Nonprofit learners sitting at tables listen to an instructor at a training and networking event

Accelerating social impact

Better nonprofits for better communities.


Nonprofit and philanthropic organizations are essential social institutions that enhance the quality of life in our communities. At the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, we educate, empower and connect nonprofit leaders. Our work makes nonprofits and their teams better, accelerating social impact.

Latest news

Donald Young at CAAM festival

Donald Young became the executive director of the San Francisco-based Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) this year after serving the organization for 30 years....

Starlyn Rose Miller

As the Senior Director of Native Lands Partnerships at The Wilderness Society (TWS), Starlyn Rose Miller’s work sits at the intersection of law, sovereignty, public trust and conservation....

Scott Smith poses for a photo at the New Pathways for Youth office front desk

When Scott Smith talks about his path to becoming the new vice president of philanthropy for New Pathways for Youth (NPFY), he doesn’t begin with his impressive career or the leadership positions he has held across respected organizations....

Nonprofit Management Institute

The ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute offers flexible professional development options, networking opportunities, and the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Our certificate programs are open to individuals of all educational backgrounds and levels of experience who are seeking continuing education, from staff and management to volunteers and board members, as well as private-sector professionals seeking a career change. Whether you’re looking for board governance training or a certificate program in grant writing, executive leadership, fundraising or nonprofit marketing, the ASU Lodestar Center has what you need.

Research and resources

Volunteer picks lettuce in a parking lot garden

Nonprofit Social Innovation Hub

We launched the Nonprofit Social Innovation Hub during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to highlight the incredible innovation we were seeing in the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Some nonprofits adopted new technology to continue their services; others pivoted to new business models to fulfill their missions. Within the Hub, you will find ideas and inspiration from your colleagues throughout the state.

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Find your next career opportunity on the Nonprofit Job Board Go to the Nonprofit Job Board