Foundations of Nonprofit Management

This course is designed for current and aspiring non-profit entrepreneurs seeking insights about starting their own organization, developing a board, and conducting day-to-day operations. This course is also designed for career changers, social entrepreneurs, or any individual interested in the non-profit sector.

No experience in the field is required, and all levels of expertise are welcome. From individuals with a passion for mission driven work to representatives of churches or lodges seeking 501c status, this course has something for you. You’ll learn both the core concepts and high-level tools essential to building and running a successful non-profit organization.

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand types of non-profit organizations and terminology in the field
• Understand how to develop a mission, vision and value statement
• Understand the functions of a board, how to recruit and how to facilitate board meetings
• Understand how to develop a strategic plan; fund development plan and program plans that connect to mission and funder interest
• Gain the tools needed to successfully start a non-profit organization

Week 1: Overview of the Nonprofit Sector

• Share WHY you want to start a NPO
• Review types of Nonprofit orgs
• Nonprofit terms to know
• Assess your knowledge with non-profit Jeopardy

Week 2: Nonprofit Formation

• Understanding your role as incorporator
• How to establish and recruit Board of Directors
• Ready, Set, Grow: How to Apply for Non-profit status
• Exercise: Develop Mission/Vision/Values

Week 3: Nonprofit Board of Directors

• Functions of the Board of Directors
• Purpose of the Board
• Roles/ responsibilities
• Recruitment
• Governance
• How to Develop by- laws
• Case Study review

Week 4: Nonprofit Operations and Administration

Discover Critical Departments/Roles and how they contribute to the success of a nonprofit

• Critical Departments
  • HR
  • IT
  • Program
  • Finance
  • Fund Development
  • Communications
• Critical roles
  • Donors
  • Stakeholders
  • Volunteers
• Critical Activities
  • Relationship building
  • Grant writing
  • Fundraising

Week 5: Financial Management and Compliance

• Financial Management
  • Organizational budgets
  • Annual reports
  • Discover the 990
• Sustainability
  • Strategic Planning
• Activity: Develop a SWOT and SOAR analysis

What are the required course materials?

Materials provided will be PowerPoint slides, case studies/scenario analysis, sample documents and templates for active learning and application. Various reading materials will be provided and or recommended.

How is this course evaluated?

Each week learners will submit a quiz and contribute to discussion boards. The course concludes with a final exam.

Is there a final project or group project?

There is not a final project, however learners will submit assignments connected to the learning objectives. For example, learners may be asked to develop a sample mission, vision and values statement. Learners may also be asked to provide real life examples to address/solve case scenarios raised in class.