Non-profit Leadership Institute at FMU accepts applications

FLORENCE — Those who work with nonprofit groups are encouraged to apply to the Non-Profit Leadership Institute (NPLI).

The deadline for applications is Aug. 1.

The NPLI is an exclusive executive training program dedicated to nonprofits that seek to make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians.

The institute is held annually at Francis Marion University and features instructors from Harvard University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the University of Tennessee and several other major universities from across the country.

The program also features an annual retreat at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach where participants attend seminars and network.

“One of the major advantages of NPLI are the contacts made among class members, which endure long after the year long program is over. Faculty members remain available for expert advice and consultation,” executive director Fred Sheheen said.

Classes are limited to 30 people to ensure participants get plenty of personal attention and are able to participate in class discussions and training exercises. The subjects covered during training range from fundraising to complying with state regulatory requirements.

“One of the major emphasis in the curriculum is fundraising and managing financial resources — very important subjects during these critical times,” Sheheen said.

According to a study conducted by the Bridespan Group, out of 100 nonprofit executives from around the country, 93 percent reported they were feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy, up from 75 percent just one year ago. According to representatives of local nonprofits, the problem is even more pronounced in rural areas.

“It’s very tough in a small community such as Dillon,” Johnnie Luehrs, executive director of the Dillon Chamber of Commerce, said. “It hurts when you don’t have the funds to help someone. NPLI taught me that you need to be very aggressive and treat your nonprofit like a business when it comes to budgeting, and knowing that others are experiencing the same problems really helps.”

The institute prides itself on preparing participants to handle the extensive paperwork required of nonprofits in an era of increased scrutiny and financial accountability, Sheheen said.

“The institute was very helpful to me,” Joyce Ford of the Naomi Project said. “They helped me with the forms I needed to comply with state regulations as well as advised me on event planning, and fundraising.

“Every time I call NPLI, I’m greeted with an understanding and informative voice. Really, I’m thankful for what I learned at NPLI.”

Funded initially with multi-year grants from the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, the institute receives major support from FMU, along with a grant from the PSARAS Foundation. Sheheen is a former commissioner and executive director of the S.C. Commission on Higher Education.

For more information on NPLI or to obtain an application, call Elizabeth Bonnoitt at the Francis Marion University Foundation at (843) 661-1199 or e-mail her at ebonnoitt@fmarion.edu.