Our Team, MIssion & Vision
Our team is a group of talented and passionate professionals and students who work together to empower nonprofits to achieve sustainable growth. Learn more about our team, mission and vision.
Center for Nonprofits
A 20-Year Legacy of Innovations & Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations
Center for Nonprofits
Connect. Educate. Empower.
For two decades, the Center for Nonprofits (CNP) has been a trusted partner for the greater Bridgeport area nonprofit sector, providing valuable resources to empower nonprofits and make a lasting impact in the community.
Our approach includes experiential-learning projects led by professors and students, leadership development programs, annual conferences and educational webinars, all designed to increase nonprofits’ effectiveness and help them thrive. With the CNP’s help, you can be confident that you'll receive all the support and insights you need to achieve your organization’s goals.
Facts & Statistics
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Who We Are
Part of the Welch College of Business & Technology, the Center for Nonprofits was founded in 2002 to engage MBA students in community-oriented projects, applying their skills and knowledge to assist nonprofits from the greater Bridgeport area. Over the years, our center has evolved beyond its initial focus on MBA student projects. Today, we offer experiential learning opportunities for students in various fields of study, including graduate and undergraduate programs.
What We Do
As a leader in education, a thought leader and a hub for experiential learning within Welch College of Business & Technology, the Center for Nonprofits serves the community needs by providing the following services:
Don't let limited resources prevent your nonprofit organization from achieving its full potential. Access free, professional assistance from top-notch students eager to put their skills and knowledge to work on strategic planning, marketing, financial analysis or other business or technology challenges.
How It Works
When you reach out to the center with your business challenge, we will evaluate it and, if approved, assign a team of talented students to work on it. These students are guided by experienced professors who are experts in the field of your specific request. The project will be thoroughly researched, including personal interviews, a review of best practices and other relevant tools. The students will make a final presentation and written report complete with valuable insights and recommendations for your organization.
How to Apply
The application process is simple: all you need to do is fill out the simple online form. We accept applications year-round, and proposals are selected based on their relevance, feasibility and student availability.
Is there a cost for my organization to participate?
No, there is no fee associated with your participation.
How do I get started if I would like to request a project?
To request project assistance, fill out the application.
What are the time and resource commitments my organization has to make to do the project?
If selected, you will present the project proposed to students in a scheduled class. Similar to a consulting arrangement, organizations can expect a site visit from each team, four to six interviews and information requests with leadership team members, staff and/or board members. Critical commitments from the organization to participate in these activities with attendees from the leadership team and/or board members and staff is required.
Dedicate a member of your organization part-time during the semester to serve as a liaison for student teams and professors, respond to questions, support data requests and coordinate visits/interviews. Active senior leadership support is critical for the success of the project, as is attendance at the student team’s final presentation.
How many students will work on a project?
Typically 4-6 students work on a project.
What materials will my organization receive at the conclusion of the project?
You will receive copies of the team’s analysis and recommendation, the final presentation and an executive summary of their work after the final presentations.
Will our confidential business information be protected?
Maintaining the confidentiality of your proprietary business information is an important aspect of our work with your organization. Non-disclosure statements are available for the student teams to sign, as requested.
How do I apply for leadership training?
The Center for Nonprofits offers leadership development through CEO Circles training. If you want to join CEO Circles, contact us at centerfornonprofits@sacredheart.edu.
Our annual conference provides education and training to staff members of nonprofit organizations, as well as opportunities to network and stay up-to-date on trends. The conference is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the nonprofit sector to connect, learn about the latest trends and best practices in their field and gain insights into how to improve their organization's operations.
Topics for the conference are selected based on participants’ interests and needs and current issues affecting the nonprofit sector. Past topics have included:
- fundraising strategies
- social media marketing
- board governance
- volunteer management
The CNP also offers a series of webinars throughout the year designed to provide nonprofit leaders with valuable insights and practical advice on our community’s most pressing needs and interests.
How to Attend
Subscribe to our email list to stay up-to-date on our latest events and news.
The Center for Nonprofits’ CEO Circles program offers nonprofit leadership development for CEOs and executive directors to both enhance skills and connections with nonprofit leaders throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties.
How to Join
Recruiting CEO Circle members is a priority for us, as we carefully consider experience and length of time in their positions.
If you are interested in joining CEO Circles, contact centerfornonprofits@sacredheart.edu.
How to Apply
If you are a nonprofit or social enterprise member looking for a student intern, reach out to centerfornonprofits@sacredheart.edu.
As revenue-generating businesses with a mission, social enterprises are becoming increasingly important in addressing social and environmental challenges. The CNP and the WCBT have created an environment that fosters the development of social entrepreneurship in line with the institution's strong Catholic traditions. Through experiential education opportunities in conjunction with social enterprises, SHU students can learn to develop business solutions to social issues and participate in solving problems in their communities. The CNP provides these future leaders with the necessary tools and resources to empower social enterprises as an established part of the social forces. As a result, the Center invests in creating immediate and tangible impacts on social development.
How to Apply
Want to work with SHU students on your social enterprise project or business challenge? We accept applications throughout the year, and proposals are evaluated based on their appropriateness, educational value, addressed issues and the availability of students.
Our Clients
For over two decades, the CNP has been a driving force in supporting projects across various sectors, including the arts, education, health care, social justice, museums, the environment and local cities. With more than 280 successful projects, we've helped organizations achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities.
Recent clients include:
The Center for Nonprofits at SHU is truly a godsend for non-profits working with small budgets. For Operation Hope and our pending project, it couldn’t have been a better match.
More Information
Center for Nonprofits
West Campus/East Building E-1014