Online Nonprofit Management Classes and Courses Overview

Online certificate programs for nonprofit management are offered at several credible universities. These programs are generally intended for entry-level managers interested in advancing their skills or for adult professionals interested in a career change. Some online certificate programs are also offered at the graduate level.

Overview of Online Classes in Nonprofit Management

Many universities offer nonprofit management certificate programs through their continuing education or distance-learning divisions. Although some require campus attendance in addition to online study, many can be fully completed via the Web. Most online certificate programs are designed for working professionals without experience in the nonprofit field. Interested candidates can also find programs and classes offered in related fields, such as grant writing and business management. Graduates are prepared to enter the nonprofit field in a variety of managerial and administrative positions.

Course Requirements

Nonprofit management certificate program participants need a access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection and a word processor. Course materials are generally covered in tuition costs and delivered entirely online. PDF reading software and video or sound hardware may be needed to view some resources.

List of Online Nonprofit Management Courses

Introduction to Nonprofits Course

This class provides a foundation for understanding the function of nonprofits. It covers the history of the nonprofit business model and its role in the modern business world. Students also learn the economical and social differences between for-profits and nonprofits. Like many of the courses in this field, the framework of the class is a combination of online interaction between students and instructors with weekly assignments.

Nonprofit Management Strategy Course

The logistical aspects of nonprofit management are covered in this class. Students learn to adapt the for-profit business model to a nonprofit environment. They also study how to create and attain objectives, construction of mission statements and successful resource allocation. This is usually one of the first classes to be taken in a nonprofit management program. Generally, real-world examples are integrated into the teaching method for this course.

Nonprofit Fundraising Course

Since fundraising is one of the most integral parts of nonprofit business, this class is universal in all nonprofit management programs; it is generally taken in the middle of the business program. The course covers fundraising techniques, grant writing, volunteer mobilization and the development of long-term fundraising strategies.

Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations Course

This class is closely related to fundraising and covers the advertising and promotion of the nonprofit business. Students learn to manage public and media relations, assess client and donor needs, and understand ethics of nonprofit marketing. These topics play an important role in the sustainability of a nonprofit enterprise; students generally work with case studies in this course.

Leadership in Nonprofit Management Course

The cornerstone of nonprofit management lessons, this class is usually offered near the end of a program. It covers the fundamental principles of leadership and specific nonprofit management skills. It may also cover positive board interaction strategies. Students prepare for the governance of nonprofit organizations, which tend to be more reliant on their leaders than for-profit companies.