Certificate in Nonprofit Management

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management equips leaders with an understanding of the basic skills needed to succeed in management positions within nonprofit and health care organizations.

Certificate Overview

Designed for nonprofit professionals to develop managerial skills, the Certificate program provides training in:

  • Foundational knowledge of nonprofit organizational management.
  • Collaborative approaches to community challenges.
  • Leadership theories and application.

The Certificate is a non-credit program that creates a solid foundation for future graduate-level study.

Program Format

Classes take place on Thursday mornings. Each course is offered only ONCE per calendar year. Courses meet on the campus of St. John Fisher University. Two courses are offered per 14-week semester, and one course is offered during the summer semester. The two courses meet on alternating weeks with each course meeting for a total of seven weeks. All courses are conducted in a small-group format by faculty with extensive experience in nonprofit management. You may take the courses in any order. For all courses, attendance is required at all class sessions.

Course Requirements

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management consists of five courses. To receive the certificate, participants must enroll in the certificate program and successfully complete all required courses. Participants who take courses but do not formally enroll in the certificate program will receive a certificate of accomplishment for each course they complete.

  • NPM 010—Overview of Nonprofit Organizations
  • NPM 015—Overview of Resource Development
  • NPM 020—Human Resource Management
  • NPM 025—Management Communication Skills
  • NPM 030—Budgeting and Financial Management

Course Descriptions

NPM 010—Overview of Nonprofit Organizations

NPM 010—Overview of Nonprofit Organizations

This course introduces types of nonprofit organizations, mission and vision statements, the board of directors' role, staff and volunteer recruitment, tax and tax-exempt status, and common financial resources.

NPM 015—Overview of Resource Development

NPM 015—Overview of Resource Development

This course helps students gain an understanding of philanthropic models, fundraising practices, and contemporary dynamics including generational differences in donor motivation, corporate social investment models, and the impact of technology.

NPM 020—Human Resource Management

NPM 020—Human Resource Management

This course provides a broad overview of human resource management including fair employment law, employee recruitment and selection, performance appraisals, discipline, job analysis, compensation, and labor relations.

NPM 025—Management Communication Skills

NPM 025—Management Communication Skills

This course provides an overview of necessary communication skills such as delivering oral presentations and conducting effective meetings.

NPM 030—Budgeting and Financial Management

NPM 030—Budgeting and Financial Management

This course covers the unique aspects of reimbursement sources for nonprofit organizations and how to interpret and use financial statements. This course also covers how to develop, use, and evaluate nonprofit budgets.