The Institute for Leaders in Development at University of Denver (ILD) is unlike any other nonprofit professional development program in Colorado. Dedicated exclusively to supporting development professionals emerging as leaders in the nonprofit sector, the program combines a professionally relevant curriculum, customized mentorship program, and capstone project that requires each participant to address an existing development challenge in their organization. To date, more than 200 development professionals have completed the program.

• Meet over nine months in full-day sessions to learn about key topics for leaders in nonprofit fundraising roles
• Connect with and learn from current leaders in nonprofit development
• Use your learnings and the power of the ILD network to tackle a current issue in your own organization, presenting your learnings to a panel of experts and your classmates 
• Become part of an influential network of diverse leaders as an ILD alum

Classes are taught by experienced development professionals. The curriculum focuses on teaching development and relationship-building skills within a leadership context. The curriculum is relevant to organizations of all sizes, settings, and missions. Read highlights from the year

Topics include: 

• Leadership Principles and Practice
• Leading with an Equity Lens
  
• Community-Centered Fundraising
  
• The History of Philanthropy in the US
  
• The Development Plan
• Discovery and Donor Conversations
  
• Gift Planning
• Development Culture and Management
  
• Major Gifts
  
• Budgeting and Finance
• Ethics
• Donor Stewardship
  
• Working with Donors of Color

CAPSTONE PROJECT

Use your learnings and the power of the ILD network to tackle a current issue in your own organization or build a project based on personal career goals. You’ll present your learnings to a panel of experts and your classmates.

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MENTORSHIP

Each participant is thoughtfully paired with an experienced development professional. Students work with their mentor to develop a workplan that identifies areas for learning, related activities, and a capstone experience to test and practice new skills.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Program scholarships are available. Requests for scholarships don’t impact your acceptance status with our program. Scholarship requests are considered after the cohort has been selected.

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