27 years ago, when Florida nonprofit was only five years old, the nonprofit world was under a lot of scrutiny due to a corruption scandal at United Way. (William Aramony, who led the United Way from 1970 to 1992 was jailed in 1995 for defrauding the organization of more than $1 million. The scandal directly affected United Way affiliates and indirectly all nonprofits.)
Due to this controversy, which began in 1992, states were tasked with finding ways to restore the sector’s standing and goodwill with the public so charities could again reach their mission. In some states they formed a code of ethics. In Florida, we developed the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, later called the Sunshine Certificate in Nonprofit Management (SCNM). Florida Nonprofits originally partnered with Barry University, followed by partnerships with University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, St. Petersburg College, and Miami-Dade College. Currently, the certification is offered in coordination with Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Fischler School of Education and Human Services, and Broward College (BC).
Now, as we begin our 27th year, we welcome our faculty and announce our 2022 schedule beginning with Campaigning to Potential-Part I (Sponsorship and Fundraising) on January 22 and Power Vision – Strategic Thinking for Nonprofits (Strategic Planning) on January 24. While we do not have a present-day sector-wide scandal like in 1992, we all have a duty to function with the utmost propriety, legality, and transparency, and the SCNM is there to guide you and provide the skills needed.
Florida Nonprofits is proud of our history of assisting nonprofits to function most effectively and ethically. We hope we can help you hone your skills and improve your performance.