Master Non-Profit Consulting with IWI's Endowments & Foundations Course
Posted by Allison Edmondson, Director of Communications
Sep 16, 2018 3:00:00 PM
Denver, CO — September 6, 2018 — Financial professionals interested in acquiring non-profit clients, or who want to strengthen their relationship with existing institutional clients, will benefit from a new online course, Endowments & Foundations Consulting, now available from the Investments & Wealth Institute® (formerly IMCA).
“There are more than 1.5 million non-profit institutions in the U.S., and only a very few consultants who are equipped to serve their unique needs. All non-profits rely at least to some extent upon their investments to successfully achieve their missions,” said Sean Walters, CAE, chief executive officer. “In keeping with our commitment to advanced education, this course helps experienced practitioners to deliver significant value to their current and future clients through an understanding of how best to serve the unique needs and requirements of non-profit institutions.”
Through seven training modules, course participants learn the distinct dynamics of advising non-profit clients, the key principles of successful consulting and investment management, and best practices for maintaining a rewarding relationship. The modules cover every aspect of working with endowments and foundations. Delivered by highly-skilled, expert instructors, participants learn through a series of fast-paced readings, lectures, case studies, sample documents, videos and more.
Course modules include the following topics:
Module 1: Fundamentals of Non-Profit Organizations ̶ Basic tenants of philanthropy, key characteristics of the non-profit sector, and regulatory requirements
Module 2: The Investment Policy Statement for Endowments and Foundations – Structuring the Investment Policy Statement
Module 3: Portfolio Construction for Endowments and Foundations – Methodologies and techniques to work with a Board of Trustees and/or an Investment Committee to build successful portfolios
Module 4: SRI/ESG and Impact Investing for Endowments and Foundations – Approaches to SRI/ESG investing and analysis of risks
Module 5: Performance Monitoring for Endowments and Foundations – Benchmarks and performance monitoring
Module 6: Outsourcing and Discretionary Management – Discretionary vs. collaborative management and outsourcing
Module 7: Serving Endowment and Foundation Clients – Responding to Request for Proposals, finals presentations, and managing a business to serve the non-profit sector.
To get the most out of this course, it is suggested that participants should first complete one of the following programs as a prerequisite:
Essentials of Investment Consulting certificate program
Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification
Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification
Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification
Chartered Financial Analyst® designation
The course is directed by Scott Thayer, CIMA®, former chairman of the board of directors, Investments & Wealth Institute. Instructors include Margaret Towle, Ph.D., CIMA®, CPWA®, CAIA, editor-in-chief, The Journal of Investment Consulting; Devin Ekberg, CFA®, CPWA®, managing director of education, Investments & Wealth Institute; Ardyth Neill, president, Heifer Foundation; and John Nersesian, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®, former board member and a past chairman of the board of directors.
“There is a tremendous need for professional management in the non-profit sector, especially for the numerous non-profits with assets under $50 million. In my 35-year career as an institutional consultant, I found this market sector very rewarding,” said Scott Thayer, CIMA®, program director. “In addition to serving private wealth clients, advisors can expand their opportunities set by the diversification in this market sector. The social missions professionals can serve are endless, the opportunities are rewarding and the experience is challenging. I would encourage advisors to expand their knowledge, professionalism, business, and expertise by completing this course.”
The Endowments & Foundations Consulting course is open for registration. The registration fee is $1,995 for Institute members and $2,195 for non-members (Join & Learn price includes one-year membership in the Institute). Corporate program fees are available upon request. Completion of the course will result in 13 hours of continuing education credit for CFP® certification (pending final approval) CIMA®, CPWA®, and RMA® certifications.