ZPDI2719 - Non-Profit Leadership Track for Entrepreneurs

Course Description

The 40-hour Non-Profit Leadership course is an immersive, skills-based program designed to provide current and aspiring non-profit leaders with the essential tools and strategic insights to lead mission-driven organizations effectively. Through a blend of lectures, interactive activities, case studies and hands-on projects, participants will explore foundational and advanced topics in non-profit management, including mission development, legal compliance, strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, community engagement and impact measurement.

Course Outline

Foundation of a Non-Profit

• Understanding non-profits and social enterprises
• Identifying purpose, community needs and personal motivations and goals
• Crafting a compelling mission statement
• Crafting a business plan

Legal Considerations, Risk and Operational Strategy

• Understanding non-profit legal requirements and compliance
• Board creation and governance
• Risk management
• Operational and staffing planning
• Working on a business plan

Financial Strategy, Grant Writing and Fundraising

• Financial literacy for non-profits
• Diverse funding sources and advanced fundraising strategies
• Filing for non-profit status
• Grant writing and proposal development
• Fundraising and board engagement

Community Engagement, Networking and Impact Measurement

• Developing community engagement strategies
• Impact measurement and storytelling
• Networking and resource sharing
• Reflection and action planning

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion, entrepreneurs will be able to:

• Develop and articulate a compelling mission and vision that aligns with personal motivations, community needs and long-term organizational sustainability
• Understand the legal, compliance and governance structures essential to non-profit formation and ongoing operations, including board development and risk management
• Apply strategic planning tools and techniques such as SWOT analysis and SMART goals to drive organizational growth and impact
• Design a comprehensive business and operational plan that supports mission effectiveness, organizational structure and program delivery
• Demonstrate financial literacy by developing budgets, conducting financial scenario planning, and exploring diverse funding streams
• Craft effective grant proposals and fundraising strategies to secure funding and engage donors and board members in development efforts
• Create community engagement strategies and volunteer programs that foster collaboration, inclusion and impact
• Use storytelling and impact measurement tools to evaluate program outcomes and communicate results to stakeholders
• Incorporate digital and AI tools to improve non-profit efficiency, outreach and resource development
• Present a full strategic and business plan and receive feedback through a peer and instructor-led capstone presentation