Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program
The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program prepares UNC graduate students and current nonprofit employees for leadership roles in North Carolina's rapidly growing nonprofit sector and provides an in-depth examination of leadership issues within human service, community development, education, arts, and other nonprofit organizations.
There is an increasing need for nonprofit leaders who have core competencies in an expanding number of fields. Students enrolled in UNC's Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program can expect to learn a variety of competitive skills, including how to:
- Assess nonprofit financial health and improve financial sustainability
- Achieve strategic clarity through organizational learning
- Understand IRS 501c3 compliance issues
- Develop strategic fundraising and marketing plans
- Work with and develop a board of directors
- Effectively manage and develop staff
Individuals from a variety of fields can benefit from the program, including:
- Religious and community leaders managing human service organizations
- Educators starting and operating charter schools
- Veterans of the nonprofit world seeking to further develop their careers
Most classes are offered in the evening to accommodate the different schedules of graduate students in many different graduate programs including: MPA, MBA, MSW, JD, MPH, MSLS, MSIS, MSA, MCRP, MDiv and various doctoral programs as well as working professionals.
The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program draws upon the expertise of faculty from the UNC’s Schools of Social Work, Government, Law, and Information and Library Science and the Kenan-Flagler Business School, as well as other Schools and Departments that offer certificate electives. Students also have the opportunity to learn from area nonprofit leaders through guest lectures, course assignments, and networking events.
Interested participants who have earned a bachelor's degree can be admitted through the Part-time Classroom Studies and attend classes on a space-available basis.
- Admissions Criteria and How to Apply
- Certificate Requirements/Curriculum
- Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Course Descriptions (pdf)
- Policies
- Costs
- Meet the Faculty
- Reasons to pursue the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate
- Frequently Asked Questions
|Nonprofit Web Resources | APPLES | Center for Integrating Research and Action | Carolina Center for Public Service | The Public Intersection Project
For more information, contact:
Mat Despard, MSW
Program Coordinator
Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program
UNC-CH School of Social Work
325 Pittsboro St., CB 3550
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3550
nonprofit@unc.edu
(919) 962-6467






