Not-For-Profit Leadership Certificate
Overview
The Not-for-Profit Leadership Certificate Program has been designed to meet the unique challenges faced by managers in an environment where the focus is on helping others. Each day is facilitated by an experienced professional who has the knowledge and expertise expected in a university program. With their unique experiences and perspectives, each facilitator will provide a relevant and dynamic day of learning and sharing with other NFP professionals.
Options:
- Register for full program (i.e. all required elements) and receive a formal certificate upon successful completion; or
- Register for any individual course(s) to best suit your training needs.
- Note: Legislation & Governance and Managing Finance & Report Requirements must be registered for together as a full-day class.
Who should attend?
You may use the knowledge and skills developed through this program to prepare you for leadership in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, such as:
- Executive directors, CEO’s, and managers of not-for-profit organizations and charities;
- Leaders within not-for-profit sector and charities;
- Board members and volunteers of not-for profit organizations and charities;
- Human resource and marketing professionals in the not-for-profit sector and charities; and
- Anyone looking to build their skills in not-for-profit leadership.
Courses
Complete all five (5) courses listed on this page to receive a formal certificate, or choose any individual course(s) to best suit your training needs.-
Part 1: Legislation and Governance
- Identify and understand of the unique legal characteristics of not-for-profits and charities;
- Identify and understand the legal obligations of not-for-profits and charities; and
- Identify and understand the roles and responsibilities of members, directors, officers, and employees of not-for-profits and charities.
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Part 2: Financial Literacy for Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Understand the types of accounting that exist for not-for profit organizations;
- Understand the differences between for profit and not-for-profit accounting and taxation;
- Understand the filing requirements for not-for-profit organizations from a taxation and accounting perspective; and
- Apply best practices for accounting in not-for-profit organizations (e.g. taxation, issuing receipts).
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Leadership and Strategy for Boards and Staff
- Understand various models of governance in not-for-profit organizations;
- Understand risk management and leadership and their roles within not-for-profit organizations; and
- Understand the role and importance of advocacy and government relations to not-for-profit organizations.
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Revenue Generation and Operations Managment
- Understand the purpose, value, function and practice of general management in not-for-profit organizations and charities;
- Analyze operations and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for operations and revenue generation based on organizational values;
- Identify and leverage sources of revenue and fundraising for not-for-profit organizations and charities; and
- Create and maintain a culture of philanthropy.
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Communications and Marketing in a Digital Age
- Understand and identify the difference between Corporate Communications and Marketing;
- Build Corporate Communications strategies and plans for every day and for times of crisis; and
- Develop effective and efficient (i.e. resource and budget-wise) digital and traditional marketing strategies and plans.
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People Management- Staff and Volunteers
- Understand the purpose and practice of leadership within not-for-profit settings;
- Understand the characteristics of and build strong teams to enhance team and individual performance; and
- Recruit, mentor and coach staff and volunteers.
Program information
Winter 2025
| Legislation and Governance | Part 1: Monday, January 27, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Literacy for Not-for-Profit Organizations | Part 2: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Leadership and Strategy for Boards and Staff | Part 1: Monday, February 10, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Part 2: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon | |
| People Management - Staff and Volunteers | Part 1: Monday, February 24, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Part 2: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon | |
| Revenue Generation and Operations Management | Part 1: Monday, March 10, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Part 2: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon | |
| Communications and Marketing in a Digital Age | Part 1: Monday, March 24, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
| Part 2: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 9 a.m. to noon |
Winter 2025
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $1500 CAD + HST (early bird) $1700 CAD + HST (regular price) |
|
| NOTE: Individual course fees and registration dates vary. View the relevant course page for more information. | |
Discounts
The Alumni/Staff Discount applies to registration in this program/course.
If you are alumni or staff, contact continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca with your Student/Banner ID before registering for details about how to apply this discount.
Registration
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Online meeting times
This program has online meeting times. This means you must attend the virtual class at the specified date and time (see the Schedule tab).
Google Meet, Zoom or Kaltura Virtual Classroom (through Catalog) will be used for online delivery of this program to support interaction and engagement.
This course may include, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Hands-on exercises;
- Case discussions and simulations;
- Group and individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions; and
- Topic reflections.
This is an open enrolment course.
Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject to the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Requirements
To obtain the University Certificate you must:
- Register and make full payment for the certificate option;
- Attend and successfully complete each required course/element (see the course pages listed in the "Required elements" section above);
- Actively participate in all components of each course; and
- Successfully complete any assigned work
Technology requirements
Video conferencing
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Webcam is preferred but not required.
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required for this program.
Funding Options
You may be eligible for funding under the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, you can find more information on our website.
Contact our Continuous Learning funding experts to determine your or your organization’s eligibility for the Canada-Ontario Job Grant. We can customize programs specifically for your organizational needs. Contact us for more information.
