Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations

This module introduces you to the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizations, and the concepts of leadership and governance. You will explore the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations and the trends and emerging issues facing them. Additionally, you will delve into the distinctions between leadership and management, the importance of good governance, and the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards of directors in the governance process.

This course provides a detailed look at the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors in the governance of nonprofit organizations. You will examine the board's role in strategic planning, performance assessment, and fundraising/resource development processes. Furthermore, you will explore the challenges faced by boards in fulfilling their responsibilities and how to address them effectively.

In this course, you will gain insights into the factors that influence the effectiveness of boards of directors and the impact they have on shaping the success of the organizations they govern. You will explore formal procedures and structures within the board, the composition and development of boards, and the importance of board culture. Additionally, you will learn how to manage leadership for higher performance and intentionally improve the way boards structure themselves and conduct decision-making meetings.

The Capstone Project is a service learning experience designed to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the three courses to a real-world leadership and governance situation. You will analyze the leadership and governance effectiveness of a real board of directors in a nonprofit organization, produce a professional consulting report detailing your analysis and recommendations, and present it to the board to advise them on implementing change.