Program – 2018 Institute for CSR Certificate

The 2018 Institute for CSR program will take place Mar. 15 – 16, May 10 – 11, July 26 – 27, Sept. 20 – 21 in Washington, DC. Over the course of four, two-day sessions, participants learn from some of the field’s most innovative thinkers, authors, and practitioners, expand their professional networks learning alongside CSR peers from across the country, all while earning a Professional Certificate in CSR from Johns Hopkins University.  Coursework will focus on a wide range of topics, including CSR strategy,
trends in philanthropy, employee engagement, ethics and sustainability,
measurement, and communications.


Launched in 2014, the Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility was designed by—and for—those in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field as a practical, interactive, and affordable professional development opportunity for CSR practitioners. This program is designed for CSR practitioners searching for the skills, inspiration, and expanded professional network needed to deliver increased value back to their company and the communities they serve.

The Institute currently accepts up to 25 applicants per year. This small class size ensures maximum faculty and participant interaction, allows for deep and meaningful group discussions and debates, and affords the opportunity to take classroom learnings offsite with “field trips” and networking events. This non-credit, professional certificate program is an initiative of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, offered in partnership with Advanced Academic Programs at Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Center.

“The Institute for CSR provides business professionals with the opportunity to connect with their peers in the field, learn from the most innovative thinkers in CSR, and grow their skills to make a greater impact,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “By focusing on practical, real-world skills and best practices, the Institute is a valuable experience for all and I encourage those looking to enhance their work to apply to join the 2018 class.”

Now entering its fifth year, the Institute for CSR is a professional development program designed for business professionals currently working in a CSR role. Since its launch, the Institute has featured the expertise of CSR leaders from American Express, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, and other major corporations.

“When we originally designed the Institute for CSR five years ago, it was as a practical, interactive, and affordable professional development opportunity for the CSR field,” said Katy Moore, managing director of Corporate Strategy for the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. “What we didn’t anticipate was the invaluable personal and professional connections that participants would build with the faculty, guest speakers, and their fellow classmates. Many of these relationships have strengthened over time and our alumni networks have become trusted sources of advice and feedback for current and past participants.”

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen an incredible upswing in “corporate citizenship” among companies worldwide, increasing the demand for skilled experts in this burgeoning field,” said Karin Orr, program coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Johns Hopkins University. “The Institute for CSR capitalizes on this demand by providing a dynamic and innovative space for cross-sectoral exchange and ongoing dialogue among some of the most incredible leading professionals in the CSR field.”

Click here to download the brochure
Click here to register.