The George Washington University Offers Online Learning for the Field of Sports Philanthropy

The next cohort of students will start November 5th and 6th in Washington, DC at The George Washington University
Enrollment Period: June 23rd to October 15th, 2014
Program Dates: November 5th, 2014 - April 6th, 2015
Location: Courses are offered online and students can participate from anywhere
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The George Washington University's School of Business offers the first and only academic program in the field of sports philanthropy.  The Sports Philanthropy Executive Certificate offers a ground-breaking curriculum tailored to the unique needs of those who work for professional sports teams, leagues, athlete foundations, sport-related companies with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility, nonprofits using sports for social good and those looking to enter the field.

Built around your busy schedules, the certificate will include twelve core on-line courses and an in-person residency at the beginning of the program. The in-person residency will be held in a location where best practices in sport philanthropy can be experienced firsthand.  This residency will not only provide an opportunity for experiential learning but allow time to meet fellow students and exchange ideas.  
 

The inaugural cohort of students launched May 1, 2013 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia with Eagles Youth Partnership.  



Fall 2013 Cohort launched October 24, 2013 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

A group of students, faculty and alumni visited the Nationals Academy on April 30, 2014


Program Visionary 
 

Alisha Greenberg is the visionary behind the creation of this first ever program.  Learn more about her expertise in the field of sports philanthropy. Alisha's Bio


Courses and Faculty 
 

There are twelve courses that make up the Sports Philanthropy curriculum.  Industry leaders have been chosen to lead each lesson which will be tailored to meet the needs of those who work in the field.  The faculty members are top industry leaders, executives, and thinkers representing organizations across the country from a range of sectors within the industry including NFL and MLB teams; Corporate Social Responsibility; Athlete Foundations; and Community Foundations.  Each lesson features a one hour audio lecture supplemented by a powerpoint presentation as well as readings and assignments.    

Sports Philanthropy Faculty List
 

Residency Information

The residency will be held November 5th and 6th, 2014 in Washington, DC at The George Washington University.

This is an opportunity to network with students and faculty prior to beginning online program.  The agenda includes introductions to students and faculty, networking, faculty roundtables and the chance to form groups in person for the group assignment.


Group Assignment

The case study method offers students the opportunity to collaborate with existing sports philanthropy organizations to apply the knowledge learned through the program to real life scenarios.

Students have been paired with the following organizations: San Francisco 49ers Foundation, Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, United Way Team NFL, The Battier Take Charge Foundation (Shane and Heidi Battier), Shane Victorino Foundation, Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Kick4Life, Kids Play International and United Breakin Association.

Students Can Expect To...

• Find out what makes sports philanthropy unique
• Know how to develop a clear and focused mission
• Recognize the key components of a successful strategic plan
• Build skills for developing programs that meet organizational goals and have deep impact
• Understand how to identify and secure potential partners for effective collaboration
• Learn different assessment methodology and know how to collect, analyze, and use data effectively and efficiently
• Develop skills to market and gain recognition for programs
• Discover unique assets and be able to creatively leverage these for marketing, funding, programming or other purposes
• Find out legal risks and liabilities associated with the unique culture of sports
• Hear from experts who offer new and innovative ways to obtain funding for programs
• Identify successful models of board governance and management
• Interact with other students to share ideas and learn new approaches to challenges and opportunities

Who Should Enroll?

The Sports Philanthropy Certificate addresses the needs of people working with:

1. Professional sport teams
2. Professional sport leagues
3. Professional athlete foundations
4. Sport-related companies working in corporate social responsibility
5. Nonprofits using sports for social good
6. Professionals interested in starting a new career in sports philanthropy

Why Choose GWU?

The George Washington University Sports Philanthropy curriculum is currently the only academic program focused on building skills within this part of the sports industry.  We offer a credible set of courses built for this unique audience housed at an established, nationally ranked institution. 

What is Required?

To attain the Sports Philanthropy Certificate, students must successfully complete all twelve courses and assignments, attend the in-person residency and complete a group assignment.
 

Where Are the Classes Held?

Classes for the Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program are held on-line with the exception of the residency which will be held in a location where best practices in sports philanthropy can be experienced first hand.


For more information

For more information on courses, faculty, residency or other general questions, contact Alisha Greenberg at sportsphil@gwu.edu or 301-657-9379.

For technical issues or billing questions, contact Roy Singleton at 1-877-498-4477 or email rsingleton.gwu@gmail.com.


  

Program Policies 

                               

Admissions

To be admitted to the Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.  The application form should be filled out and emailed to Alisha Greenberg at sportsphil@gwu.edu.  Your application will  be reviewed for approval by the program staff. 

Sports Philanthropy Program Application

 

Cost

The enrollment fee for the Certificate in Sports Philanthropy is $4,000.  This covers access to the online course system, twelve courses taught by experts in the industry, all course materials, attendance at the in-person residency, access to university resources, and individual support from the program director.   

Special Offers: 

• Register by August 27th and take advantage of the early bird rate of $3750 
• Payment plans are also available if you register before August 27th
• Register two or more students from the same organization and take advantage of the discounted rate of $3,500 per student

 

*Please note that students are required to cover the cost of personal travel to the residency as well as lodging and transportation. 

 

Financial Aid

Because the Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program is a non-degree program federally funded student loan programs are not generally available, and the Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program is not eligible for deferment of such loans. But private lending institutions may be able to finance your education.

 

Important Policies

 

#1. Extension & Reinstatement Policy

The Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program is a five month program. After the residency program, you will have five months to complete your courses and group assignment.  If for some reason during the five month period you need an extension, you can request an extension by forwarding a letter of explanation to The George Washington University, Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program, 11 South Angell Street, PO Box 169, Providence, RI 02906. The Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program staff will review your request and determine if the extension request will be granted. You can only receive one extension and the longest the extension can be for is an additional six months.

 

#2. Refund Policy
If a student withdraws from the program 30 days before the start date, refund is 100% of tuition minus $100 withdrawal fee.  If a student withdraws from the program within seven days of the start date, no refund is granted. A student who withdraws between the 30 and 7 day mark with either receive a full credit to take the program the following year or they may receive a 50% refund.