Transforming Altruism into Action for Greater Nonprofit Gain

Published October 14, 2025

Kandyce Fernandez Sawyer is on a mission to propagate the world of nonprofits with realistic optimists.

Considering the 1.9 million registered nonprofits in the United States, and the additional 10 million+ NGOs worldwide, the program director of the Johns Hopkins MA in Nonprofit Management program will have ample opportunity to meet her goal.

Since assuming leadership of the program just a year-and-a-half ago, Fernandez Sawyer has bolstered the curriculum, building a robust program that prepares students to emerge as resilient contributors in a diverse nonprofit sector – one that continually fights off burnout and battles for funding sources. Who better to advance social progress, support health and human rights, aid in disaster recovery, and provide access to arts and education, among other meaningful work, than graduates of this program?

“My background and research has focused on nonprofits and this idea of ‘civic health,’” said Fernandez Sawyer, who holds a master’s in public service and administration from Texas A&M University and a PhD in public administration and policy from Arizona State University. “What kind of contributions do nonprofits make in their communities? How do they foster civic engagement and encourage people to be involved in their community? We want our students to have more of a contextual understanding of the nonprofit sector and its place between the private sector and government, what is unique about that role, and how it works alongside the other two sectors. I also think it is important for students to understand the diversity of nonprofit organizations in terms of the broad types of programs, services, funding streams, and interests. Yes, the field is about bringing in and enabling people with passion to advocate for and advance their causes, but nonprofits are also tasked with the responsibility of serving the community and helping to foster a shared vision in the community.”

Focus, Flexibility, and Respected Faculty

With a large portion of enrolling students already working in the sector or looking to launch a nonprofit organization of their own, the program offers courses focused on leadership, board governance, volunteerism, fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, project management, and organization skills designed to set students up for success whether they are focusing their work domestically or abroad. Fernandez Sawyer has further refined the program through electives that have been curated into three focus areas – Program Development, Administration, and Evaluation; Social Enterprise and Innovation; and Philanthropy and International Non-Governmental Organizations.

“In addition to the required and elective courses, we enable our students to explore other relevant courses in disciplines across the Advanced Academic Programs division,” she said. “For instance, students may enroll in classes offered in the MA in Communication program such as “Communication.org: Not-for-Profits in the Digital Age” and “Corporate Social Responsibility” or options from the MA in Government program and the MS in Organizational Leadership program. This cross pollination and access to other disciplines is a real benefit for our students. Those different perspectives enrich all AAP’s programs.”

Fernandez Sawyer, who serves on the boards of Civance, a nonprofit research firm based in Houston, Texas, and the Center for Program Evaluation and Research in San Antonio, Texas, is also working to offer face-to-face learning opportunities in what is now a 100-percent online program.

“Our students have access to a really good, flexible educational experience through our online tools,” she said. “We have designed the courses so that they can build a scaffolded body of knowledge that they can apply when the leave the program. I am working on developing an in-person component, hopefully by Fall 2026, for students who might want a different level of engagement. After all, we are part of a sector that relies on social capital and engagement with others. No matter the format, our students are learning from instructors who have been doing, and continue to do, varied work in nonprofits and who are well-connected. Our faculty are advocates for the work of nonprofits, and they want to empower and equip students to continue that good and important work. Their passion and extensive experience are invaluable.”

Directed Studies, Models for Success

Another key component that Fernandez Sawyer has ushered into the program is the “JHU Nonprofit Workforce Insights Project.” The research-based study has students interviewing nonprofit leaders in communities across the country and the globe to gauge how they have adapted to the changing political, social, and economic climate, how the changes have impacted the clients they serve, how they are adapting by communicating with more stakeholders, and using technology to bring greater awareness.

“In addition to being able to create and share substantive and timely research, this project has allowed our students to hear first-hand from leaders in the trenches who, even if their federal funding has changed or has become more difficult to obtain, are still seeking very strong philanthropic funding sources and honoring their commitment to serve and help others. The causes they cared about two years ago, they still care about today. It is beneficial for our students to see the continued commitment and the willingness to push through, the ability to shift and adapt, and the remarkable resiliency that remains intact.”

Memorable, Meaningful Work

Fernandez Sawyer, who has engaged with research on “meaningfulness,” is encouraged by the fact that people in the nonprofit sector continue to find meaning in their work despite the struggles, competition, and finite, limited resources.

“The next client who walks in the door is enough to keep them going,” she said. “People in nonprofits tend to find the meaningful experiences of their lives through their work. The deep connection to their work, the ability to see and celebrate its impact, and to also see the void that is created if the work ceases – despite perhaps a lower salary or longer hours – keeps people motivated and coming back. They are fundamentally aware of the impact of their work.

“I am excited about the way we are shaping the Nonprofit Management program at Johns Hopkins to allow people to explore their interests and focus on the skill sets they want to develop for their noble and innovative initiatives,” Fernandez Sawyer continued. “We are geared toward helping people advance, not just with a credential, but as leaders with knowledge, skills, and proven strategies for effective engagement and communication. I think our students are realistic, and yes optimistic, about what they want to do in the world. Try your ideas here, interact with current leaders in the sector in a structured way, learn from outstanding faculty and mentors, and use your broadened abilities to change the world for the better.”