Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance from Coursera

This course introduces you to the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizations, and the concepts of leadership and governance. While this course has been developed with North American culture in mind, we do appreciate that in other parts of the world the nature of the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizations, nonprofit leadership and governance may not be the same. Nevertheless, it is our hope that much of the course content will still be of value to those in other parts of the world.

To learn more about this course, please watch the overview video by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://goo.gl/YMg1Qd.

Keywords: Nonprofit; Nonprofit Sector; Voluntary Sector; Nonprofit Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Volunteer Organizations, Leadership, Management, Governance, Board, Board of Directors, Performance, Effectiveness

Course 1 Overview:

Week 1: Some of the questions you will explore this week are: What is the nonprofit sector and why does it exist? What are the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations? What are the trends and emerging issues facing organizations in the nonprofit sector?

Week 2: Questions to be explored this week are: What is leadership at the governance level and how is it different from management? What is good governance and why does it matter? What is a board of directors?

Week 3: This week's questions: What roles do board members play in nonprofit organizations? Broadly speaking, what are boards responsible for and how do they go about their work? What are some of the issues that challenge the board's ability to go its work?

Week 4: At this stage, you are asked to review the course content, submit a written assignment (known lightheartedly as a BEAR (Board Effectiveness Readiness Assessment), and take two multiple choice Readiness Assurance Tests (known similarly as RATs). One RAT will assess knowledge and reading comprehension and the other will test application of knowledge within a practical case.

Week 5: We will encourage you to discuss the RATs in the discussion forums and take them again should you wish to change any of your answers based on the information exchanged.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Leadership and Governance

Welcome to the first course in the series of three courses on developing leadership and improving governance in nonprofit organizations. We encourage you to dive right in--watch the lecture and guest interview videos, participate in the discussion forums, take the practice quiz, post a commentary in the forum, analyze the Board cases, and start working on the course project!

Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Organizational Governance and Boards of Directors

Hello and welcome to Week 2 of the first course on Leadership and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations! The goal of this week is to introduce you to the concept of nonprofit leadership and governance and the function of boards in organizational governance. Details can be found on the week 2 course pages below. As usual, we encourage you to engage in the content and with each other on this online teaching and learning journey!

The Board's Role and Responsibilities

Hello and welcome to Week 3! The goal of this week is to address a number of important questions related to how boards operate: What roles do board members play in nonprofit organizations, what are boards responsible for, What is the role and responsibilities of boards of directors and What are the elements of board behavior that shape how effective a board will be. These elements form the basis of the content of the second and third courses in this series on Developing Leadership and Improving Governance in Nonprofit Organizations. They also underline the structure of our course text, Improving the Effectiveness of Boards of Directors AND the tool used to facilitate assessments of board performance in the Course 2 project. Two videos relating to these topics can be found on the week 3 course page.

Concept Testing and Application

Hello and welcome to Week 4! The goal of this week is to assess course learning. The end of Course 1 assessment of learning begins with the requirement that you to take two Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs) and submit your first Board Effectiveness Assessment Reflection (BEAR). During the testing process, don't forget to bring a piece of paper and pen to make a note of your answers to the RAT and RAT Application Exercise questions. You will need them to vote and discuss your responses in the RAT forums next week.

Assessment of Learning: BEAR Peer Review and RAT Discussion Forums

Hello, and Welcome to Week 5! The goal of this week is to discuss and complete the end of Course 1 assessment of learning. It begins with peer discussion of the individual Readiness Assurance Test (RAT) and RAT Application Exercise (case) you took last week plus peer review of the three BEAR assignments you have been assigned to evaluate this week. It concludes with re-taking the RAT and RAT Application Exercise Tests and returning the three BEAR assignments you peer-reviewed last week.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector, which is vital knowledge for career paths in social work, education, government, and NGOs

Provides an overview of the nonprofit sector, including its characteristics and the trends and emerging issues facing organizations in this sector

Examines the roles and responsibilities of board members in nonprofit organizations, highlighting the importance of effective board leadership

Guides learners in assessing board effectiveness through practical exercises and assignments, enhancing their understanding of board governance practices

Taught by experienced professors with expertise in nonprofit management and leadership, providing learners with access to valuable insights and knowledge

Requires learners to participate in discussion forums and complete assignments, fostering active learning and peer engagement

Reviews summary

Nonprofit sector foundations

Learners describe this course as an informative overview of the nonprofit sector and say the instructor is helpful. However, some say the readings are costly.

Instructor is helpful.

"The instructor is very understanding and helpful."

Overview of nonprofit sector.

"Overall, I learned a lot and found the course to be very helpful."

"I enjoyed the content."

Readings are a significant cost.

"They don't provide all the required readings. You need to buy in order to read. Doesn't seem fair."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance with these activities:

Compile notes and course readings

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Getting familiar with the course materials will build a solid foundation for your learning

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Read the course syllabus
Review the first few chapters of the textbook
Attend the first class session
Take notes on the lecture and discussion

Seek out a mentor in the nonprofit sector

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Seeking out a mentor in the nonprofit sector will provide you with guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field.

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself
Schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and interests

Watch online videos on nonprofit leadership

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Watching online videos on nonprofit leadership will help you to learn from experts in the field and gain insights into best practices

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Search for online videos on nonprofit leadership
Watch the videos and take notes on the key points
Discuss the videos with your classmates or colleagues

11 other activities

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Review the basics of the nonprofit sector

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Reviewing the basics of the nonprofit sector will help you better understand the content of the course and the concepts of leadership and governance.

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Read the course overview and the first week's materials
Take notes on the key concepts
Complete the quiz at the end of the first week

Review organizational governance concepts

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Review foundational concepts of organizational governance to prepare for the course content on nonprofit governance and leadership.

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Read an introductory article or chapter on organizational governance.
Summarize the key principles and concepts of organizational governance.
Identify different types of organizational governance structures.

Review organizational management principles

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Reviewing key management principles will ensure you have a refreshed understanding of core organizational terms, tools, and theories

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Revisit notes or textbooks on management theory
Identify two or three key management frameworks
Practice applying chosen frameworks to nonprofit-related case studies

Discuss the role of the board of directors

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Discussing the role of the board of directors with peers will help you better understand the responsibilities and functions of the board and how they contribute to effective leadership and governance.

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Form a study group with other students in the course
Choose a specific topic related to the role of the board of directors to discuss
Prepare your thoughts and any relevant materials
Meet with your study group to discuss the topic
Share your insights and key takeaways with the group

Form a study group

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Discussing the course material with peers will solidify your understanding of the concepts

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Find a few classmates who are interested in studying together
Choose a time and place to meet
Discuss the assigned readings and lecture notes
Work on practice problems together

Create a presentation on nonprofit governance

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Creating a presentation on nonprofit governance will help you to organize your thoughts on the topic and communicate your ideas effectively

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Choose a topic for your presentation
Research your topic and gather information from credible sources
Create a slide deck that is well-organized and well-designed
Practice your presentation
Give your presentation to your classmates or colleagues

Write a blog post on the challenges facing nonprofit organizations

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Writing a blog post on the challenges facing nonprofit organizations will help you research and synthesize information about the current issues affecting the sector and develop your critical thinking and communication skills.

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Research the challenges facing nonprofit organizations
Identify the key trends and issues
Develop your thesis statement
Write the blog post
Edit and proofread your work

Write a blog post about the nonprofit sector

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Writing about the nonprofit sector will force you to think critically about the material and form your own opinions

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Choose a topic that you are interested in
Research the topic and gather information from credible sources
Write a blog post that is well-organized and well-written
Publish your blog post on a public platform
Promote your blog post on social media

Volunteer at a local nonprofit organization

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Volunteering will give you hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector and help you to understand the challenges and rewards of working in this field

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Find a nonprofit organization that you are interested in
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend a volunteer orientation session
Start volunteering regularly at the organization
Reflect on your volunteer experience and identify ways to develop your skills and knowledge

Develop a plan for a fundraising campaign

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Developing a plan for a fundraising campaign will give you hands-on experience in applying the concepts of leadership and governance you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Identify the target audience
Set fundraising goals
Develop a fundraising strategy
Create a budget
Implement the fundraising plan

Develop a business plan for a new nonprofit organization

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Starting a business plan for a nonprofit organization will give you a chance to apply the concepts you are learning in this course to a practical scenario

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Identify a need in the community that you can address with a nonprofit organization
Develop a mission statement and goals for your organization
Identify the services that your organization will provide
Develop a budget for your organization
Create a marketing plan for your organization

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Board Member

This course provides a valuable overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations. Board members play a vital role in overseeing the organization and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. Taking this course can help potential board members understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be effective in this role. In fact, board members are one of the audiences this course is designed for.

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Chief Executive Officer

This course provides a broad overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. This knowledge is essential for CEOs of nonprofit organizations. As the top executive in the organization, the CEO is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, managing its operations, and ensuring its financial health. Many CEOs of nonprofit organizations need extensive experience in fundraising, as well. Taking this course can help potential CEOs understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Executive Director

This course provides a valuable overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. This knowledge is critical for executive directors of nonprofit organizations. As the leader of the organization, the executive director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, including fundraising, program development, and financial management. Taking this course can help potential executive directors understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Nonprofit Consultant

This course provides an excellent overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. Nonprofit consultants advise nonprofit organizations on a variety of issues, including strategic planning, fundraising, and program development. Taking this course can help potential nonprofit consultants understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Program Director

This course provides a useful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector. Program directors may find this knowledge helpful as they work to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the community. Taking this course can help potential program directors understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Development Director

This course can provide a helpful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. Development directors are responsible for fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential development directors understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Community Organizer

This course provides a helpful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector. Community organizers work to bring people together to address community issues. Taking this course can help potential community organizers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Social Worker

This course can offer a valuable overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations. Social workers often work with nonprofit organizations to provide services to people in need. Taking this course can help potential social workers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Grant Writer

This course provides a helpful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations. Grant writers write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential grant writers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Policy Analyst

This course can provide a useful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations. Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. Taking this course can help potential policy analysts understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role. This course may be particularly helpful for policy analysts who work on issues related to the nonprofit sector.

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Fundraising Manager

This course provides a helpful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit sector organizations. Fundraising managers are responsible for raising funds for nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential fundraising managers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Public relations manager

This course provides a useful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance in nonprofit organizations. Public relations managers are responsible for managing the public image of nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential public relations managers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Marketing Manager

This course can provide a helpful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential marketing managers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Financial Manager

This course provides a valuable overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. Financial managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential financial managers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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Human Resources Manager

This course can provide a useful overview of the nonprofit sector, including the role of leadership and governance. Human resources managers are responsible for managing the human resources function of nonprofit organizations. Taking this course can help potential human resources managers understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations, and it can help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this role.

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