Nonprofit and Voluntary Action: Certificate

The nonprofit and voluntary action graduate certificate provides students with an understanding of management in nonprofit, civil society and nongovernmental organizations (NGO). The 12-credit program provides useful knowledge and practical skill building for students in any field who want to advance their careers in the nonprofit and/or public sector. 

The program covers a broad range of pertinent topics in nonprofit management, including governance and board relations, nonprofit resource development and fundraising, strategic management, accountability, grant writing and marketing, management of volunteers, and advocacy.

A student who earns the nonprofit and voluntary action graduate certificate will be able to:

• Understand the legal and operating environment of nonprofit organizations

• Navigate the governance structure of nonprofits and the challenges associated with managing within this structure and managing these organizations overall

• Develop a coherent business model for operating a nonprofit organization

• Understand how to access and manage financial and human resources for nonprofit organizations

• Understand how to communicate and market the services of a nonprofit organization

• Comprehend the dynamics of nonprofit organizations’ relationships with other elements and institutions in society, particularly how the nonprofit sector interacts with the public and private sectors

• Understand the principles associated with and the role of advocacy and lobbying by a nonprofit organization

• Collect, analyze and appropriately use information and data on nonprofit organizations.

Application Deadlines

University of Delaware Students

Current UD undergraduate and graduate students may apply anytime; applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Current UD undergraduate students can add the certificate program using the Graduate Certificate Enrollment Request Form for Current Undergraduate Students, which is also available on the Graduate College website. To count toward the graduate certificate, all courses must be taken at the 600-level rather than at the 400-level. 

External Applicants

• August 15 for fall admission

• January 15 for spring admission

Students enrolled in a graduate degree program who intend to pursue the Certificate Program should complete the Graduate Certificate Approval Form. The MPA program director must sign the form and then send it to the Graduate College for processing.