Very relevant content. Very real examples. Instructor’s availability/willingness to assist students outside of class is above and beyond.
The Duke University Nonprofit Management program curriculum offers a structured and rigorous grounding in the establishment, operation, and continuation of a successful nonprofit. Our curriculum reflects a comprehensive evaluation of the needs of the changing nonprofit sector. Managing a nonprofit has developed in new and exciting ways. The Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management provides recipients the skills to navigate this changing environment successfully.
Our nonprofit courses are designed for those working in and with the nonprofit sector — whether they are staff, directors, program administrators, board members, philanthropists, members of faith-based communities, volunteers, or those interested in employment or volunteering.
Successful completion of the Certificate in Nonprofit Management requires that a student complete 72 hours of instruction, which will be divided among core areas and electives. Students interested in earning the Certificate will be required to take five Core Courses of 6 hours each for a total of 30 hours. An additional 30 hours of Key Electives within the core areas are required. Finally, students may take General Electives, Special Topics in Nonprofit Management, or additional Key Electives to complete their instruction. Online courses are available as General Electives; a maximum of 12 hours of online courses may be applied to the Certificate. Please visit the online course demo site. Individual courses may be taken on a non-certificate basis.
Please see Earning the Certificate for more details.
There are five (5) Core Areas, Key Electives, General Electives, and Special Topics. Students complete five required Core Courses, one Key Elective from each of the five Core Areas, and General Electives, Special Topics or additional Key Electives to complete the 72 hour requirement.
Core Course: Nonprofit – Board Development/Governance (6 hours)
Key Electives (6 hours each)
Participant must complete 12 course hours in this category (including the core course). Courses address the board’s roles and responsibilities, nonprofit system of governance, board structure, recruiting board members, board operations, insight into how boards evolve, and trends in nonprofit governance.
Core Course: Nonprofit – Financial Management (6 hours)
Key Electives (6 hours each)
Participant must complete 12 course hours in this category (including the core course). Courses cover financial management and topics integral to nonprofit fiscal management. Gain an understanding of the broader finance realm of nonprofit organizations.
Core Course: Nonprofit – Fundraising (6 hours)
Key Electives (6 hours each)
Participant must complete 12 course hours in this category (including the core course). Courses provide those involved in fundraising an array of skills taught by instructors who coordinate special events, write grants, make personal asks, manage campaigns, and work in developing planned giving initiatives.
Core Course Nonprofit – Human Resource Development (6 hours)
Key Electives (6 hours each)
Participant must complete 12 course hours in this category (including the core course). Courses address ways to better lead nonprofit staff, how to deal with issues of attracting, recruiting, retaining, motivating, supervising employees, and project planning designed to ensure your nonprofit is compliant with state and federal law.
Core Course Nonprofit – Planning & Evaluation (6 hours)
Key Electives (6 hours each)
Participant must complete 12 course hours in this category (including the core course). Courses address several aspects of planning and delivery in nonprofit organizations. The changing internal and external landscape requires ongoing re-evaluation of the organization’s structure, its scale, its personnel, its programs, etc.
In addition to successfully completing the core requirements, students will need to complete an additional 12 hours of study, which may be accomplished through General Electives, Special Topics in Nonprofit Management, or additional Key Electives.
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creating High Performance TeamsAs nonprofits work with multiple cultures within the US and throughout the world, understanding how to foster optimal interaction among staff and boards is critical to developing high-performing and high-functioning teams. In this… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developing an Engaged Board of DirectorsEngaged Boards of Directors make a conscious decision to invest in their organizations. These leaders are involved, accountable, work to ensure short-term success, and long-term viability. Learn how to create an… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Fundraising: Coaching the Nonprofit Board to Make the AskHow do you move from knowing you need money to receiving the check? This class addresses engaging your board in fundraising, the purpose for seeking money, finding the right funders to ask, and writing application forms. Learn… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Reporting for NonprofitsAre you befuddled by financial reports? This course explores financial statements and other reports for nonprofit organizations. Develop skills in preparing reports that tell users what really matters as well as important ratios for… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant WritingIf you are a beginning grant writer, this course will provide you with the essential tools needed to write a successful grant proposal from start to finish. For those more experienced, this workshop will sharpen your skills and keep… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Telling Great Stories to Advance Your CausePeople support nonprofits and the causes they champion because of an emotional connection. Hope, compassion, guilt, fear, and other emotions drive people to tackle the world's problems - or support others who are working on the… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Strategic Planning for NonprofitsParticipants will examine the parts of a strategic plan including the vision and mission statement, values and goals that will guide the organization into the future. Students will also learn important tools to analyze their… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Nonprofit ManagementThis course covers management best practices for leading a nonprofit organization. You will gain an understanding of the nonprofit sector and the issues that leaders face in this exciting and growing field. You will also be exposed… | Online | $110.00 | available |
| Course | Time | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logic Models for Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, & CommunicationLogic models are used to describe how programs, group work, team work, community-based collaboratives, and other complex organizational processes work. Logic models display the sequence of actions that describe what the program is… |
9:00AM - 4:00PM | Virtual Classroom (Online - Zoom) | $150.00 | Future Offering |
| Course | Location | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Marketing for Nonprofit OrganizationsWhen we think of marketing, we typically think of the activities that a for-profit company engages in. However, marketing is an important function for non-profit organizations as well. Marketing is the way that non-profits determine… | Online | $95.00 | available |
There are no courses open for enrollment at this time.
The Nonprofit Management Program is open to anyone employed by or volunteering with nonprofits, religious organizations, schools, service organizations, foundations, or government agencies. The program is also open to anyone interested in learning more about the nonprofit sector. Free Information Sessions are offered during the year at various sites across the state. Completion of an Information Session is not required to enroll in the Certificate Program; however, it is recommended.
The 72-hour program is designed to take a student two years to finish from the date of enrollment to completion. The newly revised curriculum consists of five (5) Core Areas and requires the successful completion of both the Core Course and a Key Elective in each Core Area, which equals 60 hours. Students may choose from General Electives, Special Topics, Online Courses or additional Key Electives to complete the remaining 12 hour requirement.
| Core Areas | Hours |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit – Board Development / Governance | 12 hours* |
| Nonprofit – Financial Management | 12 hours* |
| Nonprofit – Fundraising | 12 hours* |
| Nonprofit – Human Resource Development | 12 hours* |
| Nonprofit – Planning & Evaluation | 12 hours* |
| General Electives / Special Topics / Additional Key Electives | 12 hours |
| TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED | 72 hours |
*Includes the 6-hour core course and one 6-hour key elective from each core area
Students enrolled in the 72 hour certificate program are responsible for monitoring their progress and for submitting a screenshot of their course history upon completion. The list of completed courses can be found by logging into the Duke Continuing Studies Student Portal.
Use the "My Certificates" link in the left menu to view and download details about your progress. You can also see your curricular history by clicking on “My Enrollment History” in the left menu. Please check this information and prepare a screenshot before contacting our office regarding your certificate status.
Currently all classes and programs are held as live, interactive virtual sessions via Zoom.
Classes are from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (ET) with a 1-hour break from approximately 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
There are four online (asynchronous/self-paced) courses offered in partnership with MindEdge Learning.
Advance registration is required. Courses fill quickly. You should register early to get into the course of your choice. Enrollment for individual classes closes three working days prior to the class.
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.
Information Sessions are listed in location order below.
REGISTER ONLINE for a free session.
Virtual Information Session | ||
| September 6, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Course ID: 0199- 204 |
| October 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Course ID: 0199- 205 |
| November 15, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Course ID: 0199- 206 |
| December 13, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Course ID: 0199- 207 |
To ensure an optimal online learning experience, please ensure that you have access to the following:
Duke Employee Discounts
Duke Employee discount is 10% off course fee of $150 ($15.00 off)
Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process.
To register, call 919-684-6259.
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.
Your local bank may offer other options for loans or a "line of credit" service. Contact your bank for more information on financing choices.
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.
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.
Financial assistance is available in particular regions. We appreciate the continued support of local community foundations for making these scholarship opportunities available.
To receive a refund, minus a processing fee for each course cancelled, or to switch to a different course, we must receive your written cancellation / transfer request at least two weeks before the course begins for the daily classes.
Processing fees for transfer or cancellation are $20 for each individual course.
To submit a cancellation request:
EMAIL: learnmore@duke.edu
Please include your name, address, phone number, and program title. Refunds will be made in the manner you paid. Failure to attend any class or classes does not entitle you to a refund or replacement class.
There are no refunds, cancellations, or transfers for online, self-paced courses.
Class starts promptly at 9:00 am each day and ends at 4:00 pm (ET). To receive credit for a Duke Nonprofit Management class, students must attend and actively participate in the class as scheduled. Classes have a 1-hour break scheduled from approximately 12 pm – 1 pm (ET).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
1. What is the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
2. What is the mission of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
3. What are the benefits of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
4. What is the content of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
5. Who are the instructors?
6. Who are the students?
7. How much do courses cost?
8. May I take Nonprofit Management courses if I don’t intend to earn a certificate?
9. When are Information Sessions offered?
10. Where are courses offered?
11. When are courses held?
12. Are my costs tax deductible?
13. Do you have job placement services?
14. How do I get started in the Program?
15. How early do I need to register?
16. Is there a recommended order for taking courses?
17. How many online courses can be applied toward the certificate?
18. When I register for an online course, what happens next?
19. Is there pre-assigned work or homework?
20. How do I earn the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management?
21. What is the difference between the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management, the Duke Intensive Track and the Executive Certificate?
22. How do I earn the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership?
23. How do I obtain my certificate when I complete the curriculum requirements?
1. What is the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
A unit of Duke University Continuing Studies and Summer Session, the program addresses the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations, workers, and volunteers. The program provides affordable, practical, and accessible training to those working in and with the nonprofit sector—whether they are paid staff, directors, board members, philanthropists, volunteers, or members of faith-based communities. The Nonprofit Management Program offers:
2. What is the mission of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
To strengthen the capacities of people, organizations, and networks within the nonprofit sector.
3. What are the benefits of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
This program builds on the unique combination of the following:
4. What is the content of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program?
Earning the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management requires that a student attend 72 hours of instruction, divided among core areas and electives. This includes:
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.
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
Individual, one-day, 6-hour classes cost $150 including parking and a materials fee of $10 payable to the instructor day of class. Material fees applicable to in-person classes only.
8. May I take Nonprofit Management courses if I don’t intend to earn a certificate?
Yes. Individual courses may be taken. All classes are open to the public at the standard course fee. Students can take one course that meets their needs and decide later to complete the certificate. All classes count toward the certificate as long as the curriculum is followed (5 core classes, 5 key electives, plus 12 hours).
9. When are Information Sessions offered?
See the Information Sessions section on this page schedule.
10. Where are courses held?
Currently all classes and programs are held as live, interactive virtual sessions via Zoom. Classes are from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (ET) with a 1-hour break from approximately 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. There are four online (asynchronous/self-paced) courses offered in partnership with MindEdge Learning.
Currently all classes and programs are held as live, interactive virtual sessions via Zoom. Classes are from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (ET) with a 1-hour break from approximately 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. To receive credit for the class, a student must be present and participating during scheduled class time.
12. Are my costs tax deductible?
Costs may be tax deductible. See your accountant.
13. Do you have job placement services?
Duke Continuing Studies does not offer job placement, job search, or career service assistance.
14. How do I get started in the Program?
Enrollment is open to all; no application is required. Students are invited to attend an info session which provides an overview to the program. While not required, the info session helps students develop a strategy to take advantage of the program.
Registration methods:
15. How early do I need to register for a course?
Courses fill quickly. You should register early to get into the course of your choice. Enrollment for individual classes closes three working days prior to the class. Walk-ins are not allowed.
16. Is there a recommended order for taking courses?
Students can take courses in any order. All students need the 5 core courses, the 5 key electives plus 12 more hours. Often students find it useful to take one or more of the Core courses first in order to establish a framework, and then select the Key Electives.
17. How many Online Courses may be applied toward the Certificate?
Students may apply a total of 12 hours toward the 72 hours required to earn the Certificate. See a list of online courses.
18. When I register for an Online Course, what happens next?
Within five business days after we receive your registration request for an online course, you will receive an e-mail with details, including your username and password.
19. Is there pre-assigned work or homework?
Occasionally, instructors will send an article or quick assessment to students to complete and bring with them to class.
20. How do I earn the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management?
Students can earn the certificate in 2 different ways:
21. What is the difference between the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management, the Intensive Track and the Executive Certificate?
22. How do I earn the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership?
Before registering for the Executive Certificate, prospective students must apply and be accepted.
23. How do I obtain my certificate after I complete the curriculum requirements?
