Nonprofit Theory and Practice

Nonprofit organizations occupy a critical role in their communities, making a vital impact on a wide range of social, economic, political and environmental issues. Nonprofit Theory and Practice details the background and concepts behind these organizations and examines relevant theories, and the central issues of nonprofit governance, management, and policy. In particular, the course will address the distinctions among nonprofit, government and private corporate culture and structure, including inherent opportunities and challenges the nonprofit sector by necessity confronts and embraces. We will also explore changing the perceptions of the nonprofit sector, as well as fundamental changes in how the nonprofit sector represents itself. Each class session consists of theoretical and practical approaches to its subject matter. In-class exercises (such as formal presentations and experiential learning) and real institution-based assignments provide students with applied, tangible skills that readily transfer into the workplace. Students will tackle topics related to nonprofit board governance, issues of organizational ethics, leadership, budgeting and fund development, marketing and data analytics.