A new micro-credential program for managing nonprofit organizations is now available at Trent University, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.
Micro-credential programs are rapid training programs offered by postsecondary education institutions across Ontario that help develop specific skills or competencies.
The Nonprofit Management Essentials (NME) program is designed to equip professionals in the nonprofit sector — as well as students and graduates interested in working in the sector — with critical management skills including strategic planning, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
“This program is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution to their community,” says Kevin Whitmore, director of co-op, careers, and experiential learning at Trent University, in a media release. “The fundamental skills taught throughout this program will not only help industry leaders propel their organizations to new levels, but also to equip those entering the nonprofit sector with the tools they need for success.”
Course topics include board governance, grant writing, volunteer management, financial administration, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and more. The 10 courses in the NME program start on September 26 and run monthly until June 2025. Participants can choose to attend as many of the courses as they like.
The NME program is led by Carey McMaster, founder of training and consulting company TRAICON and an organizational development specialist with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
Each monthly course costs $325. Registrants may qualify for the Canada Ontario Job Grant, and 10 per cent discounts are available for early registration, for registering for all 10 courses, and for Trent alumni. Current Trent students receive a 50 per cent discount.
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, and the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development teams collaborated to develop the NME program in recognition of the need for targeted skills development within the nonprofit sector.
“By supporting this type of professional development, we are investing in the future of our communities,” says Jennifer DeBues, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.
The 10 courses and their timeframes are listed below.
- Business Essentials and Strategies – September 26 to October 25
- Introduction to the Not-for-Profit Sector – November 4 to 22
- Board Governance Essentials for Nonprofits – December 2 to 20
- Foundations of Financial Administration for Nonprofits – January 6 to 24
- Advanced Financial Administration of Nonprofits – February 3 to 21
- Optimizing Fundraising Efforts for Nonprofits – March 3 to 21
- Grant Writing for Nonprofits – April 1 to 19
- Effective Volunteer Management – April 28 to May 16
- Digital Marketing Fundaments for Nonprofits – May 26 to June 13
- Embracing Diversity: Creating Equitable Work Environments – June 23 to July 11
For more information about each course and to register, visit www.trentu.ca/careerspace/microcredentials-trent-community-members.
