Nonprofit Professional Training

At UW-Parkside, we greatly value the continued service of nonprofit organizations in our local communities. We are here to support your training and growth as a nonprofit professional with quality and affordable development opportunities. Featuring workshops, certificate programs, and a bi-annual conference, view our offerings today!

Available Trainings

Fund Development
Nonprofit Fund Development Certificate
  • Type: In Person | UW-Parkside Campus
  • Start Date: 03/07/2025
  • End Date: 05/09/2025
  • Meeting Time(s): Fridays | See Individual Modules for Times
  • Cost: $1,099 until 2/7/25, then $1,249 for full certificate | $250 per module

Overview

Equip yourself with the knowledge, strategies, and skills to be a more effective fundraising professional. 

Developed by a team of successful and experienced fund development experts, this highly interactive certificate will advance your skills with coursework aligned with the competencies for the Certificate for Fundraising Executives (CFRE) exam. Give yourself the competitive advantage in all aspects of fund development, including financial planning, donor prospecting, ethics, and making a case through telling your story. 

Partial Scholarships are available until funds run out. See FAQ section for more information and to apply. 

Instructor(s)

Len Iaquinta

Len IaquintaLen is a career fundraiser of millions of dollars in major gifts, grants and periodic funds.  Recognized as a strategic thinker, he is passionate about improving the culture of philanthropy.  He augments the performance of not-for-profit organizations in fund development and public communication.  Len advises the Nonprofit Development Certificate Programs of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and teaches several six-hour modules.  He often presents regional and national workshops.  Len is a past two-term board member and a 20-year member of the Fundraising, Marketing and Communications APEX of the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities/COA. 

Rashidah Butler-Jackson

Rashidah Headshot

Hi, I‘m Rashidah. I am Certified in Nonprofit Management & Leadership with 15+ years of nonprofit experience.

I am the founder of RBJ Community Consulting (2018). I work to support nonprofits with strategic planning, sustainability, evaluation, facilitation, and project management. I’ve served 100+ clients in 5 different states. I am a Milwaukee, WI native and a proud Milwaukee Public Schools Alumna. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for my undergraduate and graduate education in journalism and nonprofit management.

I am a proud wife and mommy who loves to serve her community and connect with purposeful people. 

 

Ginny Finn

More Info Coming Soon!

Jennifer Charpentier

More Info Coming Soon! 

Objectives

Module 1: Building Blocks for Fundraising Success | Instructor: Len Iaquinta | 3/7/25 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Discover the essential elements of successful fundraising from a seasoned practictioner with over 50 years of experience. Gain invaluable insights into building a solid foundation for your organization's fundraising efforts. Learn from real-life stories of triumphs and setbacks, acquire expert tips on managing the pressures of the role effectively. This interactive session offers a chance to explore various career paths, delve into specialized areas of fundraising, and connect with like-minded professionals. 

Module 2: Crafting Your Narrative and Fundraising Appeal: Building a Compelling Case for Support | Instructor: Rashidah Butler-Jackson |  3/21/25 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

During this interactive module, participants will explore different strategies and best practices fund developers can use to effectively tell the story of their impact and outcomes of their work. Effective storytelling is essential to engaging donors, volunteers, staff and other supporters. Participants will walk away with a vision for the stories of their nonprofits and plans for how and why they want to tell them. 

Module 3: Strategic Fund Development: Ka-Ching! | Instructor: Len Iaquinta | 4/4/25 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Sound planning and clear writing are just the beginning. Develop an appropriate plan, communicate it effectively to your staff and key volunteers, and learn to evaluate its effectiveness. This sessions covers planning, benchmarking with other organizations, and using tools to track your progress. Understand your data, history and key indicators to strategically reach your demographic targets and achieve your financial goals. 

Module 4: Crafting a Winning and Effective Proposal | Instructor: Ginny Finn | 4/25/25 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 

Learn to collaborate effectively with foudations, corporations, and grant-making organizations while staying true to your mission. Understand grant restrictions and assess your readiness to comply. Discover strategies for engaging contacts and bypassing the "no unsolicited proposals accepted" rule. Learn how to incorporate the use of new technologies, such as AI and how to use these new tools ethically. Identify potential pitfalls of organization grants and how to interpret an organization's 990 and balance sheet to your advantage. Participate in an instructor-guided critique of proposals to enhance your grant writing skills. 

Module 5: Building a Culture of Philanthropy: Secrets of Stewardship, Development Ethics, and Policy | Instructor: Jennifer Charpentier | 5/9/25 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Increase donor retention by building a culture of philanthropy in your organization. Identify, enlist, and motivate volunteer leadership and staff for effective and ethical fund development. Learn how to secure long-lasting donor relationships by choosing the right donor managment tools and strategies. Understand the importance of developing sound policies, including the use of qualitative and quantitative data, that support ethical philanthropic funds managment. Group discussions will include trends in giving, generational change, and evolving attitudes towards philanthropy. 

FAQ

Is this program in person or online?

To complete the certificate you must complete all 5 modules. Each Module will be held on a Friday, from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm on UW-Parkside's campus. There will be an online component for readings and assignments, so access to the internet is required. Room location will be sent out 

Do I need to take all 5 modules to receive the certificate?

In order to receive the certificate, you need to complete all 5 modules. You can sign up for individual modules if you do not want the certificate but would like to obtain the information included in that module. 

Do you have any scholarships available?

We have limited funds available for partial scholarships. Partial scholarships will be awarded until funds are exhausted. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis for qualified applicants. Applicants will be notified before completing registration.  Apply for the scholarship here: Scholarship Application

 

 

Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Certificate in Nonprofit Management
  • Type: Online, Self-Paced
  • Start Date: Open Enrollment
  • End Date: 12 Months to Complete
  • Cost: $699
  • Credits: 4.4 IACET CEUs, 35 HRCI Credits, 44 SHRM PDCs, 23 CFRE Points
  • Includes: Certificate, Badge

Overview

This online certificate program introduces learners to key current management issues for nonprofit organizations. Fundraising, board and volunteer development, budgeting, reading financial statements, leadership, marketing, and setting strategic direction are all addressed, and video commentary on these crucial topics will give you insight into how nonprofit professionals apply key concepts in their own organizations.

(This course is powered by MindEdge) 

Objectives

Courses Included in this Certificate

  • Budgeting in a Nonprofit Organization
  • How to Read a Nonprofit Financial Statement
  • Leadership in a Nonprofit Organization
  • Nonprofit Board and Volunteer Development
  • Principles of Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Capital Campaigns
  • Introduction to Grant Writing
  • Introduction to Nonprofit Management
  • Social Media for Nonprofits
  • Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations


 

Reviews

"This was a wonderful learning experience, and it has really given me great insight on the non-profit budgeting process. I been working for a non-profit for over 5 years, and I am starting to move up in management. I know that budgeting management is going to propel me to the next stage of management, and I feel the content and exercises in this course have given me a great knowledge base. I feel more confident moving forward and am optimistic about my future career path." 

"Though I have worked with nonprofit budgets for several years, I knew that there were many gaps in my knowledge and understanding that could be filled. This class solidified many already-known concepts, provided clarity in others, and gave me new strategies to implement." 

FAQ

What can I expect during this training?

Each 3 to 5 hour, self-paced course offers an assortment of interactive exercises, videos, selected readings, case studies, and self-assessments that will engage you and help you practice effective decision making in a nonprofit setting. After completing all the courses, learners will engage in a simulation meant to test the concepts covered in the courseware. Some courses in this certificate award CFRE credits.

Features:

  • Mobile-friendly
  • Audio-enabled
  • Badge and credit-awarding
  • Real-world case studies
  • Fully accessible
  • Games & Flashcards
  • Expert-supported
  • Video content

 

What are the minimum technical requirements?
Software: 

  • Any modern Office suite: Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice
  • The latest Adobe Reader/Acrobat Reader ( free download available at https://get.adobe.com/reader/ )

Web Browser:

  • An updated version of one of the major modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled

Reliable internet connection:

  • Broadband cable or highspeed DSL is recommended for optimal experience.

Note: Some courses may have additional hardware and/or software requirements. Any additional requirements will be listed in the course description and course syllabus.

What is your refund policy?
You may request a refund up to 7 days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed.

How do I contact technical support?
To report technical issues please email us at support@mindedge.com, or use our contact form below.

What are badges?
We now issue Badges, an online standard to recognize and verify learning, for more than 100 courses and simulations offered here online.

Badges allow students and professionals to publicly share their skills, knowledge, and accomplishments online, which may help with future career and education opportunities. Learners can manage and share badges across the web from their Badgr. (You can set up a free Badgr at https://badgr.com/.)

Learners who successfully complete their course or simulation will earn Badges. They can share their credentials online through social media and display them on resumes and transcripts.

Project-Management-Ace-Credit-Bundle-ME-ACE-HCS
Project Management (ACE CREDIT®)
  • Type: Online, Self-Paced
  • Start Date: On Demand
  • Cost: $659
  • Credits: See FAQ Tab for details
  • Includes: “Ask the Expert” feature

Overview

This online course introduces learners to the basics of project management. Throughout six segments, learners will practice the foundational skills of project management, consider the ethics involved in leading a team, and explore similarities and contrasts between Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies. The self-paced course offers an assortment of interactive exercises, videos, selected readings, case studies, and self-assessments that engage students and provide opportunities to practice project management skills.

Objectives

Topics covered in the course:

  • Managing Real World Projects
  • Project Management Team Leadership
  • Ethics for Project Managers
  • Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers
  • Effectively Managing Project Stakeholders
  • Integrating Agile into a Waterfall Environment

Download the complete syllabus with learning outcomes here.

Courses Included in this Certificate

  • Managing Real World Projects
  • Ethics for Project Managers
  • Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers
  • Effectively Managing Project Stakeholders
  • Project Management Team Leadership
  • Integrating Agile Into a Waterfall Environment
  • Project Management Introduction Course (ACE CREDIT®)
  • Project Management Final Exam (ACE CREDIT®)

Reviews

All project managers should participate in this course. - Lucky C.

The course was very insightful and educative. Learnt a whole lot about project management. - Diana D.

I found the course very complete and very well explained. - Diego Armando R.

This was a great training to learn about PM tools, processes, and how to be a successful PM. I appreciated the whys behind which tools to use and when, why they are important, how to use them. I would recommend this training to someone who wants to improve their PM knowledge. - Breanna M.

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was engaging and easy to follow with interesting feedback from the professionals. I refreshed my past knowledge on ethics and learned some new things. Thank you. - Gordana A. 

FAQ

  • This course has been evaluated by The American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) with a recommendation of 3 credits, lower division, in project management or fundamentals of project management.

  • A student's grade in the course will be based on their performance on a final, cumulative exam. The final exam is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions. Students will have 2 hours to complete the exam. The exam is proctored. For more information, please see the syllabus.

  • If students do not earn a passing score of 70% on their first attempt, they will have the opportunity to take the exam 1 additional time (2 total attempts). Students must wait 24 hours between exam retakes. A passing score of 70% of above is required to request college credit for this certificate.

  • Estimated Time to Complete: 44 hours

  • Access Time: 730 days

  • Rating: 98%

 

CREDITS EARNED IN THIS COURSE INCLUDE: 

  • 4.1 IACET CEUs
  • 37 SHRM PDCs
  • 44 ATD CI Credits
  • 41 PMI PDUs
  • 16.5 Ways of Working PDUs
  • 18 Power Skills PDUs
  • 6.5 Business Acumen PDUs
  • 37 HRCI Credits
  • 3 ACE Credits

KEY FEATURES

  • Mobile-friendly
  • Audio-enabled
  • Badge and credit-awarding
  • Real-world case studies
  • Fully accessible
  • Expert-supported
  • Games & Flashcards
  • Video content
Image depicts two people writing on a document
Grant Writing Skills Suite
  • Type: Online, Self-Paced
  • Start Date: Open Enrollment
  • End Date: 6 Months Access
  • Cost: $259
  • Credits: 1.1 IACET CEUs, 5 HRCI Credits, 5 SHRM PDCs, 11 CFRE Points
  • Includes: Certificate

Overview

This two-course bundle offers the introductory through intermediate skills needed for those involved in gaining funding for any nonprofit organization's mission. Strategic grant writing aligns the needs of a nonprofit with funding sources, whether those sources are foundations, government agencies, corporations, or individuals. The first course in this bundle, Introduction to Grant Writing, offers a guide to the basics of grant writing. Advanced Grant Writing, the second course in this bundle, challenges learners to push those newly acquired grant writing skills to the next level, challenging learners to ask iterative questions in order to sharpen and refine each grant proposal and push it to the top of the pack. 

Objectives

Courses Included in this Certificate

  • Introduction to Grant Writing
  • Advanced Grant Writing 

Reviews

"The program was extremely easy to navigate and it was very much in depth, walking me through all processes of how to write a grant. I feel more confident when bidding on grants and having grant proposals for my agency."

"The course was very thorough and clearly presented. It was nice to have some ways to review the material, like the flashcards and question/answer game. It was also helpful to have a couple of questions at the end of each section to help in reviewing the material. The case studies at the end were wonderful - they provided some real-life, interactive practice in grant proposal writing and things that go hand in hand with grant proposal writing."

FAQ

What are the minimum technical requirements?
Software:

  • Any modern Office suite: Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice
  • The latest Adobe Reader/Acrobat Reader ( free download available at https://get.adobe.com/reader/ )

Web Browser:

  • An updated version of one of the major modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled
  • Reliable internet connection:
  • Broadband cable or highspeed DSL is recommended for optimal experience.

Note: Some courses may have additional hardware and/or software requirements. Any additional requirements will be listed in the course description and course syllabus.

What is your refund policy?
You may request a refund up to 7 days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed.

How do I contact technical support?
To report technical issues please email us at support@mindedge.com.

Image depicts two people shaking hands
Nonprofit Ethics and Compliance
  • Type: Online, Self-Paced
  • Start Date: Open Enrollment
  • End Date: 3 Months Access
  • Cost: $99
  • Credits: 5 PMI PDUs, 1.75 Power Skills PDUs, 3 Business Acumen PDUs, 0.25 Ways of Working PDUs, 0.5 IACET CEUs, 3 CFRE Points
  • Includes: Certificate

Overview

Because they rely on the public's trust, nonprofit organizations must adhere to the highest ethical standards; even a hint of impropriety could jeopardize a nonprofit's reputation, its fundraising, and eventually its mission. At the same time, nonprofits with 501 (c)(3) status must be scrupulous in their compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. This course provides a detailed introduction to nonprofit ethics and compliance, examining a range of topics including: mission and vision statements; governance policies; conflicts of interest; fundraising ethics; IRS compliance; state laws and regulations; and the role of the compliance officer. This self-paced course, filled with videos and interactive case studies, will help you understand one of the most important areas of nonprofit management.

Objectives

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain why nonprofit organizations are often held to higher ethical standards than for-profit corporations
  • Identify the key ethical issues that nonprofits need to address
  • Distinguish between mission, vision, and values statements
  • Discuss the key elements of an organizational ethics code
  • Articulate key ethical principles as they apply to nonprofit fundraising
  • Identify the four different types of conflict-of-interest
  • Name the steps in establishing a transparent executive compensation process
  • Explain the three duties that nonprofit board members must follow
  • Identify the key governance policies than nonprofits should adopt
  • Explain the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that apply to nonprofits
  • Explain why nonprofit organizations should adopt a social media policy
  • Name the major duties of a compliance officer
  • Identify the major IRS requirements for 501 (c) (3) organizations
  • List the major areas in which nonprofit organizations must comply with state laws
  • Name the major areas in which nonprofit organizations may need to comply with local laws
  • Explain the concept of "compliance with the community"

Reviews

"Good and thorough course. Well laid out, easy to follow, and appropriate for the topic/content. Really enjoyed the platform—good mix of interactive components, text descriptions, and video. Very nice course."

"I appreciated learning at my own pace and being given the opportunity to make multiple attempts to ingrain the information into my understanding."

"This was a very thought-provoking course. I really could see many of the concerns that I know happen every day. Thank you!"

FAQ

What are the minimum technical requirements?
Software:

  • Any modern Office suite: Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice
  • The latest Adobe Reader/Acrobat Reader ( free download available at https://get.adobe.com/reader/ )

Web Browser:

  • An updated version of one of the major modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled
  • Reliable internet connection:
  • Broadband cable or highspeed DSL is recommended for optimal experience.

Note: Some courses may have additional hardware and/or software requirements. Any additional requirements will be listed in the course description and course syllabus.

What is your refund policy?
You may request a refund up to 7 days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed.

How do I contact technical support?
To report technical issues please email us at support@mindedge.com.

Image depicts people working together over a desk
Principles of Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Type: Online, Self-Paced
  • Start Date: Open Enrollment
  • End Date: 3 Months Access
  • Cost: $79
  • Credits: 0.3 IACET CEUs, 3 HRCI Credits, 3 SHRM PDCs, 3 CFRE Points
  • Includes: Certificate

Overview

When we think of marketing, we typically think of the activities that a for-profit company engages in. However, marketing is an important function for nonprofit organizations as well. Effective marketing is how nonprofit organizations determine the needs of their clients and their donors. As in the for-profit world, nonprofit marketing includes advertising, promotion, public relations, and customer relationship management. This course examines how nonprofits use marketing to publicize their mission and to gather contributions of time and money. The course also discusses marketing planning in the nonprofit organization.

Objectives

Learning Outcomes

  • Define what marketing is within the nonprofit environment
  • Explain the service-intensive nature of nonprofit program activities
  • Explain how the marketing mix is expanded for service products (the Three Ps of Services Marketing)
  • Describe the importance of customer satisfaction and how expectations play a role in satisfaction with service products
  • Discuss the role of ethics in nonprofit marketing
  • Describe the importance of a nonprofit marketing plan
  • Describe how target markets can be identified for donors
  • Explain how new service products are developed by nonprofits

Reviews

"Thank you so much for offering this course. The information was clearly organized, and I appreciated the incorporation of video and case studies. The comprehension checks throughout were also helpful."

"This course was easy to navigate through and contained pertinent information. I enjoyed the mix of text and video and appreciated the downloads/links that can be printed and saved."

"The Principles of Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations was the perfect introductory content to provide the marketing strategy information, tools, and resources I was seeking. My organization is currently planning to build and develop a marketing plan but really didn't have anywhere to begin other than reaching out to firms. This course's content will help us understand the reasoning behind the strategy we develop and be able to work more productively with the marketing firm we decide to go with. What I learned here will come in handy far beyond our current work on marketing. Thank you!"

FAQ

What are the minimum technical requirements?
Software:

  • Any modern Office suite: Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice
  • The latest Adobe Reader/Acrobat Reader ( free download available at https://get.adobe.com/reader/ )

Web Browser:

  • An updated version of one of the major modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled
  • Reliable internet connection:
  • Broadband cable or highspeed DSL is recommended for optimal experience.

Note: Some courses may have additional hardware and/or software requirements. Any additional requirements will be listed in the course description and course syllabus.

What is your refund policy?
You may request a refund up to 7 days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed.

How do I contact technical support?
To report technical issues please email us at support@mindedge.com.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Check out our expanded catalog of online courses. 
 

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PROFESSIONAL AND
CONTINUING EDUCATION


Mon-Fri  |  8 am-4:30 pm 
262-595-3340

 

900 Wood Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53144 
Tallent Hall 202
Parking: Lot T

 

REQUEST INFO

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, program activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, contact Professioal and Continuing Education at least eight weeks in advance at: 262-595-3340 (V), 262-595-2513 (FAX), or email continuing.ed@uwp.edu.
 

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