Leading-edge Network: Nonprofit Studies

Qualified professionals are in constant demand in the nonprofit sector. Whether you an executive director or a board member for a nonprofit organization or are thinking of starting your own organization, you must have a particular skill set to be an effective leader.

The Leading-edge Nonprofit Network will help prepare you for success through certificate programs, courses, and workshops. Courses are offered in a number of convenient formats including onsite, self-paced online, and a combination of both. Webinars enhance the educational experience by providing in-depth discussion with experienced instructors

Programs are structured to accommodate the educational needs of mid-level managers, program directors, grant-writers, volunteers, CEOs, board members, executive directors, and other philanthropy professionals.

There’s never been a more challenging or fulfilling time to be a nonprofit professional. Be prepared by learning the unique aspects of the business of nonprofit organizations.

The Leading-edge Nonprofit Network offers the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the following courses:

• Introduction to Nonprofit Sector (prerequisite for certificate program)
• Nonprofit Financial Systems
• Legal Basics for Nonprofit Leaders
• Human Resources in the Nonprofit Context
• Understanding Risk and the Insurance Needs of Nonprofits
• Using Information Systems in Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Governance
• Overview of Contributed Income Streams
• Overview of Earned Income Streams
  
• Nonprofit Strategy

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Leading-edge Nonprofit Network – Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program
The Certificate in Executive Administration is designed to provide professionals with up-to-date skills needed to assume staff or board leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. These include professionals currently working in the sector seeking to advance their careers, individuals interested in making a career change to nonprofits from business or government, and those who currently serve or are interested in serving on boards of directors.

The certificate is designed to be completed within one calendar year although students are not required to do so. It consists of 10 courses for a total of 12 continuing education units (CEUs). Students may begin the certificate at any point during the year after completing the online introductory course: Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector.

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Course Descriptions and Schedule

Introduction to Nonprofit Sector (pre-requisite for certificate program) (NPCE 5090)
This online introduction provides the incoming student with an overview of the nonprofit sector. It begins with a brief history of the important role that the sector has played providing a social safety net and enhancing quality of life. This is followed with a more detailed discussion of the specific types of nonprofits and how the organizations are structured. Finally, current challenges facing those working in the sector are discussed. This is a prerequisite for participation in the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate.
CEU: .5
Cost: $50
Location: Online
Presenter: Roberta Snow, Ph.D.
Register Online

Nonprofit Financial Systems (NPCE 5890)
This course introduces the financial systems required to manage, monitor, and report the activities of the nonprofit in a consistent and responsible way. These include basic measures of financial health and performance, budgeting and methods of internal control, the audit process and document, and reporting to the IRS and other external parties. In addition, current issues such as the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley and the role of technology in enhancing financial systems will be discussed.
CEUs: 2.5
Cost: $625
Next Offering: Fall 2012

Legal Basics for Nonprofit Leaders (NPCE 5150)
An understanding of the complex legal issues facing non-profit organizations today is essential for healthy institutional development and effective leadership. This course offers an overview of the key legal topics. Areas to be covered include forming and maintaining a tax-exempt organization; officer, director, and volunteer liability; personnel issues; tax exemptions; and charitable giving. In addition, an overview of current and emerging trends will be presented. 
CEUs: 1.0
Location: Online
Cost: $250
Next Offering: Fall 2012

Human Resources in the Nonprofit Context (NPCE 5270)
Because nonprofit organizations are primarily providers of services, their employees and volunteers are critical to program quality. This course provides guidelines for managing and developing paid as well as unpaid staff. It addresses the roles and responsibilities of both employer and employee. This is includes job design, selection, compensation, performance review, and feedback. In addition, the essential elements of communication, motivation, and team building are also discussed.
CEUs: 1.0
Cost: $250
Next Offering: Spring 2012

Understanding Risk and the Insurance Needs of Nonprofits (NPCE 5370)
Every enterprise brings with it some level of risk – the possibility that something will go wrong with the people it employees, with the services it provides or with the facilities and it equipment that it uses. This course provides an overview of the risk assessment for nonprofits with an emphasis on methods prevention and securing appropriate types and levels of insurance coverage.
CEUs: 1.0
Cost: $250
Next Offering: Spring 2012

Using Information Systems in Nonprofit Organizations(NPCE 5130)
Computer systems can enhance the efficiency of nonprofit administration and program delivery. However, managing the rapidly changing technology poses an ongoing challenge. This course provides an overview of the keys issues to be addressed in acquiring and using hardware and software systems such as costs, training, and security.
CEUs: .5
Cost: $125
Next Offering: Summer 2012

Nonprofit Governance and Strategy (NPCE 5620)
Boards of directors are ultimately responsible for nonprofits’ performance. As groups of volunteer citizen leaders, they assure that the organization is meeting the needs of the community through its mission. This course provides overviews of board roles and responsibilities, current thinking on board structure, and the challenges boards face during a period of declining resources and increased accountability.
CEUs: 2.5
Cost: $625
Next Offering: Summer 2012

Overview of Contributed Income Streams (NPCE 5530)
Nonprofit organizations depend on donations and grants from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government. This course provides an overview of the different types of contributed income as well as an introduction to the processes required for an effective development function. These include research, cultivation, solicitation, evaluation, and reporting.
CEUs: 1.0
Cost: $250
NEXT OFFERING: Winter 2012

Overview of Earned Income Streams and Marketing (NPCE 5570)
Many nonprofits also earn a portion of their income from fee-based programs, contracts for services, investments, and supplementary businesses. This course provides an overview of various earned income streams, how they are developed, and their implications for the nonprofit’s tax-exempt status.
CEUs: 1.0
Cost: $250
Next Offering: Winter 2012