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Non-Profit Leadership

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
OnlineSeptember 2026 (Online Delivery) Part Time, approx. 2 years in duration / Offered every other year / Application opens Fall 2025
 
Domestic

Program Overview

ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë’s Non-Profit Leadership graduate certificate program is where your passion for making a difference meets flexible, part-time learning. In this program you’re empowered to lead with purpose and create lasting impact in the non-profit sector. The curriculum is designed to fit your busy schedule, offering you the flexibility to pursue your education while managing your commitments.
 
Each term, you'll enroll into 2-3 online courses with scheduled evening classes to ensure that your learning experience remains interactive and connected. You can expect to spend 10-15 hours a week engaging and collaborating with like-minded peers and faculty, working on projects and assignments, and immersing yourself in independent study.  Beyond the scheduled evening classes, you have the freedom to tailor your schoolwork to your own routine, all while staying on track with assigned deadlines.
 
From implementing strategies for innovation and sustainable growth to fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners, our program equips you with the skills that non-profits crave in their leaders. Join a community driven by purpose and seize the opportunity to make your mark in the non-profit sector.

Important Notes:

  • Estimated tuition and fees (excluding textbooks) for this program are $675 per term ($675 x 2 = $1,350 annually). Learners may qualify for financial support of $1000 annually. This support has been made possible through a generous donation by the Wesley and Patricia Armour Foundation. See the specific considerations section below for more details.

  • International Students: Since this program has been designed to be delivered entirely online and is a part-time program, it is not eligible for a study permit or a post-graduation work permit.

  • Domestic Students: Since this program is only offered part-time, student loans are not available.


Duration

The requirements for this graduate certificate program may be achieved within two academic years of part-time study.


Admission Requirements

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  • Post-secondary diploma or degree, or other combinations of education and related experience may be considered.


    Career Possibilities

    The non-profit sector puts people and positive impact first. It’s more than a career; it’s a calling. The demand for non-profit leaders spans numerous sectors including healthcare, education, research, social services, recreation, arts and culture, and the environment to name a few. The non-profit sector allows professionals to align their career direction with causes they are passionate about.

    Our students build on their existing skills and experience, and graduate with the enhanced training to advance into senior management and executive roles within non-profit organizations. Roles in the non-profit sector are often responsible for a wide breadth of responsibilities, encompassing areas such as fundraising, marketing/communications, human resources, volunteer management, stakeholder and government relations, and partner development. As positions become more senior, non-profit leaders typically transition to focusing on strategies and policies that will guide the overall direction and growth of their organization. The Non-Profit Leadership diploma is a part-time, online program and can be completed while continuing working in the sector.

    In a world facing ever-increasing challenges, the opportunities to make a living and make a difference are wide open on a local, national and global level.



    Specific Considerations

    It is recommended that students have experience with non-profit organizations, either in a work or volunteer capacity.  Scheduled classes will generally be offered two evenings a week, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to allow students to continue to work full-time or meet other commitments.

    Learners may qualify for financial support of $1000.  This support has been made possible through a generous donation by the Wesley and Patricia Armour Foundation [see Application and Eligibility Criteria].

    Technology Requirements
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Leadership
    • Non-Profit Governance
    • Fund and Resource Development
    • Strategic Planning
    • Marketing and Communications
    • Financial Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations
    • Volunteer Management
    • Project, Program, and Service Development and Management
    • Risk Management
    • Policy Management


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to apply fund and resource development concepts and practices in a non-profit organization. Emphasis is placed on applying strategies to support partner development and donor management, exploring fund and resource development sources, and writing grants and proposals.

    This course is designed to examine financial management principles and practices for non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on applying strategies to support financial sustainability while meeting Canadian accounting standards and Canada Revenue Agency financial reporting requirements. 

    This course is designed to explore human resource and volunteer management concepts and practices. Emphasis is placed on applying strategies to support talent management, foster positive organizational relationships, and lead organizational development initiatives within a non-profit organization.

    This course is designed to examine marketing and communication principles and practices for non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on developing effective internal and external communications practices and applying strategies to develop, implement, and create an integrated marketing and communications plan.

    This course is designed to provide an overview of the non-profit sector in Canada. Emphasis will be placed on exploring various types of non-profit organizations, including organizational structures, societal impact, and governance practices.

    This course is designed to explore leadership practices and strategic planning methods to foster organizational growth, innovation, and sustainability in non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on examining diverse leadership styles, exploring ethical decision-making frameworks, and discussing change leadership approaches for effective strategic planning and implementation.

    This course is designed to examine principles and strategies for the development and management of non-profit programs and services.  Emphasis is placed on exploring project management fundamentals to aid in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services for non-profit organizations.

    This course is designed to examine advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies that shape a non-profit organizations’ influence in the community.  Emphasis is placed on developing an advocacy plan, preparing government relations strategies, building strategic partnerships, and engaging the community. 

    This course is designed to apply learning from the Non-Profit Leadership program to an industry partner project. Working with faculty and an industry partner, learners are tasked with finding solutions to a business problem. Focus is placed on application of theory and best practices and using business tools, techniques, and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of the non-profit field. This course culminates with a final report and presentation of the project findings and recommendations.


    NOC Codes

    13 - Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
    40030 - Managers in social, community and correctional services
    50012 - Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors


    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.