Self-Paced Nonprofit Certificate Program

Strengthen ND’s Nonprofit Certificate Program is a self-paced, seven-module online course designed to build the essential competencies of effective nonprofit leadership. Participants gain practical tools, templates, and strategies covering governance, finance, fundraising, human resources, and risk management. Completion of all modules, surveys, and a priority action plan earns a Certificate of Accomplishment.

My name is Nancy Heskin-Rakness, Director of Nonprofit Education for Strengthen ND. My background is 25 years with the Girl Scouts, two years as a troop leader and 23 years in the role of regional CEO. During that time, I gained national certification status by meeting the competencies of a nonprofit executive through application and testing. My career history also includes the following roles: district administrator, interim executive director, and human resources manager. Through the years, I attended well over one hundred educational conferences, and I kept track of what worked and made a positive impact. My aim is to share what I learned to support your efforts to increase the capacity and sustainability of your nonprofit.

Strengthen ND’s Nonprofit Certificate Program was established to meet the capacity building needs of nonprofit leadership. Our intent is to provide an opportunity for nonprofit associates to learn the essential competencies of nonprofit management through seven structured, online sessions.  When you go through all seven modules, you gain knowledge of the essential competencies of a nonprofit leader.  Once I receive all pre and post surveys  your comments and short priority action plan, a Certificate of Accomplishment will be provided.

We measure the impact of this program through pre and post class surveys.  I ask that you rate your confidence level before beginning the class.  Upon completion, go back and indicate any change in confidence that you experienced by attending the session.  I ask that you include your priority action list of  three things that you will incorporate first and any comments that you would like to share with me.

Information has been added to my list of resources as individuals have asked for guidance.  I encourage you to note what information is most important to implement.  Participants are expected to download templates for editing; nothing can be edited online. The information will be accessible only to those who gain access through registration.  Contact me at any time if you have any questions.

MODULE 1 Board Governance and Nonprofit Sustainability

We will take a look at what needs to be in place to sustain your nonprofit and take a look at the roles and responsibilities of the governing board, individual board members, and the corporation.  One great way to recruit new board members is shared.  Find out how to build a better board and meet IRS 990 requirements.

MODULE 2 Shared Leadership, Board Chair and Executive Director

We will review strategies to build the leadership team to increase board member engagement, provide a clear definition of governance compared to operations, recognizing overlap, and creating a supportive environment by clearly defining individual accountability.

MODULE 3 Nonprofit Finance Basics

We cover the universal chart of accounts that nonprofits use for continuity. See what  funders may look at when determining the financial health of your nonprofit. Gain insights on how to allocate time spent on administration, programs, and fund raising to report on the IRS 990.  Receive templates to start building your budget history and  analysis to project future revenue and expenses.

MODULE 4 Human Resources, Managing Volunteers and Staff,  Salary Administration

The principles of HR management will be shared with you as follows: recruiting, interviewing tips, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding volunteers and staff.  Receive a template to create a competitive salary schedule that the board of directors would approve to support your paid staff structure.    Receive tools to resolve conflicts and a structured library of credible resources that support volunteer and staff management for your nonprofit organization.

MODULE 5 Strategic Planning, Accountability and Action Planning

Guidance is provided to help you identify your stakeholders to include people outside of your organization for long-term and short-term visioning; to support the process of writing an effective strategic plan.

Gain insights to create an organizational structure and write job descriptions that support goals and objectives.  Learn how to document the value of volunteer time in your accounting system to  show community support on your financial statements.

MODULE 6  Marketing Your Purpose and Fund Raising

A comprehensive development plan is provided for your consideration.  Guidance on What To Do and What Not To Do when working with grant making organizations is provided by our CEO Megan Langley and our Special Projects Officer,  Cher Hersrude. Detailed guidance is provided to learn one way to draw in community members by hosting Friendraising Events. Our  Budget Income Analysis worksheet is provided so you can  determine where you are today and develop a strategy to increase public support.

MODULE 7 Proactive Risk Management and Crisis Planning

Find out what is involved in Risk Management and receive guidelines to do a review of all internal controls.  Be prepared for a crisis by taking steps to create  a communications policy to protect your image in the community when a crisis occurs.  When the media shows up, what will you say?

Register by going to our Strengthen ND website and selecting the  RESOURCES TAB, select the SHOP tab and you have the option of registering for the certificate program or selecting one class that meets your needs.

Questions are encouraged – contact me by email at nancy@strengthennd.com