Who we are

The UCF Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM) turn passion into research, innovation, and evidence-based results. For over 20 years, the UCF Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM) has served as a leading hub for applied research, community engagement, and nonprofit capacity building in Central Florida and beyond. together with the Nonprofit Management program, nationally recognized for academic excellence, we drive community impact and change lives.

Our Mission

We believe in Community!
At the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM), we believe that meaningful change begins in community—through trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Whether working locally or internationally, CPNM approaches each partnership with humility, flexibility, and shared commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector for the communities we serve.

Contact Us

Email
cpnm@ucf.edu

Office
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Rm. 350

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Top 5

Most Innovative Public Universities
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

Top 16

in Public Affairs —2026 Nonprofit Management
(Up three spots since last year.)

+500

Number of nonprofits impacted since 2003

+100

Number of students hired for Professional Development since 2003

1,425

Number of hours worked as Technical Assistants by Graduate Students

7

Serving Community Partners

Initiatives

Nonprofit Capacity Building

Our capacity building seminars provide training and technical assistance in areas such as financial management, strategic planning, nonprofit governance and grant writing to over 100 nonprofit organizations in Orange County. Participants receive training through sessions facilitated by faculty and graduate students from the School of Public Administration. The series provides technical training as well as opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to connect with one another.

Financial Management Training for Nonprofits

CPNM provides an 8-week capacity building seminar to Orange County nonprofits solely focused on financial management topics. This program aims to enhance the financial management skills of participating organizations, help them better compete for awards, competently administer the financial awards entrusted to them, and be audit-ready upon completion of sponsored award requirements. This program also has a truncated workshop component in order to train as many agencies as possible. A recurring comment from participants is that this program provides exceptional practical guidance and actionable steps for them to immediately implement in their organization.

Nonprofit Professional Certificate

In partnership with UCF Continuing Education and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, we provide the Nonprofit Professional Certificate, an online, asynchronous development program for nonprofit professionals. It can be used for self-initiated development or for the development of talent by an organization.

Cyber Security Leadership & Strategy Executive Seminars

In partnership with Florida International University, the UCF Center for Public and Nonprofit Management is hosting a series of Cybersecurity seminars in different cities throughout Central Florida. The seminars are geared toward senior public-sector leaders and officials.

This high-level training offers a comprehensive yet accessible approach to cybersecurity policy and strategy, emphasizing risk management, legislative compliance, and economic impacts. These learning sessions will be conducted across various cities throughout the year. If your city is interested in availing of this no-cost training to fulfill the 2022 Local Government Cybersecurity Act, Florida Statute Section 282.3185 requirements, please contact rasha@ucf.edu.

Study Abroad Program in Panama - Spring 2027

Stay tuned on social media or email us at cpnm@ucf.edu

Award winners

Conferences

Public Administration Research Conference

The Public Administration Research Conference, hosted in partnership with the School of Public Administration, is an annual showcase of the groundbreaking research happening across the public administration field by students, faculty and scholars from across the nation.

PARC 2026 will be on Friday March 6th.

Community-Engaged Research

Collaborative for Homelessness Action, Research, and Transformation (CHART)

The Collaborative for Homelessness Action, Research, and Transformation (CHART) is an inter-institutional collaborative effort to support evidence-based research and practice addressing the complex issue of homelessness in the United States. Developed in the Spring of 2024, CHART is committed to address challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and is dedicated to transforming knowledge into actionable solutions.

Disaster Recovery Outcomes of Renter Households

We are using community participatory action research to engage renters and landlords as community members in prioritizing goals and developing interventional strategies for disaster recovery linked to lived experiences.

The City of Orlando Community Investment Program

This initiative aims to use two culturally and linguistic appropriate interventions to increase awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault’s warning signs and myths. This content will be used for the development of a social media campaign targeting communities from Orange County.

Prostate Cancer Disparities Project

The goal of the Prostate Cancer Disparities Project is to create a reliable, user-friendly online resource for African American males who have been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer to access critical information to help their decision-making process. The study will collect insights from African American men who are prostate cancer survivors and advocates to develop an AI database.

Upcoming Events

Orange County Capacity Building Program
Join the UCF Center for Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration for training supporting Orange County nonprofit organizations through expert-led in-person and virtual training, with additional one-on-one technical assistance.  Participants will build skills in nonprofit governance, strategic planning,…
Orange County Capacity Building Program
Join the UCF Center for Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration for training supporting Orange County nonprofit organizations through expert-led in-person and virtual training, with additional one-on-one technical assistance.  Participants will build skills in nonprofit governance, strategic planning,…

In the News

CPNM staff group photo

UCF Center’s Capacity-Building, Financial-Management Seminars Prepare Local Nonprofits for Sustainability

The Center for Public and Nonprofit Management has equipped professionals representing 55 Central Florida nonprofits with essential resources and skills for success this year...
Andrew Sullivan headshot

Message from the new CPNM Director, Dr. Andrew Sullivan

I’m excited to start as the director for the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management. My vision for the center is to expand on our partnerships with local, national, and...
Four graduates of the capacity-building workshop series' latest cohort smile as they take a selfie together.

UCF Center Aids Local Nonprofit Organizations Through Capacity-Building Opportunities

Thirty-six Orange County nonprofit professionals benefited from the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management’s latest capacity-building workshop series...