Nonprofit Certificate Intensive Track

I was hoping for great instructors and valuable information that would change my work life and I got it! I feel more confident! Ready to make a difference! 

– Meg P., 2023

Hundreds of participants from across the country take part in the Intensive Track Program designed to give nonprofit professionals the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the sector. The Nonprofit Management Intensive Track Program periodically offers this opportunity to 25 participants. The Program explores 8 key areas of nonprofit management through courses taught by instructors who are established practitioners and scholars from a variety of disciplines within the nonprofit arena. Participants are able to complete the requirement for the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management in 8 days.

Courses include the following areas of nonprofit management: Nonprofit Organizations: Board Development and Governance, Fundraising, Planning and Evaluation, Social Enterprise, Employment Law, Human Resource Development, Financial Management and Sustainable Strategic Planning. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss their own challenges and pose questions to the group in the search for guidance.

You may register online with our secure, real-time registration system or contact our registration for assistance at learnmore@duke.edu

Preparatory Reading Assignments
The Intensive Track requires pre-reading. Assignments are sent to students electronically after the close of registration for each session.

Location
Live Instructor Led Webinar Series

 

Monday, May 13

Nonprofit–Board Development/Governance
Melissa LeRoy

In order to be successful, nonprofit organizations require strong leadership from their Board of Directors. The board responsibility is to manage the corporation which includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the senior management’s effectiveness, organizational policies and procedures, and the execution of its strategies. Learn the roles and responsibilities of the board, including its paramount duties, and why board accountability requires a fully engaged and active board of directors who manage the organization. Discuss how you may increase board members’ commitment to the mission and purpose of your organization, and how boards must fulfill their legal and governance duties. This course addresses the following topics: the board’s role and responsibilities, the board and the executive director’s relationship, financial and legal responsibilities of the board, and how to recruit and select good board members.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the board’s roles and responsibilities
  • Discuss how board accountability prompted by a nonprofit’s internal and external stakeholders requires a fully engaged and active board who manages the organization

 

Tuesday, May 14

Nonprofit-Planning and Evaluation
Sarah Heinemeier, Ph.D.

More than ever, nonprofits are under pressure to measure and report on their impact and to “manage for results” in an era of strained resources. In this session, we will present an introduction to basic principles underlying effective program planning and evaluation.  We will explore important considerations in designing programs that effectively address clearly defined problems.  We will discuss how to identify and refine a programmatic “theory of change” that traces the causal logic that connects the program’s activities to desired outcomes. Finally, we will identify fundamental considerations of planning and conducting major types of program evaluation.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the significance of performance measurement for effective program management, evaluation, and reporting
  • Define the core problem that a program seeks to address, along with its root causes, complicating factors, and negative effects
  • Develop or refine a theory of change for designing programs and measuring performance
  • List key steps in planning and conducting a formative or summative program evaluation

 

Wednesday, May 15

Employment Law for Nonprofits
Larry Warner, JD, MBA

Nonprofits have an obligation to follow federal and state employment and labor laws. This course is designed to provide a practical overview of the main employment law issues that arise in nonprofit organizations. You will learn about state and federal laws that govern employment policies and practices as well as recommended guidelines for minimizing risk.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand state and federal employment laws that apply to nonprofits
  • Learn best practices for hiring employees and working with volunteers
  • Understand the rights and obligations within the employer-employee relationship

 

Thursday, May 16

Social Enterprise as a Strategy for Nonprofits
Ann Vandervliet

Social enterprise, roughly defined as using business methods in pursuit of social impact, has grown tremendously over the past two decades. We will talk about on how nonprofits are using social enterprise - it can be a way to increase unrestricted funds or to focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency. We will start with a social entrepreneurship, and then move to the specifics of how this plays out for nonprofits, including some of the benefits and pitfalls of moving into social enterprise. There will be some time to consider these concepts in your organization (or a classmate's).

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the various forms of social enterprise
  • Understand the potential benefits and pitfalls of adopting social enterprise within a nonprofit structure

 

Friday, May 17

Sustainable Strategic Planning
Kimberly Moore, Ph. D. 

Participants explore the strategic planning process as an important tool for nonprofit organizations. Focus will be on the basic components of a strategic plan and the planning process, as well as comparing a variety of business practice tools for an organizational assessment. Tools include the SWOT Analysis, Sustainability Matrix, and the Strategy Canvas, etc. This course provides an opportunity for students to apply various tools and examine current practices in strategic planning.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Explore the components of a strategic plan process
  • Apply various analysis tools

 

Saturday, May 18

Grant Writing and Compliance
Ruth Peebles, MPA

This class focuses on the important elements of a grant proposal including: the cover letter, executive summary, need statement, goals and objectives, methodology, evaluation, and the budget and future funding. Learn the typical questions funders ask when considering a proposal and the criteria used. Participants will be guided through the grant’s management process - from preparation of a grant proposal to the fiscal report preparation. Topics include: monitoring and reporting requirements, fiscal management, and accountability. Practical tips for ensuring compliance and improving chances of future success will be presented. In addition to proposal writing and compliance, participants will learn strategies to diversify a nonprofit’s base through individual and corporate donor programs.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Implement effective processes & practices that lead to successful grant writing
  • Conduct grant research via the Internet, publications, other sources and prioritize prospects
  • Determine the most effective writing strategies and styles for various grant applications
  • Ensure compliance and report on a grant's progress and impact

 

Sunday, May 19

Nonprofit-Financial Management
Melissa LeRoy

This course provides an understanding of financial management for nonprofits and focuses on topics integral to nonprofit fiscal management. Learn finance terms as they relate to the effective operation of a nonprofit organization. Discuss how to track income and expenses to specific programs to fulfill expectations of funders, donors and the IRS. The role of the board, staff, and committees are covered. Become familiar with the standards of excellence for nonprofit organizations and gain an understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and surviving an audit. 

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how to read and interpret financial reports and records
  • Gain knowledge on how to obtain the complete bottom line on programs
  • Use tools and skills to give foundations the results they ask for
  • Understand the year-end audit and 990

 

Monday, May 20

Nonprofit-Human Resource Development
Robert Kenney, Ph.D.

The ability to help people experience success at work creates benefits for employees, volunteers, leadership teams, organizations, and those whom your organization serves. This class addresses skills that can be used at an individual level and to better help staff with obstacles that may affect their job performance and satisfaction. Learn how to strategically respond to issues involving employee communication, motivation, delegation, and coaching; how to actively listen to and give constructive feedback to employees, volunteers, and clients; how to use team members’ individual differences to help them stay fully motivated at work; how to apply an effective step-by-step process for successful and mutually beneficial delegation with shared, defined expectations; and how to prepare for and conduct a solutions-focused coaching session that fully involves your team member to create a strategy for performance improvement.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Provide staff with constructive feedback
  • Actively listen to others’ messages to more fully understand their meaning
  • Discuss common motivation principles
  • Align team member motivation with their individual values
  • Apply a step-by-step process for effective and strategic delegation
  • Assess possible coaching situations to decide if coaching is necessary
  • Lead a team member’s coaching session

*Schedule is subject to change

Jeanne Allen’s expertise is Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership in the nonprofit sector. As a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer, she is an expert in board development and governance and leadership. Jeanne also custom designs and facilitates engaging board and staff retreats, both online and in person, for nonprofits of various missions.

Additionally, as an Instructor in the Duke University Nonprofit Management Certificate Program she teaches several courses: Board Development and Governance, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Effective Meetings and Leadership in Nonprofits. Previously, Jeanne was Assistant Dean, Multicultural Programs at Westchester Community College, NY as well as internal consultant with Girl Scouts USA in NYC.

Ms. Allen earned an Ed.S. in Instructional Systems Technology, and MS in Adult Education from Indiana University, and a BA from UNC-CH.

John Curtis, Ph.D. is a nonprofit consultant, researcher and organizational development specialist. He is the President of IOD, Inc., which has been providing consulting services to nonprofits since 1986.  His experience spans nearly 30 years and involves planning and leading organizational development projects for hundreds of organizations nationwide in the public, private and non-profit sectors.  John holds a B.A. in Education, Masters in Counseling, and Ph.D. in Organizational Development.

Wendi Goods Everson, MBA, is a community development professional with 20+ years of government, nonprofit, and philanthropic experience.  Everson worked for the Danville Regional Foundation and led efforts focused on civic engagement, leadership development and community building.  Additional experience includes neighborhood revitalization, fair housing and youth development. She served as VP of River District Association, Chair of Fair Housing Board for City of Danville and Board member for Danville Head Start. She is a recipient of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Pace Award for excellence in community service.  Ms. Everson has several years of teaching/presentation experience.  She has a B.A. in Art History from Temple University, MBA from Averett University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Sarah Heinemeier Ph.D., is a founding partner of Compass Evaluation and Research, Inc. Sarah became interested and started working in evaluation as a graduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill. As a practitioner of collaborative and participatory evaluation, she loves interacting with groups and building capacity to use data as part of an ongoing commitment to improving conditions and outcomes for children, families, and communities. Ms. Heinemeier has a Master’s degree in Anthropology and a Doctorate in Social Foundations for Education from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Bob Kenney, Ph.D. is President and Founder of Partners Through Training, based in Richmond, Virginia since 1993 and has taught hundreds of classes as part of Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Program since 1995. Bob works nationally and internationally with people looking to develop practical business skills in the areas of leadership, management, and supervision; working collaboratively inside team-based environments; recruiting and retaining staff; expanding influence, motivation, and engagement; facilitating and managing in-person and remote meetings; decision making, creative problem solving, and innovation; critical thinking and emotional intelligence; and mentoring. Bob has designed and delivered professional development workshops for a variety of nonprofit clients, as well as public (local, state, and federal government) and private sector businesses.  Bob has partnered with 19 centers for continuing and executive education at major universities, such as Duke University; and the Universities of North Carolina, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Maine, and Southern Maine. Bob holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in social and organizational psychology, with a specialization in small group training and organizational analysis, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

Melissa Metcalf LeRoy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Entrepreneurship with minor in Business Law from Western Carolina University. She also earned a Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management and a Duke Advanced Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. She teaches non-profit management classes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina & Virginia. Melissa is a past board member of the NC Center for Non-Profits, and is designated as a nonprofit mentor for the western region of NC. She also contributed a TEDx talk, A Love Affair: The Art of Not Asking! and offers her services as a consultant through her firm, On Fire Non-Profit Consulting.

Ruth Peebles, MPA, offers over 30 years of hands‐on experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, organizational development and project management.  She is the President and Founder of The INS Group a national consulting firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ms. Peebles served as the Executive Director for The Raleigh/Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness, as the Director of Development for Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina and Associate Director and Development Officer for the North Carolina Caring Program for Children. She has served as an adjunct instructor for the School of Public and International Affairs Master of Public Administration Program at North Carolina State University. Ms. Peebles holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and graduate degree in Public Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Peebles currently serves on Wake County Affiliate Board of the North Carolina Community Foundation. She is a founding member of the Next Generation of African American Philanthropists giving circle. 

Jeff Stern, MBA, Jeff Stern, MBA, has worked in the social sector for over 25 years, as a volunteer, staff member, executive director and board member. He earned his MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business in 2003, where he focused his studies on social enterprise, strategy, and marketing. Jeff is currently Director of Business Operations for TROSA, an innovative, multi-year residential program that enables people with substance use disorders to be productive, recovering individuals by providing comprehensive treatment, experiential vocational training, education, and continuing care. Prior to TROSA, Jeff worked at the numerous nonprofits in the field of informal education, including Durham Public Schools and the Museum of Life and Science. His prior Board service experience reflects his interests in the arts, social justice and community development.  

Larry Warner, JD, MBA, is the founder of Warner Law Offices, PLLC, specializes in advising small and medium businesses, with a focus on health care providers, on a variety of legal topics. Over his 30 years practicing law, Larry has worked with clients on employment matters, employee handbooks, corporate governance, licensing approvals, corporate formations, business transactions and contractual agreements.  Larry holds an MBA from George Washington University and a JD from Catholic University.

Kimberly Moore, Ph.D.kimberlywmoorephd@gmail.com, is a nonprofit and government leader. Her research interests include the Triple Helix framework of government, higher education, and business interconnectedness. She is currently the Director of Civic Engagement for U.S. House of Representatives District 2. Prior to that, she served as an executive officer in the life insurance industry and as a fundraising consultant. Her experience includes over 30 years and involves higher education fundraising, strategic planning, government, and external affairs. Kimberly holds a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations, master’s in English, and Ph.D. in Journalism History.

Ann Vandervliet holds a BA in International Studies with a minor in Business from USC, and a Duke University Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She has 30 years of experience in non-profit management with a strong background in systems development.  Over the last three decades, Ann strategically directed over $45 million of public and private funding to strengthen the system of individuals and organizations caring for and educating young children.  She chaired the Danville Public Schools Foundation Board, served on VA’s Early Childhood Council, and the Danville Pittsylvania Community Policy Management Board.  She was selected to serve as a co-facilitator for a school readiness roundtable for the Federal Reserve of Virginia, and for the Frontiers of Innovation – Learning Community at Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. 

Schedule

Intensive Track Webinar Class Dates Registration Dates
March 11 - 18, 2024 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET) January 3 - February 16, 2024
May 13 - 20, 2024 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET) January 3 - April 26, 2024
June 17 - 24, 2024 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET) January 3 - May 31, 2024

 

Registration

Registration Methods
  1. REGISTER ONLINE by credit card where your payment is processed as a secure encrypted transaction.

The Duke Nonprofit Management Program holds Information Sessions via teleconference to help you learn about the Program. We will discuss registration, networking in courses, earning the Certificate, and more! Free Information Sessions are available; however, it is recommended but not required that you attend one before enrolling in the program.

REGISTER ONLINE for a free session.

Teleconference Information Session

May 3, 2024 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) Course ID: 0199- 197
June 14, 2024 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) Course ID: 0199- 198

To ensure an optimal online learning experience, please ensure that you have access to the following:

  • PC or Laptop (Cellphones and tablets provide only limited access to the interactive feedback tools used in our classes and are inadequate.)
  • Access to a reliable internet connection, in a quiet place without a lot of background noise
  •  Web camera. Being able to see the faces of those participating/speaking creates more engagement and stronger connections with the instructor and other learners.
  •  Microphone (charged or corded USB headset, earbuds with built-in mic, or mic on webcam) – Using a mic on a headset/earbuds will reduce the likelihood of echoes coming from your connection to our session
  • Telephone (optional, as a backup in case of technical difficulty)
  • Your copy of the instructor’s handouts/PowerPoint slides (a hard copy will allow you to use your computer for your Webinar connection and participation, rather than to review an electronic copy of your handouts)
  • Note taking materials

Tuition: $2,250

Tuition includes course fees and materials.

Duke Employee Discounts

Nonprofit Management Intensive Track Program (8-day program)

  • Employee discount is 10% off the fee of $2250 ($225 off)
  • To receive this discount, employees must email learnmore@duke.edu or call 919-684-6259 prior to registration.

Funding Sources

Our Nonprofit Management Programs (Intensive Track and Executive Certificate* in Nonprofit Leadership) are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs. Please see individual program web pages for those details. You may qualify for other loan options. Please see info below.

*Students must apply & be accepted into the Executive Certificate Program before registering.

No loans (Wells Fargo Graduate loan, Sallie Mae Smart Option Undergraduate loan, etc.) can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for students of Duke Continuing Studies. Duke Continuing Studies courses are non-credit.

Loan Options

Your local bank may offer other options for loans or a "line of credit" service. Contact your bank for more information on financing choices.

Other Funding Sources

The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.

Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

To apply for this private student loan, visit Sallie Mae’s website, and click the I’m ready to apply button. The following application should populate with the pertinent information for Duke Continuing Studies.

  • Under Loan Needs, select Student and then Undergraduate degree.
  • Select Career training school.
  • Select North Carolina from the drop down menu.
  • Under name of school begin typing DUKE PROFESSIONAL, then select DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES, DURHAM, NC, 00292099 when it populates.
  • Click Continue.
  • Next, You've confirmed that you want a Smart Option Student Loan for DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES will appear.
  • Click Continue.
  • Fill out Basic Information.
  • Fill out Permanent Address section.
  • Fill out School Information.
    • DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES, DURHAM, NC, 00292099 should already have populated for the school.
    • Select Certificate for Degree/Certificate of Study.
    • Select your Specialty or select Other if it is not shown in the options.
    • Select Half Time for Enrollment Status.
    • Select Certificate/Continuing Ed for Grade Level.
    • Enter your Loan period begins and loan period end dates.
    • Enter your Anticipated Graduation / Completion.
    • Enter loan amount. NOTE: This may not exceed the cost of tuition.
    • Estimated financial assistance should be $0.00.
    • Under Loan request, click Use calculated need.
    • Do not check any box in typical school expenses.
  • Follow the remaining loan application prompts.
Wells Fargo Graduate Loan

Please note that Wells Fargo is no longer accepting new applications for their private student loans. However, students with an outstanding balance on a Wells Fargo private student loan may be eligible to be borrowers on a new private loan. See here for details.

Workforce Investment Act

The WIA provides professional and basic skills training services to those who have been unable to find employment. Please keep in mind that this process can be lengthy, so plan to apply well in advance of the program start date.  For more information on eligibility, the application process, or to find your local Workforce Development Board, visit the NC JobLink Career Center website.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.

Refund & Transfer Policy

$200 of your payment for the Intensive Track Program is nonrefundable.  To receive a refund minus a processing fee for class cancellation, we must receive your cancellation request by the date specified below.

To submit a cancellation request:

EMAIL: learnmore@duke.edu

Please include your name, address, phone number, and program title (Intensive Track).  Refunds will be made in the manner you paid.  Failure to attend the Intensive Track does not entitle you to a refund or replacement class.

Refund & Transfer Deadlines
Class Dates Refund/Transfer Deadlines
March 11-18, 2024 Friday, February 16, 2024
May 13-20, 2024 Friday, April 26,, 2024
June 17-24, 2024 Friday, May 31, 2024

 

Attendance Policy

Class starts promptly at 9:00 am each day and ends at 4:00 pm. To receive the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management on the last day of class, students are expected to be on time for class and participate fully. The Intensive Track includes preparatory reading.  Assignments are sent to students electronically after the close of registration for each session.

 

Student Age Requirement

The Nonprofit Management Program, a unit of the Duke Office of Continuing Studies, requires that students be at least 18 years of age to register for nonprofit classes.  However, if you are younger than 18 years old, a part of a nonprofit organization, and wish to attend classes, contact the Nonprofit Management Program Coordinator at 919-681-1025, or Director at 919-668-6743.  Students are not matriculated Duke University students and university student privileges do not apply to Continuing Studies students.

Bad Checks

If a check is returned for insufficient funds, we will charge a returned check fee of $35. Checks will not be resubmitted. The replacement payment must include the additional $35 and be in the form of cash, money order, or credit card.

Course is Filled / Waiting List

If a course is already filled, a waiting list is usually available instead. If you are interested in placing your name on the waiting list, follow the checkout instructions to do so. If a space becomes available, a registration staff member will contact you and ask if you are still interested. If you are interested, registration staff can assist you.

If We Cancel a Course

Sometimes we have to cancel a course that does not meet minimum enrollment, or due to unforeseen events. If that happens, you will receive a full or pro-rated refund. Duke Continuing Studies reserves the right to substitute instructors or change the day a course meets.

Tax Deductions

Course fees and expenses are sometimes tax deductible. Please consult an accountant concerning this matter. Non-credit programs at Duke Continuing Studies do not generate 1098-T forms, in accordance with the following IRS guideline:

  • Instructions for Forms 1098-E and 1098-T published by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, states “You do not have to file Form 1098-T or furnish a statement for: Courses for which no academic credit is offered, even if the student is otherwise enrolled in a degree program…”

What is the benefit of the Intensive Track Program?

  • Complete the certificate in 8 consecutive days 
  • Enjoy the benefits of cohort learning
  • Explore Social Enterprise/Social Entrepreneurship – only offered as part of the Intensive Track Program
  • Take a deeper dive with assigned pre-readings 

What if I have already taken open enrollment classes, can they be applied to the Intensive Track Program?

No. Due to the format of the Intensive Track Program, previously taken courses do not apply.

What is the maximum number of participants per session?

34 In-person

25 Virtual Classroom

Who are the instructors?

The instructors are established practitioners and scholars from a variety of disciplines within the nonprofit sector. Several hold the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management or the Duke Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership.

Who are the students?

Students in the Duke Nonprofit Management Program are a diverse group of motived learners interested in developing their knowledge and skill base.  Participants are employees of nonprofit organizations, philanthropists, community leaders/volunteers, individuals transitioning into the nonprofit sector from the private sector, persons from social service nonprofits, arts, membership organizations, foundations, trade associations and faith communities. The program attracts students from around the U.S. and the world.

Class sizes range from six to twenty students

What is the cost?

$2,250

Tuition includes course fees and materials.

Is tuition assistance available for this program?

Tuition is due in full at time of registration.  Several loan options are available. Please see the Tuition & Payment Options section for more information.

What are the requirements to complete this program?

Students must attend and participant in 100% of total sessions, complete all assigned pre-assignments provided, and pay tuition in full in order to receive the completion certificate. Classes are held ftom 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Why earn the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management?

  • Learn best practices and gain credentials
  • Build your nonprofit professional network 
  • Join a cohort of engaged learners
  • Develop strong management and leadership skills 
  • Obtain 7.2 CEU’s

Do you have job placement services?

Duke Continuing Studies does not offer job placement, job search, or career service assistance.