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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.
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19 answers
Updated
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.
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.
- 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:
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
I love that you're thinking about this. Libraries are such an underrated gem! They're genuinely essential for so many people, especially folks who don't have access to things we might take for granted, like a computer to apply for jobs or a printer to fill out important forms. They're a real lifeline for a lot of communities.
Since you didn't specifically ask, I hope you don't mind me throwing this out there, but have you thought about volunteering? Especially since you just started your first job and are probably juggling a lot right now, it can be a really low-pressure way to start exploring what matters to you. It's a great way to pick up new skills, meet interesting people, and learn things you'd never come across in your day-to-day work.
You could absolutely volunteer at a library, which would be a natural fit! But it might also be worth looking into other organizations in your area that support the community, like food banks, housing services, or social service agencies. Getting a feel for how all these different services connect and work together is honestly eye-opening, and it could really help you figure out where your passion lies.
Since you didn't specifically ask, I hope you don't mind me throwing this out there, but have you thought about volunteering? Especially since you just started your first job and are probably juggling a lot right now, it can be a really low-pressure way to start exploring what matters to you. It's a great way to pick up new skills, meet interesting people, and learn things you'd never come across in your day-to-day work.
You could absolutely volunteer at a library, which would be a natural fit! But it might also be worth looking into other organizations in your area that support the community, like food banks, housing services, or social service agencies. Getting a feel for how all these different services connect and work together is honestly eye-opening, and it could really help you figure out where your passion lies.
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Kamaria, great question. If you do an MBA, there are often courses in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that could be really helpful and serve as a great introductory course to the land of nonprofits and work they do. I think also looking into courses that would be a focus of the potential nonprofit you want to start would be a great idea (i.e., if you were interested in starting a nonprofit focused on climate change, would be good to take some classes on sustainability and the environment). Some of the foundational business courses you would take for your MBA will also be highly relevant, since when running a nonprofit you still need to apply for tax-exempt status, manage compliance, define business plan, file articles of incorporation/obtain an EIN, etc. There are also programs outside of the university you attend that could be helpful such as the National Council of Nonprofits, Candid, and other resources in your direct region that have webinars and programs to follow as you consider starting you own organization. A great way to learn the inner workings of a nonprofit is to be actively involved in one as well, where you might be able to see firsthand interactions with the Board, staff identification and overall operations. Good luck and hope all goes smoothly for you!
Updated
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.
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
I’d look into the association of fundraising professionals to look into, a podcast by Julia Campbell called Nonprofit Nation, and opportunities to volunteer with a local nonprofit that you’re interested in!
Updated
Rod’s Answer
I'd recommend doing two things:
1. Find a local nonprofit you're personally interested in and offer to help/volunteer. Specify your desire to eventually run your own nonprofit to try to get assigned work related to running a nonprofit. I'd also recommend supporting grants or fundraising, as this is how nonprofits stay in business.
2. Get more real world experience. Generally, large nonprofits will have more specialized functions (e.g., dedicated marketers, finance, etc.), while smaller nonprofits will be more of a jack-of-all-trades situation where you'll have to do a bit of everything or learn it on the job. This will help you understand the type of nonprofit you want to work for or build, and it'll also give you a great understanding of the business side of nonprofits.
1. Find a local nonprofit you're personally interested in and offer to help/volunteer. Specify your desire to eventually run your own nonprofit to try to get assigned work related to running a nonprofit. I'd also recommend supporting grants or fundraising, as this is how nonprofits stay in business.
2. Get more real world experience. Generally, large nonprofits will have more specialized functions (e.g., dedicated marketers, finance, etc.), while smaller nonprofits will be more of a jack-of-all-trades situation where you'll have to do a bit of everything or learn it on the job. This will help you understand the type of nonprofit you want to work for or build, and it'll also give you a great understanding of the business side of nonprofits.
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Since you’re just beginning your career, you’re in a great position to intentionally build both your education and your experience. Pursuing your MLIS is an excellent foundation. An MBA would also be very beneficial.
If your long-term goal is to start or lead a nonprofit, don’t overlook business education. While nonprofits have unique legal and governance structures, they’re still organizations that must be strategically led, financially sustainable, and well-managed. Business courses in strategic planning, finance, marketing, organizational leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit management will all serve you well.
At the same time, volunteer with organizations whose missions inspire you. You’ll gain firsthand experience in board governance, community engagement, fundraising, volunteer management, and program operations. That practical experience is invaluable. This also helps shape your “service story” for your own marketing in the future.
One resource I’d highly recommend is SCORE. When I started my nonprofit, I was paired with a SCORE mentor who checked in with me regularly, provided practical advice, and helped me navigate challenges as I built the organization. The mentoring is completely free, and if you’re in metro Atlanta, there are local SCORE chapters with experienced mentors and workshops. It’s one of the best resources available for aspiring nonprofit founders.
If your long-term goal is to start or lead a nonprofit, don’t overlook business education. While nonprofits have unique legal and governance structures, they’re still organizations that must be strategically led, financially sustainable, and well-managed. Business courses in strategic planning, finance, marketing, organizational leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit management will all serve you well.
At the same time, volunteer with organizations whose missions inspire you. You’ll gain firsthand experience in board governance, community engagement, fundraising, volunteer management, and program operations. That practical experience is invaluable. This also helps shape your “service story” for your own marketing in the future.
One resource I’d highly recommend is SCORE. When I started my nonprofit, I was paired with a SCORE mentor who checked in with me regularly, provided practical advice, and helped me navigate challenges as I built the organization. The mentoring is completely free, and if you’re in metro Atlanta, there are local SCORE chapters with experienced mentors and workshops. It’s one of the best resources available for aspiring nonprofit founders.
Updated
Cedric’s Answer
Three part answer to your question:
1) There are a few MBA programs out there that offer a concentration/specialization in non profit/NGOs. I think a simple google search is a good first step that can help identify those colleges and programs.
2) Have you though about MPA program? I ask this because in my collegiate career I used to volunteer a lot and in my early professional career, I had the opportunity to serve on a non-profit board – in both instances, a lot of folks who were career professionals in the non-profit world had an MPA as an advanced degree and I see that, it is a very common path as opposed to an MBA. Most College MBA/MPA programs have virtual info sessions available to ask questions. Try joining one of the virtual sessions(s) of the college that might have a program you think you might be interested in and ask this very question you posted here to them. Be sure to capture their perspective on MBA vs MPA based on your interest.
3) Lastly, an excellent way to start getting you feet wet may be to utilize the VolunteerMatch; I think its now called Idealist. I used this in my college career and early in my professional career to get involved locally. I also recommend looking up your local municipality/city’s website for volunteer opportunities. They often have commissions/boards open to the public. Great way to explore a civil service career as well.
Best Wishes! 🙌🏽
1) There are a few MBA programs out there that offer a concentration/specialization in non profit/NGOs. I think a simple google search is a good first step that can help identify those colleges and programs.
2) Have you though about MPA program? I ask this because in my collegiate career I used to volunteer a lot and in my early professional career, I had the opportunity to serve on a non-profit board – in both instances, a lot of folks who were career professionals in the non-profit world had an MPA as an advanced degree and I see that, it is a very common path as opposed to an MBA. Most College MBA/MPA programs have virtual info sessions available to ask questions. Try joining one of the virtual sessions(s) of the college that might have a program you think you might be interested in and ask this very question you posted here to them. Be sure to capture their perspective on MBA vs MPA based on your interest.
3) Lastly, an excellent way to start getting you feet wet may be to utilize the VolunteerMatch; I think its now called Idealist. I used this in my college career and early in my professional career to get involved locally. I also recommend looking up your local municipality/city’s website for volunteer opportunities. They often have commissions/boards open to the public. Great way to explore a civil service career as well.
Best Wishes! 🙌🏽
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi. As many have mentioned so far, highly recommend volunteering at a local nonprofit org that sparks your interest. It will give you good first hand experience in the dynamics of how nonprofits are managed and organized. You could also try to get a board position on a non-profit once you have sufficient time, talent and treasure to offer. Many non-profits do not require a specific degree in non-profit management. Instead, working at a non-profit requires passion, energy and accepting that you likely won't earn as much financially, but there are plenty of non-financial rewards.
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
Hello - I think the best next step is to try getting involved with the local library and/or non-profit organizations in your community to get real world experience. Non-profit leaders come from diverse backgrounds and have various degrees. Have fun and best of luck!
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Kamaria, I took Library Science courses in college a while ago. With technology and AI growing fast, I suggest combining Library Science with Information Technology. This will help you stay updated with new tech, as many books will soon have electronic versions. Good luck!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Try volunteering! I started out shelving books at a library as a volunteer and eventually got a paid job there. I met great people and learned a lot of interesting things. Even though it wasn't my career path, it was still a valuable experience. Volunteering can also help you figure out what you really want to do.
Updated
Rene’s Answer
The best way to explore options is to work with a successful company or person doing what you want to do.
Updated
Akhilesh’s Answer
Hi,
Once you decide, it's a great idea to start working for one. At the same time, explore courses on Udemy and Coursera.
Once you decide, it's a great idea to start working for one. At the same time, explore courses on Udemy and Coursera.
Updated
Jean Noel’s Answer
Hi - Since you are charting a long-term path and already have a clear vision centered on community engagement and an MLIS, you are actually in a prime position. You do not need a traditional MBA to lead or launch a nonprofit—in fact, standard MBAs often focus heavily on shareholder value, corporate finance, and profit optimization, which don't map directly to mission-driven organizations.
Here is how to strategically build your foundation in nonprofit management from scratch, starting with your upcoming MLIS and moving into specialized coursework later.
---
## Phase 1: Leverage Your MLIS First
Many MLIS programs offer electives and concentrations directly aligned with organizational leadership, grant writing, and community partnerships.
* **Library Administration & Leadership:** Teaches budget allocation, board relations, personnel management, and strategic planning in a public context.
* **Grant Writing & Fundraising:** Essential for both public libraries and nonprofits.
* **Community Advocacy & Informatics:** Focuses on community needs assessments and building external partnerships.
> **Pro-Tip:** Look for MLIS programs that allow dual-degree options or electives outside the department (e.g., taking 1–2 classes in a Master of Public Administration or Master of Nonprofit Management program).
---
## Phase 2: Core Nonprofit Courses (Post-MLIS)
When you are ready to take dedicated nonprofit coursework—whether through targeted graduate certificates, executive education, or standalone university classes—skip general business courses and prioritize these subject areas:
```
1. Organizational Governance & Board Development
2. Nonprofit Financial Management & Fund Accounting
3. Strategic Resource Development & Grant Writing
4. Program Evaluation & Social Impact Assessment
```
### 1. Governance, Law & Board Relations
* **What you learn:** How 501(c)(3) entities operate legally, tax exemption compliance, fiduciary duties, and how to build, manage, and engage a Board of Directors.
* **Why it matters:** Unlike for-profit companies managed by shareholders, nonprofits live and die by their governance structure and board dynamics.
### 2. Nonprofit Financial Management & Accounting
* **What you learn:** Fund accounting (restricted vs. unrestricted funds), cash flow forecasting, 990 tax forms, and budget creation.
* **Why it matters:** Standard corporate accounting (focused on balance sheets and profit) differs significantly from non-profit accounting, which centers on compliance, donor intent, and program-to-overhead ratios.
### 3. Development, Philanthropy & Grant Writing
* **What you learn:** Major donor cultivation, capital campaigns, grant proposal writing, annual giving, and donor management software (CRM) systems.
* **Why it matters:** Revenue generation in a nonprofit requires diversified funding streams rather than product sales.
### 4. Program Evaluation & Impact Measurement
* **What you learn:** Logic models, key performance indicators (KPIs), quantitative/qualitative assessment, and reporting outcomes to stakeholders.
* **Why it matters:** Modern donors and grantmakers demand proof of measurable social impact before funding projects.
---
## Alternatives to an MBA
Instead of a full MBA, consider these pathways tailored specifically to mission-driven work:
| Educational Path | Format | Best Used For |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management** | 3–5 courses (often online) | Targeted credential without repeating general degree requirements. |
| **Master of Nonprofit Leadership / Administration (MNL/MNA)** | Standalone Master's degree | Deep, sector-specific leadership if you decide to jump straight into executive roles. |
| **Executive Continuing Education** | Short programs (e.g., Harvard Kennedy, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy) | Intensive, professional professional-development certificates taken while working full-time. |
---
## Low-Stakes Steps You Can Take Right Now
Since you just started your full-time role and have time on your side:
1. **Join a Nonprofit Board or Committee:** Look for local grassroots nonprofits or library friends groups seeking volunteer board members or committee participants. Seeing board meetings from the inside is the fastest way to learn governance.
2. **Explore Free Professional Frameworks:** Read through free resources from **BoardSource** (the gold standard for nonprofit board governance) and the **National Council of Nonprofits**.
3. **Shadow Library Directors:** In your library network, ask directors or managers if you can shadow budget meetings or grant planning sessions to see how administrative work operates day-to-day.
Here is how to strategically build your foundation in nonprofit management from scratch, starting with your upcoming MLIS and moving into specialized coursework later.
---
## Phase 1: Leverage Your MLIS First
Many MLIS programs offer electives and concentrations directly aligned with organizational leadership, grant writing, and community partnerships.
* **Library Administration & Leadership:** Teaches budget allocation, board relations, personnel management, and strategic planning in a public context.
* **Grant Writing & Fundraising:** Essential for both public libraries and nonprofits.
* **Community Advocacy & Informatics:** Focuses on community needs assessments and building external partnerships.
> **Pro-Tip:** Look for MLIS programs that allow dual-degree options or electives outside the department (e.g., taking 1–2 classes in a Master of Public Administration or Master of Nonprofit Management program).
---
## Phase 2: Core Nonprofit Courses (Post-MLIS)
When you are ready to take dedicated nonprofit coursework—whether through targeted graduate certificates, executive education, or standalone university classes—skip general business courses and prioritize these subject areas:
```
1. Organizational Governance & Board Development
2. Nonprofit Financial Management & Fund Accounting
3. Strategic Resource Development & Grant Writing
4. Program Evaluation & Social Impact Assessment
```
### 1. Governance, Law & Board Relations
* **What you learn:** How 501(c)(3) entities operate legally, tax exemption compliance, fiduciary duties, and how to build, manage, and engage a Board of Directors.
* **Why it matters:** Unlike for-profit companies managed by shareholders, nonprofits live and die by their governance structure and board dynamics.
### 2. Nonprofit Financial Management & Accounting
* **What you learn:** Fund accounting (restricted vs. unrestricted funds), cash flow forecasting, 990 tax forms, and budget creation.
* **Why it matters:** Standard corporate accounting (focused on balance sheets and profit) differs significantly from non-profit accounting, which centers on compliance, donor intent, and program-to-overhead ratios.
### 3. Development, Philanthropy & Grant Writing
* **What you learn:** Major donor cultivation, capital campaigns, grant proposal writing, annual giving, and donor management software (CRM) systems.
* **Why it matters:** Revenue generation in a nonprofit requires diversified funding streams rather than product sales.
### 4. Program Evaluation & Impact Measurement
* **What you learn:** Logic models, key performance indicators (KPIs), quantitative/qualitative assessment, and reporting outcomes to stakeholders.
* **Why it matters:** Modern donors and grantmakers demand proof of measurable social impact before funding projects.
---
## Alternatives to an MBA
Instead of a full MBA, consider these pathways tailored specifically to mission-driven work:
| Educational Path | Format | Best Used For |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management** | 3–5 courses (often online) | Targeted credential without repeating general degree requirements. |
| **Master of Nonprofit Leadership / Administration (MNL/MNA)** | Standalone Master's degree | Deep, sector-specific leadership if you decide to jump straight into executive roles. |
| **Executive Continuing Education** | Short programs (e.g., Harvard Kennedy, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy) | Intensive, professional professional-development certificates taken while working full-time. |
---
## Low-Stakes Steps You Can Take Right Now
Since you just started your full-time role and have time on your side:
1. **Join a Nonprofit Board or Committee:** Look for local grassroots nonprofits or library friends groups seeking volunteer board members or committee participants. Seeing board meetings from the inside is the fastest way to learn governance.
2. **Explore Free Professional Frameworks:** Read through free resources from **BoardSource** (the gold standard for nonprofit board governance) and the **National Council of Nonprofits**.
3. **Shadow Library Directors:** In your library network, ask directors or managers if you can shadow budget meetings or grant planning sessions to see how administrative work operates day-to-day.
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Testing this response
Updated
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 -
Updated
Viraj’s Answer
Choosing a career focused on libraries and community involvement is a great idea. I worked in a library for several years, and it took me a while to see how much libraries do for their communities. They offer more than just books; they also host events, run programs, and provide support services. This experience is a strong foundation for exploring nonprofit work. To learn about managing nonprofits, stay involved in community spaces like libraries. You can observe how events are organized, take part in them, and volunteer to gain hands-on experience.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1240
Answers
Updated
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
https://www.librariancertification.com/alternative-career-paths-utilizing-library-science-skills/
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: