Corporate and Foundation Relations
Our Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team facilitates and strengthens relationships with corporations and foundations to advance our collective missions. SFSU faculty and staff, as well as current and prospective corporate and foundation funders, are encouraged to contact our CFR team to explore partnership opportunities that meaningfully enhance SFSU students’ educational journeys.
For more information about corporate and foundation giving, contact:
Paul McNamara
Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Joel Streicker
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
How We Serve
Want to secure funding for a special project to enhance your students’ SFSU experience? The CFR staff will meet with you to learn about your work and determine whether your project is a potential match for corporate or foundation funding.
We conduct research and work to find funders that may be interested in your project. If we find a potential match, or if you have already identified a potential funder, we will:
- Assist you in preparing concept papers, letters of intent and proposals
- Work closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and The University Corporation (UCorp) to ensure a smooth submission process
After obtaining a grant, we work with you to further develop your relationships with funders and provide effective stewardship.
The CFR team is eager to help your corporation find the right opportunity to lend your support to SFSU in alignment with your corporate philanthropic goals. Whether you want to tap into faculty expertise, engage with the student community or visit the campus, we will draw on our networks across the University to meet all your needs.
CFR creates, maintains and strengthens partnerships between foundations and SFSU through:
- Aligning private foundation funding with campus priorities and promoting funding opportunities to faculty
- Helping foundations navigate the University, find faculty and programs of interest and arrange for campus meetings
- Working with current foundation partners to ensure timely and informative reporting on and responsive stewardship of their support
Campus Partners in Their Own Words
Sharon Bliss | Director, SFSU Fine Arts Gallery
“I work with Joel Streicker of CFR in my role as Director of the SFSU Fine Arts Gallery. Joel is an incredible partner in all aspects of fundraising, including prospect research, careful listening to our program ideas, planning, and crafting successful proposals. Joel’s feedback, guidance and editing allow us to develop competitive applications while maintaining and growing relationships with our funders. He takes the time to understand our programs and is an ally for all that we do.”
Fernando Carvalho | Associate Professor, School of Design
“My relationship with CFR has been extremely productive since the first time I reached out looking for guidance and support to fund my projects and teaching initiatives. In conversations with CFR, we were able to identify and connect with external funders who supported my Biodesign Challenge class, leading to significant improvements in terms of student experience, also helping us to plan for future, more ambitious endeavors.”
Soumyaa Kapil Behrens | Lecturer and Director, Documentary Film Institute at SFSU
“I work with CFR to explore funding opportunities for the Documentary Film Institute. The CFR team is thoughtful, attentive and proactive in helping me develop proposals, budgets and strategies to attract external funding from foundations and corporate partners. My position at the University involves a number of facets including teaching, research, creative works and contracts.”
Elaine Musselman | Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the SFSU School of Nursing
“Working with the Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team, we have strengthened the partnership between California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) and the School of Nursing. The partnership provides students with the opportunity to complete their clinical placements at CPMC facilities, gain invaluable hands-on experience and potential pathways to employment following graduation. In addition, the generous support of the Sutter Foundation enabled the development of an updated pediatric simulation room, where students can enhance their confidence and critical thinking skills in caring for children and their families. With the help of the CFR team, SFSU Nursing has developed a holistic partnership with Sutter CPMC.”
Susan Zieff | Professor, Department of Kinesiology
“CFR is a significant and important resource for fundraising. My projects have received consideration and time, and every avenue has been explored for potential funding.”
