Foundation and College Partner for Nonprofit Leadership Success

COLUMBIA, SC – June 10, 2009 – The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and Columbia College have partnered to establish a nonprofit leadership graduate course through Columbia College for this fall semester. Through the collaboration, nonprofit leaders in South Carolina will have an opportunity to enhance knowledge, skills and frameworks to lead nonprofit organizations and earn accredited college hours towards a graduate degree with minimal costs.

Through capacity building grants, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina will pay tuition, accommodations, off-campus meals and other costs associated with the course for accepted participants.

“Our vision is to continue the Foundation’s commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities of the highest quality and leveraging training for the capacity building needs of nonprofits serving the underserved in South Carolina,” said Tom Keith, president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. “The partnership with Columbia College is the next step, and will work to strengthen the leadership of South Carolina’s nonprofit sector.”

Photo Caption: Columbia College President Dr. Caroline Whitson and Tom Keith, president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, finalize partnership by signing a memorandum of agreement Tuesday, June 9, at Columbia College.

“Columbia College’s leadership vision aligns with the Sisters of Charity Foundation’s core values, and we both seek to equip leaders for effective impact. This is the perfect partnership.” said Columbia College President Dr. Caroline Whitson.

Leadership Strategies, the graduate course, is designed to build upon an executive leader’s experience and previous learning. The course will challenge leaders to extend their learning in a variety of areas of executive leadership through theory, knowledge, case studies and discussions, and is intended to strengthen their understanding of effective leadership, both personally and professionally.

Classes will be held once a month for two consecutive days for four months, August 12-December 11, 2009. Upon completion, participants will receive three accredited college hours through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) towards a graduate degree. Nonprofit leaders can obtain an application from the Foundation’s Web site at sistersofcharitysc.com. Completed applications and official college transcripts are due to the Foundation by June 30, 2009. 

“Through this collaboration, we can improve the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, and ultimately, the lives of our citizens,” said Keith.

About the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, established in 1996, is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. The Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of the poor and underserved in all 46 South Carolina counties by addressing the root causes of poverty, nurturing the growth of healthy communities, emphasizing youth and family and measuring the outcomes of these efforts.

About Columbia College
Columbia College is a private liberal arts women’s college related to the United Methodist Church with a legacy of developing women leaders with the courage, commitment, confidence and competence to build a better world. In addition to the Women’s College, coeducational evening and graduate programs are also offered. Enrollment is 1500 students from 23 states and 20 countries. Columbia College is also home to the Leadership Institute and the Alliance for Women, a network of colleges, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and individuals dedicated to working together to bring about positive changes that will improve the lives of all citizens of the State. For more information about Columbia College visit www.columbiasc.edu.