Nonprofit Operations: Finance, Technology & Fundraising

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

12 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Nonprofit organizations rely on strong operational systems to ensure financial stability, effective use of technology, and sustainable fundraising outcomes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the core operational functions that enable nonprofits to run efficiently and scale their impact. Learners will build practical skills in financial management, technology planning, digital presence, performance measurement, donor management, and fundraising strategy. The course also explores diverse revenue-generation approaches including grants, individual giving, online fundraising, peer-to-peer campaigns, cause marketing, and social enterprise models, enabling learners to apply a broad toolkit of operational strategies. What makes this course unique is its integration of finance, technology, and fundraising into a single operational framework supported by real-world nonprofit scenarios. It emphasizes actionable methods and modern tools that help organizations improve efficiency, accountability, and growth. This course is ideal for nonprofit professionals, operations managers, fundraising teams, and individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of nonprofit systems. No advanced technical or financial background is required, though familiarity with nonprofit environments will be helpful. This course is part two of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. From Nonprofit Management 101 Copyright © 2019 by Darian Rodriguez Heyman. All rights reserved. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. Published simultaneously in Canada. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

Nonprofit Financial Management

This module guides learners through the essentials of interpreting nonprofit financial statements, understanding expense reporting, and assessing liquidity. You will discover how to use financial data to support mission-driven decisions and effectively communicate your organization's financial story to stakeholders.

Technology Planning

This module guides learners through the essential steps of structured technology planning for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of staff training, process optimization, and strategic technology investments. Participants will discover how aligning people, processes, and tools can boost organizational productivity and informed decision-making.

The Nonprofit Guide to Web Design

This module guides learners through the essentials of nonprofit web design, from defining mission-driven website goals to implementing analytics and user-centered design. Participants will also learn how to develop effective RFPs, manage the design process, and leverage Google Ad Grants to boost site traffic and engagement.

Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning Plans

This module guides learners through the essentials of measuring nonprofit impact, developing effective Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans, and using data to inform organizational decisions. Participants will discover how to tailor MEL plans for different audiences and purposes, and learn practical strategies for collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data.

Constituent Relationship Management

This module introduces the fundamentals of using CRM systems to improve nonprofit operations, focusing on contact management, workflow standardization, and information sharing. Learners will discover how CRM tools can deepen relationships with stakeholders and why user adoption is critical for organizational success.

Fundraising: Knowing When to Do What

This module introduces key fundraising strategies, explores different donor categories, and outlines effective fund development processes for nonprofits. Learners will gain insights into building sustainable growth and making informed decisions about resource planning. Real-world experiences and expert advice provide practical guidance for maximizing fundraising impact.

Individual Donor and Major Gift Strategies: The 80% Solution to Fundraising

This module explores the critical role of individual donors in nonprofit fundraising, highlighting strategies for cultivating recurring gifts and effective donor stewardship. Learners will discover how to leverage digital tools, overcome common barriers to fundraising, and empower volunteers and board members through targeted training. By the end, participants will be equipped to enhance donor engagement and drive sustainable support for their organizations.

How to Seek a Grant

This module delves into the importance of building mission-driven relationships and trust-based engagement when seeking grants. Learners will discover strategies for effective communication with funders, evaluate organizational capacity, and understand why relational approaches outperform transactional ones in securing funding.

Online Fundraising

This module guides learners through the essentials of digital fundraising, including optimizing donation forms, crafting compelling messaging, and leveraging email campaigns to engage donors. Participants will discover best practices and practical strategies to maximize online giving and build a strong web presence for their nonprofit initiatives.

Online Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

This module examines how nonprofits can harness the power of online social networks to expand their peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. Learners will discover strategies for engaging supporters, leveraging personal connections, and ensuring compliance with email solicitation regulations. The module also highlights the importance of relationship-building in successful online fundraising campaigns.

Cause Marketing 101: Moving Beyond Corporate Sponsorships to Strategic Partnerships

This module explores the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy and cause marketing, highlighting strategies for building impactful partnerships between nonprofits and businesses. Learners will discover how decision-making roles within companies have shifted and what factors influence successful collaborations for social and business benefit.

Social Enterprise 101: An Overview of Earned Income Strategies

This module introduces the fundamentals of developing earned income strategies for nonprofits, focusing on aligning business ventures with mission, assessing organizational readiness, and navigating the unique funding landscape. Learners will explore the critical skills, leadership qualities, and financial planning required to launch and sustain a successful social enterprise.