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What's the best way to get started in learning about nonprofit management ?

I have a strong interest in becoming a librarian, and I especially love the community engagement aspect of the job, so my main goal right now is to pursue a Master's in Library and Information Science. However, I've been thinking a lot about my career plans for the distant future, and I think I would be interested in starting a nonprofit at some point. I've been casually browsing MBA programs, but it doesn't seem like many offer a specific concentration in the nonprofit sector. So, what kinds of courses should I look for after completing foundational courses, as someone who has never taken business classes?
As I said, this is for the far future. I just started my first full-time job a few weeks ago, so I'm in no rush. I'm just charting the course a bit.

business business-management business-administration future-careers nonprofits mba non-profit librarian library-science nonprofit-management
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Vianne’s Answer

Since you're just starting out in your career, there's no need to rush into an MBA. Many leaders in nonprofits have diverse educational backgrounds. It's a good idea to first gain experience by working with community organizations, libraries, or local nonprofits to build practical skills. If you decide to pursue formal education later, consider courses in nonprofit management, organizational leadership, fundraising, budgeting, marketing, grant writing, public administration, and project management. Public administration programs (MPA) might be a better fit than traditional MBAs because they often focus more on nonprofits and community service. One of the best ways to learn about nonprofit management is by volunteering with organizations you admire. This way, you can see how they operate, understand what makes programs successful, learn about funding challenges, and observe how leadership affects the community.
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Katrina’s Answer

Searching for "Nonprofit management instruction" will show you several degree programs:

- NonprofitReady: Offers over 600 free courses on grant writing, fundraising, and leadership.
- Kellogg Executive Education: Provides a fully-funded Nonprofit Management Essentials program from Northwestern University for new leaders.
- University of Illinois Chicago: Offers a 12-course online certificate in Nonprofit Management. Completing three courses earns a specialized certificate.
- University of Texas: Features a self-paced, 12-module online program with interactive exercises and insights from experienced leaders.

Check out the National Council of Nonprofits for more resources on board roles and legal compliance.

Nonprofits come in many forms, such as associations, human services, environmental groups, grassroots, faith-based, fundraising organizations, and large national groups.

Consider these questions:
1. Why are you interested in nonprofits?
2. What causes or missions motivate you?
3. Do you prefer hands-on work or administrative tasks?
4. Who do you want to help?
5. Do you like fundraising, marketing, event planning, managing people, or writing grants?
6. Are you comfortable asking for donations?
7. Are you good at networking and building relationships?
8. Can you work evenings and weekends?
9. Are you persuasive?
10. Can you recruit people effectively?
11. Are you okay with a lower salary?

Start by volunteering with a nonprofit to learn how they operate, what roles exist, and how they fundraise. Conduct informational interviews with leaders in the field to ensure this is the right path before pursuing further education.

Katrina recommends the following next steps:

Find a cause you're passionate about.
Volunteer at a nonprofit organization.
Interview leaders and employees of nonprofit organizations.
Take some free courses from nonprofitready.org to see if you like the subject matter.
Research certificate programs and master's degree program.
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Marty’s Answer

The simple answer is that you can get a degree in Library Science - you'll need that for profit and non-profit applications. I started my career in a technical library, and highly recommend librarian positions if you like learning and helping others learn. Best of luck -
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Kamaria,

You'll find an overview of non-profit focused programs in Georgia here:

https://www.gsae.org/assets/docs/Georgia_Nonprofit_Degrees_and_AH_MERGED.pdf

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.librariancertification.com/alternative-career-paths-utilizing-library-science-skills/
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