly Family School’s professional education program. Professor Shaker has reaffirmed the importance of collaborations between academics and practitioners as a lasting legacy of Campbell’s interest in encouraging research-based practice.

Apart from her academic pursuits, Dr. Shaker is actively involved in community service and volunteer work, embodying the principles she advocates through her research and teaching. She is involved with various nonprofit organizations, where she often lends her expertise in fundraising and philanthropic strategy. She is the current chair of the Greater Indianapolis Board of the American Red Cross, where she has led both the philanthropy and governance committees, a member of the community advisory committee of the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, a frequent advisor to nonprofits in the city, and an anonymous volunteer with several community service organizations. This hands-on experience enriches her teaching, allowing her to provide her students with a blend of academic theory and practical insights.

Through her combined roles as an educator, researcher, and volunteer, Dr. Shaker is helping to shape the future of philanthropic studies and inspiring a new generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector to approach their work with knowledge, innovation, and compassion.

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy (Johnson Center) of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) now seeks nominations and applications for the Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy. The Chair was established at the Johnson Center in 2008 as the world’s first endowed chair for family philanthropy. The Chair is a leading voice on family philanthropy issues, trends, and innovations while serving as a resource for all who seek to advance the many elements of family giving and engagement. Working in this dynamic field, the incoming Chair will develop and implement a creative and comprehensive applied program of research, thought leadership, service, and teaching designed to explore and advance the field of family philanthropy, broadly defined, and to actively advance the dissemination of their scholarship.

Ideal candidates will have a passion for and a deep understanding of the intricate ecosystem of philanthropy, as well as a distinctive combination of academic credentials and senior-level career experience within philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. They will combine not only a nuanced understanding of the history and evolution of philanthropy, particularly family philanthropy, but also its current practice and evolution, including its equity-focused work. A doctoral-level degree is required.

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, University College, University of Denver

Ellen Winiarczyk, EdD
Academic Director and
Teaching Associate Professor
Nonprofit Leadership Master’s Program
University College, University of Denver

New Board Member Feature: Ellen Winiarczyk

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, EdD, serves as the Academic Director and Teaching Associate Professor of the Nonprofit Leadership Master’s and Certificate Program at the University College, University of Denver. Her journey in the field of nonprofit studies is marked by a profound dedication to both academic rigor and practical application. Dr. Winiarczyk’s extensive expertise is reflected in her role as an educator and through her commitment to cutting edge and practical curriculum to build the sector’s next generation of leaders. She is deeply passionate about exploring the nuances of nonprofit management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Her researcher interests include the dynamics of nonprofit governance, the role of leadership in nonprofit sustainability, and the impact of strategic planning on organizational growth. In 2018 she received the University of Denver’s highest excellence in teaching award as an adjunct, the Ruth Murray Underhill Award.

Beyond her work in higher education, Dr. Winiarczyk is equally committed to community service and volunteerism, reflecting her belief in the power of practical engagement and her dedication to making a tangible difference in society. She is a plank member of the Leadership Veteran program and a local nonprofit senior leader program called The Leadership Collective. She brings to the field and to the NACC board a wealth of experience from her 18 years as a consultant in leadership development, program management, and diversity initiatives for various nonprofit organizations, coupled with a decade of service in Washington State government. Her work has included leading AmeriCorps programs, pioneering collaborative training initiatives, and being a grantee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Winiarczyk has also provided coaching for K-12 educational leaders and currently serves as an executive coach at the Center for Creative Leadership. Additionally, she has offered training services for numerous leadership and development programs.

Her blend of academic knowledge and real-world application is a hallmark of her approach to teaching, enabling her to provide students with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nonprofit sector. Her efforts in both research and community service highlight her as a recognized figure in the field of nonprofit leadership, inspiring a new generation of leaders to approach their work with a blend of knowledge, innovation, and a deep commitment to social impact.

Dr. Ruth K. Hansen, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Dr. Ruth K. Hansen
Assistant Professor, Nonprofit Management
Director, Institute for Nonprofit Management Studies
College of Business and Economics
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

New Board Member Feature: Ruth K. Hansen

Dr. Ruth K. Hansen is an Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. With a dedicated career at the College of Business and Economics, she also serves as the Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Management Studies. Dr. Hansen’s academic journey is informed by professional work to advance the opportunities available for marginalized populations, especially immigrants, women, and those with mental health challenges. These experiences have distilled into a profound passion for social justice, leading her to focus her research on philanthropic behavior, nonprofit fundraising, and the effective resourcing and management of nonprofit organizations. Her work delves deeply into understanding the dynamics of fundraiser and donor behavior and how stereotypes and social preferences affect resource allocation.

Her extensive research, which contributes significantly to the field, often explores these themes, aiming to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application in nonprofit management. Her recent publications include “Applying a stakeholder management approach to ethics in charitable fundraising,” and, with Dr. Lesley Alborough, “Reframing fundraising research: The challenges and opportunities of interpretivist research practices and practitioner researchers in fundraising studies,” both published in the Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing. She contributed the chapter “Theory in Fundraising,” to the new edition of Achieving Excellence in Fundraising (Shaker, Tempel, Nathan, & Stanczykiewicz, eds.). Her research with Lauren Dula on fundraising appeal letters, supported by the AFP Foundation, is the subject of a series of articles in Advancing Philanthropy. A new essay written with Dr. Gregory Witkowski weaves together critical post-colonial theory and social science treatment of stereotypes to offer the Cross-Sectoral Bias Theory to explain how existing social structures and assumptions result in pervasive, unevenly distributed patterns of unmet needs. The essay, “Sector Theorists Should Consider How Social Values Determine Unmet Needs,” will be included as a chapter in Reimagining Nonprofits: Sector Theory for the 21st Century (Witesman & Child, eds.), due out in early 2024.

Dr. Hansen has more than 20 years’ professional experience as a fundraiser and is a former board member of AFP-Chicago. Beyond her work in academia, Dr. Hansen is actively involved in community service and volunteerism, embodying the very principles she teaches. Her commitment to community engagement is not just a professional pursuit but a personal passion, reflecting in her involvement with various local and national nonprofits. Dr. Hansen’s work in these organizations often includes providing expert advice on fundraising strategies, grant making, and organizational development, drawing from her academic and practice backgrounds. This blend of academic expertise and practical involvement in the nonprofit sector her to bring both theoretical and real-world insights to her students. Through her dedication and contributions, Dr. Hansen has become a respected figure in the nonprofit community, inspiring students and professionals alike to pursue meaningful careers in service of society.

The Journal of Public Affairs Education and the Journal of Nonprofit Education & Leadership are jointly calling for papers for a special issue titled “The Future of Nonprofit Education,” co-edited by Heather Carpenter, Sara Rinfret, Roseanne Mirabella, and Sarah Young. This first-ever joint call reflects on the critical role students will play in the evolving nonprofit sector, particularly in light of recent global events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, polarized politics, climate crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have significantly impacted the nonprofit sector, highlighting the urgent need for well-trained, educated nonprofit practitioners.

This call for papers invites scholars to contemplate and discuss the future directions of nonprofit education in an ever-changing world. Topics for submission include, but are not limited to, new skills required for nonprofit administration, pedagogical innovations, adapting curriculum to artificial intelligence, and critical perspectives on the direction of nonprofit education. Interested scholars should submit an abstract of 200 words or less by January 9, 2024. Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified by January 22, 2024, and invited to submit full manuscripts by July 1, 2024, for potential publication in 2025. Submissions are to be sent to Roseanne Mirabella at Roseanne.Mirabella@shu.edu. This opportunity is open for theoretical, conceptual, and empirical research, offering a platform for significant contributions to the field of nonprofit education.

Nathan Grasse, Carleton University

Dr. Nathan Grasse
Associate Professor
School of Public Policy & Administration
Carleton University

New Board Member Feature: Nathan Grasse

Nathan Grasse is an Associate Professor in the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program at Carleton University. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a PhD in Political Science, all from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States. His academic focus primarily revolves around the governance of public-serving organizations, highlighting the connections between governance and financial management. This encompasses a detailed study of revenue structures, the influence of organizational and environmental factors, and how strategic choices impact financial health and other organizational outcomes.

Dr. Grasse’s expertise includes nonprofit finance and financial management, governance and leadership, and strategic management. He emphasizes the critical role of charities in addressing social issues, enhancing representation, and delivering services in communities. Recognizing the challenges these organizations face in financial management and governance, particularly due to a reliance on historical or anecdotal information, his work aims to expand knowledge in these areas. This focus is vital for the effective management of charitable organizations, providing them with more robust frameworks and guidelines to improve their decision-making processes.

As we bid farewell to our outgoing board members, we extend our deepest gratitude for their invaluable contributions, dedication, and guidance that have steered our organization towards success. Their legacy will remain an integral part of our journey.

John Casey
Baruch College
City University of New York (CUNY)

Renee Irvin
Past President
School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management
University of Oregon

Alicia Schatteman
Vice President of Governance
Center for Nonprofit & NGO Studies
Northern Illinois University

David Springer
RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service
LBJ School of Public Affairs
University of Texas at Austin

At the same time, we warmly welcome our new board members, trusting in their fresh perspectives and expertise to lead us into the future. We look forward to forging new paths and achieving greater milestones together.

Nathan Grasse
Associate Professor
School of Public Policy & Administration
Carleton University

Ruth K. Hansen
Assistant Professor
Whitewater College of Business & Economics
University of Wisconsin

Genevieve Shaker
Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies
Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Ellen Winiarczyk, EdD
Academic Director and Teaching Assistant Professor
Nonprofit Leadership Master’s Program
University College, University of Denver