From Research to Impact: Wrapping Up My Summer with NCCCF
As my summer Professional Work Experience (PWE) with the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (NCCCF) comes to a close, I’ve had the chance to reflect on just how transformative this experience has been. What started as a research project has grown into something much larger, and even more rewarding, than I anticipated. In my final weeks, I had the opportunity to present my earned income research and recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The presentation went incredibly well, and I’m proud to share that the Board decided to move forward with my top recommendation: establishing an earned income committee. They’re now actively exploring several of the strategies I proposed, including launching an e-procurement site, developing an employer-of-record service, and leasing donated property. Knowing that my work will help shape the Foundation’s strategic direction is one of the most meaningful outcomes of my MPA journey so far.
In addition to the earned income project, I had the chance to support the Foundation on several other key initiatives. I drafted a planned giving strategy document to help NCCCF begin offering planned giving opportunities to donors, laying the groundwork for increased donor engagement and long-term sustainability. I also completed Bloomerang Customer Relationship Management (CRM) training and developed a step-by-step implementation plan to guide the Foundation’s use of this tool in tracking donors, donations, and stewardship efforts. These experiences sharpened both my technical skills and my understanding of how back-end infrastructure supports a strong advancement program.
Beyond strategy and systems, I supported several administrative and operational tasks—from collecting board member signatures for the annual Conflict of Interest disclosure to helping update the website, planning for the Foundation’s annual board retreat, and organizing sponsorship materials for an upcoming conference. Each project helped me see a different piece of what it takes to run an effective, mission-driven organization.
One of the best parts? I’m not saying goodbye just yet! I’ll be staying on with NCCCF in the coming months to continue managing their solicitation licenses across all 50 states and serve as an advisor to the new earned income committee. This continuation feels like the perfect bridge between my summer experience and what’s next—both academically and professionally. I’m returning to UNC this fall with a deeper understanding of nonprofit advancement, a stronger set of technical and strategic skills, and a clearer vision for what a future in nonprofit leadership might look like. I’m especially excited to take what I’ve learned into the classroom, connect it with theory, and continue building a career rooted in mission, strategy, and impact.
