Description:    

The United Way of Saginaw County and SVSU noncredit Certificate is for current and future staff and managers of local nonprofit agencies. This program is intended for managers of nonprofits and/or employ­ees who have upper level responsibilities. We offer a unique blend of theory, group activities, and case studies to meet each participant at her/his level. With the “Best Practices” tools and techniques, our students return to the nonprofit sector ready to meet and overcome today’s challenges. The participating nonprofit leader is offered the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with others in the same industry. Participants also have the opportunity to learn and network together in a comfortable, knowledge-building environment.

Our workshops are led by qualified instructors who are knowledgeable in the nonprofit sector and have additional teaching expertise. The certificate curriculum consists of 36 classroom hours. The certificate is awarded upon completion of ten three-hour workshops, 1 six-hour Grant Writing workshop, and 1 six-hour Capstone Presentation ses­sion.

Class Details:            

Course Outline

1. Planning- Nonprofits have a duty to engage in sound planning to define a clear vision for the future and specific strategies for reaching established goals. Through this program, nonprofits will have the opportunity to learn how planning can include input from constituents and should be intentional and ongoing to position organizations to achieve their goals.
   
   
2. Evaluation- Funders and managers are demanding to know the outcomes of programs. Learn how to plan for evaluation from the start; how to use evaluation to improve program delivery; what evaluation techniques to use when; and where to find evaluation resources.
   
   
3. Financial Management- Financial management is a central management tool for overseeing an agency’s activities. Learn the essentials of financial management techniques.
   
   
4. Transparency and Accountability- As an entity that serves the public, you have an ethical obligation to conduct business that is accountable and transparent to your constituents. This workshop will take an in-depth look at your responsibilities and best practices for ensuring transparency and accountability.
   
   
5. Strategic Alliances- Strategic alliances can take many forms and can serve multiple purposes, such as partnership, sharing of resources and improved operational efficiency. Strategic alliances help to strengthen individual nonprofit capacity and the capacity of the sector as a whole. Nonprofit organizations should be open to strategic alliances and, when appropriate, should partner with other organizations to enhance their capability to achieve desired results. Nonprofits should work to promote cooperation and coordination among a variety of entities to avoid unproductive duplication of services and to maximize the resources available to the communities they serve.
   
   
6. Advocacy and Public Policy- One of the important roles of the nonprofit sector is to advocate the social and governmental changes necessary to respect the full potential of all members of our community. Advocacy is legal for nonprofits and is vital to changing the world our clients live in.
   
   
7. Information Systems & Technology - Information Technology is one of the major competency areas offered through the program. This workshop will focus on information technology management and the nonprofits responsibility for confidentiality, safety, accuracy, integrity, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and legal compliance. You will be introduced to the possibilities and resources available.
   
   
8. Social Media/marketing for Non Profits: Social networking sites have received a lot of attention from the nonprofit world because they align with nonprofits' desire to reach out to larger communities. Adding to the buzz, there are a number of success stories about nonprofits using social networks to reach new volunteers, locate audiences interested in their cause, build up supporter lists, and even raise money. This course will introduce you to the Social networking life and how your organization could benefit.
   
   
9. Board Governance- Nonprofits are responsible for determining the goals and overall leadership of their organization. Boards set policy and ensure that the organization has the resources to carry out their mission. We will cover board roles and responsibilities; board-staff relations; board recruitment; and evaluating board performance.
   
   
10. Volunteer Management- Critical to any non-profit organization’s success is its ability to effectively recruit, engage, and retain quality volunteers. Volunteer Management will teach you best practices in working with volunteers, as well as providing helpful and practical tips for operational implementation.
    
    
11. Introduction to Grant Writing- New to the field of grants or a seasoned pro, one will learn how to find grant funders and how to decide if the funder is a good fit with your program. Also, how to write goals, objectives and activities to support your grant project while applying the "Best Practices." The class will review sample grants and engage in lively discussion - "would you fund this project?" Experienced grant writers will be able to refresh their skills and assure “Best Practices”. While, new writers will learn the basics of grant writing along with the “Best Practices”.  (Full Day Workshop)
    
    
12. Capstone Presentations- The Capstone Session gives you an opportunity to integrate all workshops into an overall vision of “Best Practices” in nonprofit management. Review the competencies and put your plan for success into action. You will give a 10-minute presentation on how the information you have gained will be put to use in your respective businesses as a result of completing this program. Your completion certificate from the Nonprofit “Best Practices” Management Certificate program is presented to you at the end of this workshop. (8:30 - 2:00)

Tuition:

$494

GRANT INFORMATION
Grants may be available for agencies funded or affiliated with United Way.
For Grant Applications click here to download form (79kB) or call 989-964-4048 for more details

***NOTE: United Way Grants are available for full* or partial funding of the $494 total tuition, all applicant must pay $24 at the time of registration in order to be eligible for the grant. The $24 deposit is non-refundable unless your grant is not approved or may be applied to your tuition. *Full funding covers $470 of the tuition.  Grants are not available for individual workshops.

Once grants have been awarded you are required to accept the grants and it's terms by returning one of the following forms:  Full Grant Funding (24kB) or Partial Grant Funding (24kB).

Please note: Do not call the United Way - All registration and information may be obtained from SVSU Office of Continuing Ed & Professional Development call 989.964.4048.

Cancellation Policy:  Nonprofit Management/Leadership Certificate Program

A notice must be received at least 7 days before the start of class to receive a refund less $24; however for grant recipients, a notice to cancel registration less than 14 days prior to the start of the class shall be responsible for full tuition and/or full repayment of grant.

You must be employed by a nonprofit organization and in a position of management or a supervision role to qualify for grant if available.  Because of the nature of the program, enrollment is limited to 25. This class will be re-scheduled when enrollment is less than 15.

Who Should Attend:

New and aspiring nonprofit managers who want to develop the fundamental skills to effectively manage a nonprofit organization.

Experienced nonprofit managers who want to become more effective by refining their skills.

Members of nonprofit boards of directors and other interested individuals who want to better understand nonprofit organizations.

Schedule:

Every Wednesday: 5/8/2013 - 6/26/2013

Time:  Each workshop - Morning 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Afternoon 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM with a half hour lunch on your own.‌

Location:

Curtiss Hall