Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
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.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 11 hours
- Course by University at Buffalo
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Offered by
About
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.Modules
Course 1 Overview: The Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Leadership and Governance
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3
Videos
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2
Readings
3
Videos
- The Leadership and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations Promotional Video
- Welcome to the video introducing this series of courses
- Course 1 Overview Video
2
Readings
- Course 1 Teaching and Learning Overview
- Required and Recommended Texts
Week 1
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3
Videos
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2
Readings
3
Videos
- Week 1 Overview
- Interview with Ruth McCambridge
- Interview with Dr. Laura Schweitzer: Leadership and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations from a Practitioner Perspective
2
Readings
- Week 1 Key Questions and Competencies
- Week 1 Readings and Resources
Week 1 Review
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 1
1
Readings
- Discuss Case Study
Course Project Description
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2
Readings
2
Readings
- Course Project Overview
- Course Project Part II Guidance
Week 2
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
2
Videos
- Week 2 Overview
- Interview with Prof Chris Cornforth on "Innovative Approaches and Perspectives to Nonprofit Governance"
2
Readings
- Week 2 Key Concepts and Competencies
- Week 2 Readings and Resources:
Week 2 Review
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 2
1
Readings
- Discuss Case Study
Course Project Description
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2
Readings
2
Readings
- Course Project Overview
- Course Project Part II Guidance
Week 3
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4
Videos
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2
Readings
4
Videos
- Week 3 Overview
- Interview with Putnam Barber on Charitable Solicitations in the United States
- Conceptual Framework of the Elements of Board Effectiveness
- Professor Vic Murray summarizes the design of the board assessment
2
Readings
- Week 3 Key Questions and Competencies
- Week 3 Readings and Resources
Week 3 Review
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 3
1
Readings
- Discuss Case Study
Course Project Description
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2
Readings
2
Readings
- Course Project Overview
- Course Project Part II Guidance
Review
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1
PeerReview
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2
Assignment
2
Assignment
- Readiness Assurance Test (RAT)
- RAT Application Exercise
1
Peer Review
- Board Effectiveness Assessment Reflection (BEAR) Course Project
Review
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2
Videos
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1
Readings
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2
Assignment
2
Assignment
- RAT Post Peer Learning Forum
- RAT Application Exercise Post Peer Learning Forum
2
Videos
- RAT Peer Discussions and Polling
- RAT Application Exercise Peer Discussions and Polling
1
Readings
- RAT and RAT Application Exercise Discussion and Polling Instructions
Auto Summary
Unlock the essentials of nonprofit leadership and governance with this comprehensive course designed for those entering the nonprofit sector. Guided by expert instructors, you will explore key concepts such as the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations, leadership at the governance level, and the roles and responsibilities of board members. This five-week course includes engaging discussions, written assignments, and practical assessments to solidify your understanding. Ideal for beginners in business and management, the course offers a foundation-level introduction through Coursera's subscription service.
Prof. Yvonne Cafik Harrison, PhD
Prof. Vic Murray, PhD