Foundations of Nonprofit Management
The nonprofit sector has become a significant force in recent years, assuming a level of importance within the United States and beyond. The course will focus on the broad trends which are shaping the sector and its expanding role in our current society. The goal is for students to gain an understanding of and practical experience withthe key issues and challenges facing the sector, how to identify and interpret those issues, and what the implications those issues/challenges are for the sector and for their individual practice.
The course aims to deepen student understanding of the nature of the nonprofit world and its organizations, using both theoretical and practical lenses to do so. Understanding the nexus between the nonprofit sector’s ability to impact collective problems requires that practitioners in both management and policy roles see the intersection and are able to connect the macros and micro dynamics of governance. Students will explore the managerial practices of all aspects of the sector, including but not limited to governance and strategy.
The classes will be structured around brief lectures, significant student participatory class discussions based on readings and written assignments, and guest speakers.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the semester students will be able to identify and interpret key theories, issues, debates and challenges as experienced by practitioners in the nonprofit world, and be able to consider the implications for their own practice.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Renz, David O, (Ed.) (2010). The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management, 3rd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass (Referred to as HANDBOOK.)
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Student performance will be assessed based on the following requirements:
- Active participation in class (15%)
- Assignment 1 (10%)
- Assignment 2 (25%)
- Assignment 3 (25%)
- Final Assignment (25%)
GRADING CRITERIA
- Overall writing – the writing is fluid, format well structured, proper grammar, and overall illustrates command of graduate level vocabulary and understanding of concepts. (25%)
- Professional presentation – correct spelling, no typographical errors, and instructions followed. (10%)
- Analytical level – uses materials from class to develop and support a logical, clear and consistent argument evidencing solid critical thinking. (25%)
- Positions and recommendations – applies insights to a practical discussion of management and/or policy making and reflects critical theories and policy considerations in nonprofit sectors. (35%)
- References – used and cited appropriately. (5%)
CLASS PARTICIPATION
All students are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time and not leave early; participate actively in class discussions and activities; and completed the assigned readings prior to the class for which they are assigned. Please note that the classroom doors will be closed and entry will not be allowed for any student arriving after 7:00 PM.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
While students should be focused on engaging in discussion in class, they will be permitted to use their personal laptops for the purpose of note-taking and accessing the Web for materials related to classroom discussion only.
Schedule of Classes and Assignments
1/25/17
Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector. Handbook, Chapters 1 & 2
Website:IRS- Life Cycle of a Public Charity
2/1/17
Social Enterprise & Global Growth. Handbook, Chapter 10
2/8/17
Governance & the Board of Directors. Handbook, Chapters 2 & 5
NYC Service (2016). NYC Good Governance Blueprint.
2/15/17
Nonprofit Leadership. Handbook, Chapters 6 & 3
Paper 1 – Due in Class
Charity Navigator (2017). 2015 Metro Market Study (includes CEO Compensation Study)
2/22/17
Strategic Planning: Mission Vision & Organization Development. Handbook, Chapters 8 & 9
Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders
3/1/17
Funding & Developing Resources. Handbook, Chapters 18 & 19
Giving USA, The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year New York: Giving USA Foundation. Published annually. Highlights available on the Giving USA website:
3/8/17
Budget & Financial. Handbook, Chapters 7, 22 & 23
3/22/17
Advocacy: Mission Drift or Deepening Impact. Handbook, Chapters 13 & 14
Paper 2 – Due in Class
3/29/17
Marketing and Strategic Communications. Handbook, Chapters 11 & 20
Abello, Oscar (2012). The Smallest Nonprofits Should Have The Most Powerful Brands,
4/5/17
Evaluation. Handbook, Chapters 16 & 15
4/12/17
Standards & Accountability in Nonprofits. Handbook, Chapters 7, 15
Colorado Nonprofit Association, Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Colorado
4/19/17
Human Resources. Handbook, Chapters 24, 25, & 26
Paper 3 – Due in Class
4/26/17
Guest speaker
5/3/17
The Future…Putting it all Together. Handbook, Conclusion
Final Project due in Class
PAPER # 1 - BOARD GOVERNANCE
PAPER #2 – LEADERSHIP
PAPER #3 – ACCOUNTABILITY/EVALUATION
FINAL PROJECT- CONSULTANT REPORT