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.

Streaks of light

Human-centered nonprofit leadership in the age of AI

April 16, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | ASU Downtown Phoenix

At our 2026 Spring Forum, nonprofit leaders will get equipped to harness AI for social impact while upholding ethical standards. We’ll look beyond the hype and explore practical, high-impact uses for AI—from fundraising to operations—alongside clear guidance on transparency, responsible governance and safeguards to protect community trust. Together, let's explore the what, how and why of artificial intelligence and its intersection with the nonprofit sector.

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Latest news

Instructor John Scola leads a board governance workshop in front of a full room of attendees.

Beginning in January of this year, United Fund began sponsoring workshops in partnership with ASU’s Lodestar Center....

Jaclyn Pederson

Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, has been named Leadership Council Chair of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, which educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact....

Robert Ashcraft

For the first time in nearly a decade, the National Football League named a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner who did not create his own tax-exempt entity and solely partnered with existing nonprofits....

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