MS in Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy/Strategic Fundraising Certificate

This course examines the theoretical, philosophical, practical and ethical perspectives related to the effective management and leadership of nonprofit organizations in the twenty-first century. Upon completion of the course, the student will possess an understanding of the historical development of the nonprofit sector; the multiple rationales for the existence of the nonprofit sector; the distinctive characteristics of nonprofit organizations; the structures, processes and complexities of organizational governance shared by volunteer board members and professional staff; the dynamic environment of the contemporary nonprofit organization; and the current issues of importance to nonprofit decision makers.

This course provides an overview of America’s tradition of philanthropy and its relevance for today’s fundraisers. Attention is given to changing expectations for ethical behavior and accountability along with changes in donor markets which impact the practice of philanthropy in the 21st century. This course also examines the theoretical basis and goals of fundraising activities, how to apply the theory to develop a comprehensive development program and a personal fundraising philosophy and framework.

This course provides a foundation for effective financial nonprofit decision making to promote the financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations in these challenging times. Upon completion of the course the student will: possess an understanding of financial systems as they apply to nonprofit organization; be able to analyze and evaluate the financial health of a nonprofit organization and determine its financial strengths and weaknesses; and use a variety of strategies to improve the financial condition of a nonprofit organization including “quick analysis”, budgeting and cost controls, understanding the nonprofit’s “economic engine,” and developing “unrestricted” funding streams.

This course exposes students to the theoretical framework for giving. Students will learn how to assess the various motivational factors which influence giving to a particular cause. In addition, this course provides students with the opportunity to explore and understand the principles and mechanics of the wide variety of giving options available to donors. Students will learn to facilitate a process that defines donor needs, assesses appropriate giving methods, develops sound proposals, and closes gifts.

As the field of development becomes more complex and demanding, the role of resource management (time, people, and money) takes on increasing importance for the development professional. This course will explore and integrate these issues, and provide resources and tools to build management effectiveness within development. Specifically, students will learn how to apply best practices and sound management principles to the process of securing resources within the nonprofit context.

The primary goal of this course is to have the student develop and understanding of the executive leader’s job and responsibilities from a conceptual and operating perspective. The student who completes this course will be able to accomplish strategic analysis and develop specific strategies enabling the nonprofit to thrive and maximize mission particularly when faced with adversity. The student will also understand contemporary issues of nonprofit governance and their impact on implementation strategy, will be able to evaluate accomplishment and take appropriate strategic action, and will be able to create and execute a strategic plan for a nonprofit organization.

This course examines the elements, processes and dynamics of board governance and volunteer management of nonprofit organizations. The course includes analysis of the respective roles of the board, executive director, staff and volunteers to maximize organizational effectiveness. Students will learn how to assess and improve the effectiveness of a board, the Senior leadership, volunteers and the overall governance of the nonprofit organization.

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply management theory to authentic problem-solving situations. Students will review and be introduced to contemporary methods of leading change in organizations by providing students with opportunities to apply management theory on both a micro and macro level. On the macro level this course is designed to integrate the concepts studied throughout the masters’ program and those learned in this class, to engage students in informed discussion and assignments of how these concepts are applied to various management and leadership scenarios. At a micro level, students will use this course to plan out specific methodology and frameworks for analysis to use in preparation of the research required for their individual capstone project. The overarching goals of this course are two-fold: (1) ensure that students are prepared with instruments of practical problem solving and knowledge to apply what they have learned in their program to real-life situations in management and (2) allow students to hone and refresh research strategies and skills to prepare them to carry out a masters’ level management-issue research problem in the Capstone course.

By the completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the programs and processes which comprise the annual fundraising program. In particular, students will increase their understanding of: the role of fund development generally and annual giving fundraising specifically, how to define and articulate the case for raising annual support, how to develop an annual giving plan and goals, an annual calendar of activities, and other important foundational considerations, the purpose and elements of an annual giving plan including the methods and programs used for raising annual support, and how to effectively manage a comprehensive annual giving program. Additionally, students will learn about the role of donor relations in a comprehensive development program and will be exposed to cutting edge strategies for building and maintaining an effective donor relations effort.

Building long-term relationships with others is one of the most important and powerful concepts behind philanthropy and fund development. Effective organizations depend upon healthy relationships, and so do effective communities. Genuine relationships do not trespass on personal and professional relationships, creating a bank of favors bartered away through self-interested transactions. This course focuses on relationships at both the individual and group level, within and outside of the nonprofit. The course will review theories about human and group interaction, and strategies to build long term, mutually beneficial relationships. Students will learn key communications concepts to support relationship building.

This course introduces students to the complex and dynamic relationship between government and the nonprofit sector. Topics include the legal constraints within which all nonprofits must operate, the traditional role nonprofits play in public policy advocacy, and the growing role non-profits play as government funded service providers. Students will also learn effective means of legally lobbying legislators and grapple with the possible benefits and negatives of doing so.

This class is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply and demonstrate their mastery of new skills and knowledge. Each student will complete and publicly present the results of a significant project (applied or independent research) pertaining to an issue or management problem. Students will select their topic and complete the initial literature review and project prospectus during NMP/MHE 650 as part of NMP/MHE 650. NOTE: NMP 650/MHE 650 is a prerequisite for NMP 670.