Sankofa Life Sciences Academy is a newly established California 501(c)(3) preparing to launch and expand hands-on STEM, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, environmental science, agriculture, technology, and workforce-development programs for underserved youth and veterans. We have begun building partnerships and pursuing funding opportunities, but we need a comprehensive fundraising strategy that turns our mission and growing network into a sustainable funding pipeline. We are seeking an experienced professional to help us prioritize foundation, corporate, government, and individual-donor opportunities; strengthen our case for support; and create a practical fundraising roadmap for our first major year of programming.

By the end of this project, the consultant will deliver a practical 12-month fundraising and grant strategy for Sankofa Life Sciences Academy. The plan will include a prioritized funding roadmap; recommended foundation, corporate, government, and individual-donor prospect categories; a grant and funding calendar; case-for-support and donor messaging recommendations; a corporate sponsorship strategy; and a focused 90-day action plan identifying the first fundraising steps Sankofa should take. The strategy should help our new 501(c)(3) build a sustainable funding pipeline to support STEM, biotechnology, workforce-development, environmental/agricultural science, and educational programs serving underserved youth and veterans.

Organization Mission

Sankofa Life Sciences Academy expands access to high-quality STEM education, biotechnology and biomanufacturing training, environmental and agricultural science, technology, and workforce development for underserved youth and veterans. We provide hands-on laboratory experiences, career preparation, mentorship, college pathways, and industry-aligned training designed to help participants enter higher education and sustainable careers in science, technology, healthcare, and emerging industries.