Application Process

Schedule and Deadlines

Priority Application Deadline: May 30, 2025

In-Person Classes: September 8-12, 2025

Optional Virtual Classes: October 2025 – December 2025

Who Should Apply?

The Certificate Program is designed for mid-level leaders in the philanthropic space, including leaders from private, corporate, community, and family foundations, government grantmakers and donor advised funds. Applicants should interact with grantees and the community on a regular basis and should be looking to develop skills for current and future use to advance the field of philanthropy. Each application is reviewed on its own merit. At a minimum, an applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree (or have comparable work experience). All applicants should have at least five years of professional or management experience.

Application Checklist:

  • Application Form
  • Resume
  • Essay
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Application Fee
  • Scholarship Request (if applying for a scholarship)

Application Form: The application form can be accessed via this link.

Resume: Applicants should submit a current resume, indicating at least five years of work experience.

Essay: Applicants should submit a one-to-two page typed essay describing their experience and/or interest in the philanthropic sector and why they wish to pursue an Executive Certificate in Philanthropic Leadership.

Letter of Recommendation: Applicants should submit one letter of recommendation addressed to Associate Director, Dr. Luisa Boyarski, from an individual who can comment on their leadership experience and their ability to successfully complete the certificate program. The applicant can either include the recommendation in the completed application package or have the individual email the letter to boyarskl@georgetown.edu.

Application Fee:

A nonrefundable application fee of $35 may be paid by cash, money order, or check payable to “Georgetown University.” It should be mailed to:

Luisa Boyarski, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership
Georgetown University
600 New Jersey Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001

Scholarship Request: 

Scholarships are available for individuals with financial need. When you apply for the Philanthropy Certificate Program, please indicate in the email that you are interested in a scholarship. You will then receive a few follow up questions to answer regarding your financial need.

Submission of Application Materials:

All application materials, excluding the application fee, should be emailed to boyarskl@georgetown.edu.