Nonprofit Institutions are the third-largest employer in the US! That means executives with organizational structure and growth strategy knowledge are in demand. If becoming a leader in the nonprofit sector is your goal, then explore the best nonprofit management certificate online programs as ranked by GetEducated.com.
Consider this: A certificate in nonprofit management provides the managerial and organizational expertise professionals need, and employers want.
Read on to discover more benefits, requirements, opportunities, and outlooks for today’s competitive nonprofit management education and careers.
Article Navigation: Nonprofit Management Explained | General Overview: Nonprofit Management Certificate Online | How To Choose The Right Program | 10 Best Nonprofit Management Certificate Online Programs | Nonprofit Management Jobs | Continuing Education | Professional Organizations | FAQs | Get Started Today!
Nonprofit Management Explained
A nonprofit organization aims to support a cause or deliver services to a society or community. Therefore, nonprofit management involves supervising the procedures that guide a group of people toward these admirable goals.
In addition, the management of employees, financial budgeting, and maintaining the legal compliance of any fundraising methods and plans; are just a few of the many functions that jointly ensure the best possible organizational performance.
What is a Nonprofit Management Certificate?
Nonprofit management certificates provide vital skills and knowledge in finance, evaluation, HR, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
On the other hand, why would you want a certificate In nonprofit management?
Aside from the excellent nonprofit management salary, these professionals manage charitable organizations. They lead in areas from strategic planning to fundraising and financial management.
What is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)?
Certified Nonprofit Professional, or CNP, is the most recognized nonprofit management certificate in the US. This certification is an in-depth community engagement program with graded coursework and options for applied learning, including internships.
General Overview: Nonprofit Management Certificate Online
Most nonprofit management certificates are worth it because of the skills development opportunities. They cut across finance and public administration fields. This section will outline some of the titbits to expect in this program.
What To Expect
To begin with, expect to learn how to drive organizational transformation. Then, certification exposes how to start and carry out strategic planning, build financial backing, and design efficient marketing tactics.
Also, students will learn how to use leadership principles, for example, overseeing and making decisions to increase efficiency and performance.
Nonprofit Management Certificate Online Courses
The coursework taken in a certificate in nonprofit management programs includes:
- Grant Writing
- Fundraising Strategies
- Financial Management
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Marketing
- Community Development
- Public Relations Techniques
- Introduction to Human Services
Admission
The critical admission prerequisites for a Nonprofit Management Certificate course require applicants to submit include the following:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Although, some institutions still consider students with lower GPAs depending on their proven work experience.
- Letters of recommendation
- Original academic transcript from previous institutions attended
Acquired Skills
Careers in nonprofit management salary tend to increase in line with employee skills. When choosing a program, search for those with strong skills-development courses. Examples of these include:
- Budget allocation
- Strategic planning
- Public speaking
- Delegation
- Relationship-building
- Fundraising
Timeline
A nonprofit curriculum takes between 14 to 18 credit hours. In other words, students can expect to spend two semesters to one year to earn a college-level certificate.
Paying for Your Nonprofit Management Certificate Online
First, the best funding options available to students include government loans, grants, and organizational scholarships. Also, suppose you are a veteran’s family member or on active duty. In that case, you can apply for military benefits to fund a college education.
Good Candidates for Nonprofit Management
A good candidate for nonprofit management must have a passion for service and dedication to helping humanity. Moreover, the ideal candidates for this line of work must possess good leadership and financial management abilities. That’s where certificate programs can help!
How To Choose The Right Program
When deciding on the online nonprofit management certificate, it’s crucial to consider the following yardsticks below:
Cost
For most graduate certificates, tuition is charged based on cost-per-credit hour, which varies significantly across various institutions. While the location of the college directly affects the cost of tuition, students can expect to pay from as low as $220 to as high as $700 per credit hour.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree from a recognized institution
- GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
Program Format
Before presenting your registration to any institution, consider the program structure based on your work/life schedule. In most cases, online, hybrid, and on-campus learning paths are the available options for students.
Location
Of course, you should consider the location of your prospective school when applying to learn on-campus. Location is particularly important because of the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. However, online students have more flexibility in this department. Still, paying attention to in-state and out-of-state costs and on-campus requirements (even for online students) is important.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of a school or program should be a make-or-break decision for you. Program accreditation represents that a certificate meets contemporary industry and educational standards. Here’s a hint: each school on our list of the best nonprofit management programs has accreditation!
10 Best Nonprofit Management Certificate Online Programs
This section will outline some of the best programs available to aspiring online nonprofit management students.
Undergraduate Certificates
1. Fayetteville Technical Community College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Degree Offered: Nonprofit & Community Leadership Certificate
Course Duration: 2 semesters
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Nonprofit and Community Leadership Certificate prepares students to actively oversee nonprofit organizations. In addition, graduates take part in leadership roles in local governments. During this program, you may take coursework in:
- Marketing
- Fundraising/Stewardship
- Public Sector Governance
Subsequently, graduates will collaborate and take on leadership roles in community initiatives, boards, and charitable organizations. Also, in this program, graduates can transfer credits to programs leading to an associate’s degree in business administration.
2. Bemidji State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Degree Offered: Certificate in Public & Nonprofit Management
BSU provides a Public and Nonprofit Management Certificate for personnel currently working for a government or nonprofit organization. Graduates enter the workforce with organizational and management competencies to boost their careers in this field.
A few of the nonprofit management courses in this program include:
- Strategic planning
- Volunteer recruitment
- Board development
3. Portland State University
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Degree Offered: Certificate in Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship
Portland State University provides a Certificate in Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship. Students learn how to employ modern methods and tools for tackling today’s most challenging environmental and social issues.
Furthermore, candidates can apply this knowledge to investigate environmental or social problems of their interest. Then, students can create a nonprofit organization, business, or initiative to solve the issues. Subsequently, graduates can start, direct, or oversee a social change program that aligns with their specific mission. Some of the core coursework in this certificate program includes:
- Design thinking
- Storytelling & impact measurement
- Finance
- Field study
4. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Degree Offered: Certificate in Fundraising
Explore the CSU Global Certificate in Fundraising! This program exposes the necessary skills to manage fundraising initiatives for nonprofits. Its drive is to enhance the capacity of company leaders to secure private, business, and public financing.
Coursework in this certificate program includes:
- Campaign and event planning
- Grant writing and fundraising
- Public relations strategies/techniques
Graduates can design marketing materials, solicit financing, and raise awareness of organizational monetary needs. In addition, students utilize technical skills to leverage the financial growth of charity organizations.
The learning outcomes of this program are plenty. For example, you will know how to encourage philanthropy within corporate communities. You will even understand how to integrate financial forecasting, reporting, budgeting, and analysis to improve fundraising.
5. Wilmington University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Degree Offered: Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Wilmington University provides a Nonprofit Management Certificate to deserving practitioners and aspiring students. Learn how to address nonprofit organizations’ issues and take advantage of their opportunities. The curriculum also exposes learners to board governance, resource techniques, and personnel administration for non-traditional employees like volunteers.
In addition, students acquire knowledge in public policy, nonprofit service marketing, media relations, and nonprofit financial management.
Graduate Certificates
1. Fort Hays State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Certificate in Building a Career in a Nonprofit Corporation
Fort Hays State University provides a Certificate in Building a Career in a Nonprofit Corporation. The certificate explores becoming successful social entrepreneurs while developing a lucrative career in nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, the program trains students to work within current nonprofit organizations or to establish their own.
In this program, candidates will take coursework in the following:
- Grassroots social action
- Nonprofit organizations
- Global social innovation
2. University of Central Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Certificate in Fundraising
Course Duration: 18 credit hours
The University of Central Florida offers a Certificate in Fundraising for a tailored experience to improve present careers. Furthermore, the curriculum provides an understanding of the essential principles of fundraising & development.
During this program, dive into courses that cut across the following topics:
- Fundraising
- Nonprofit resource development
- Governance and ethics
3. University of Montana
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Degree Offered: Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration
The University of Montana offers a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration to eligible students in different federation states. The program equips candidates with the professional skills to develop, manage, and promote organizations.
At the same time, applicants who do not want the Professional Certificate may enroll in the courses individually. Such courses cover fundamental topics such as:
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Board Management
- Human Resource Management
Note: Graduates can transfer the credits gained in this curriculum to a master’s degree program.
4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
This certificate program will qualify students for management roles in foundations, human service organizations, or trade associations. This program will be valuable to government and public workers with volunteer or charity responsibilities.
The program culminates in a portfolio showcasing the knowledge and abilities earned via program coursework.
5. Valdosta State University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Graduate Certificate in NonProfit Management
The Graduate Certificate in NonProfit Management provides a firm foundation in the core concepts of public and nonprofit administration. Students will advance their communication skills and familiarity with the most recent technologies in this area. In addition, the program exposes the broad viewpoint expected of administrators and managers in a multicultural society.
Nonprofit Management Jobs
The nonprofit industry comprises various organizations, such as religion, social assistance, health, education, and research. You can qualify for multiple job titles with a college certificate, depending on your training and experience. A few career roles available for students include grant writer, fundraiser, and public relations manager.
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of fundraising managers acting on behalf of nonprofit organizations will rise by 8% over the next ten years.
Career Paths
Generally, nonprofit management jobs in this sector include:
Public Relations Specialists
PR professionals maintain a positive reputation for organizations, groups, and individuals they represent. They are responsible for creating and disseminating press releases, responding to information requests, and tracking customer feedback.
Based on a BLS report, the average yearly pay of public relations specialists as of May 2021 was $62,800. The demand for experts in this field will grow by 8% over the next decade.
Grant Writers
A grant writer is a documentation expert and marketer of a nonprofit/public organization seeking funding. Additionally, they are in charge of evaluating state or federal grants. They compile required paperwork, evidence for financing, and additional constraints imposed by funding organizations.
According to PayScale, the average grant writer’s wage as of August 2022 is $50,139.
Fundraisers
A fundraiser is a specialist that acts on behalf of corporations or nonprofit groups to solicit grants and donations for financial support. Fundraisers shape the public perception of the nonprofit, company, or nonprofit they represent. Also, they are in charge of communicating with the press and collaborating with marketing experts.
The median yearly wage of fundraisers is $60,660 as of May 2021. Over the next ten years, fundraiser jobs will expand by 11%, which is more significant than the median for all occupations.
Note: Most experts in this sector are satisfied with the current nonprofit management salary. But years of work experience are still a vital determinant of all employee’s wages.
Continuing Education
After obtaining the online nonprofit management certificate, graduates can earn a master’s in public administration or public relations. In addition, advanced courses in ethics, organizational leadership, and community management are available at the postgraduate level.
Professional Organizations
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
- Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
- International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)
- National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
- Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
- Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA)
- Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)
FAQs
What is nonprofit management?
Nonprofit managers lead nonprofit organizations. For example, they possess a fundamental understanding of community change, financial management, and personnel management.
Is Certified Nonprofit Professional worth it?
For most nonprofit management jobs, the Certified Nonprofit Professional qualification tells recruiters that you are fit for the job.
What degree should I get to work in a nonprofit?
Aspiring students can earn certificates or master's degrees in public administration and nonprofit management to work in the nonprofit sector.
What is NonprofitReady?
NonprofitReady is an online learning platform backed by the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation.
What is nonprofit leadership and management?
Nonprofit leadership and management emphasize the management and funding models specific to the nonprofit industry. A leadership and management course engages students in strategic planning and relevant nonprofit concerns.
Can you make money working for a nonprofit?
Yes, you can.
Often, founders of nonprofit firms might pay themself a reasonable wage for the job they do in managing the business. Likewise, they also pay full-time and part-time employees for the tasks they complete.
Is a nonprofit management salary worth a certificate?
Yes, they’re good and financially rewarding. Given the cheaper cost of a certificate vs. a degree, a certificate is a good investment.
What new challenges may nonprofit managers face due to the current pandemic?
Staffing management is one of the challenges that nonprofit institutions face due to the recent pandemic. Founders will make changes to internal policies and oversight, mainly when personnel works remotely for an extended period.
Get Started Today!
The best nonprofit management certificate online programs enable students to build a lasting career through which they can help the community. Moreover, these professionals collaborate with fascinating people and observe firsthand the influence nonprofit organizations have on society. And their salary isn’t bad either! With prospects like these, and a competitive marketplace, it’s hard to dispute the importance of education to meet industry demands. Consider a nonprofit management certificate online to jump on an excellent career today with GetEducated.com!
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