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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance by University at Buffalo

4.4
stars
210 ratings

About the Course

This course introduces you to the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizations, and the concepts of leadership and governance. While this course has been developed with North American culture in mind, we do appreciate that in other parts of the world the nature of the nonprofit sector, nonprofit organizations, nonprofit leadership and governance may not be the same. Nevertheless, it is our hope that much of the course content will still be of value to those in other parts of the world. To learn more about this course, please watch the overview video by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://goo.gl/YMg1Qd. Keywords: Nonprofit; Nonprofit Sector; Voluntary Sector; Nonprofit Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Volunteer Organizations, Leadership, Management, Governance, Board, Board of Directors, Performance, Effectiveness Course 1 Overview: Week 1: Some of the questions you will explore this week are: What is the nonprofit sector and why does it exist? What are the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations? What are the trends and emerging issues facing organizations in the nonprofit sector? Week 2: Questions to be explored this week are: What is leadership at the governance level and how is it different from management? What is good governance and why does it matter? What is a board of directors? Week 3: This week's questions: What roles do board members play in nonprofit organizations? Broadly speaking, what are boards responsible for and how do they go about their work? What are some of the issues that challenge the board's ability to go its work? Week 4: At this stage, you are asked to review the course content, submit a written assignment (known lightheartedly as a BEAR (Board Effectiveness Readiness Assessment), and take two multiple choice Readiness Assurance Tests (known similarly as RATs). One RAT will assess knowledge and reading comprehension and the other will test application of knowledge within a practical case. Week 5: We will encourage you to discuss the RATs in the discussion forums and take them again should you wish to change any of your answers based on the information exchanged....

Top reviews

MH

Aug 20, 2016

This is a really nice course! I am fortunate to be part of it!

LC

Nov 20, 2016

Teacher was organised and coherent, lectures was clearly planned. Students however didn't seem particularly engaged with wide variance in understanding.

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26 - 50 of 63 Reviews for Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance

By Catalina V

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Dec 29, 2015

Very thorough and practical. Great insights into the governance and leadership required in the nonprofit sector.

By Gari E

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Sep 29, 2020

The course was very helpful. The resources, lectures, interviews and discussions were more than adequate.

By Krista D B

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Oct 28, 2020

I really learned a lot, and I have already applied what I learned to the boards I am currently on.

By Alaa K

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Oct 16, 2025

دورة رائعة مليئة بالمعلومات المهمة والتجارب الشخصية الواقعية التي تعطي بعداً وأفاقاً للتفكير

By S M

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Dec 4, 2021

Very relevant and engaging coursework, helped me improve my management skills

By Fi

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Apr 18, 2016

(Free version) This course has a wealth of information and resources

By Robyn B

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Dec 17, 2019

A great overview that will serve well in my role as board member

By Sergio C A

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Jun 18, 2023

A great introduction, lots of readings, an excelent course!!!

By Gassim K

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Dec 4, 2016

it is very beneficial courses i will do hard to get benefits

By Fjord

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Apr 29, 2016

Well thought through course with strong methods and tools

By Danielle G

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Jun 2, 2022

Well conceived. Excellent choices in reading material.

By Hancco C k I

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Apr 12, 2025

Es un curso genuino y de mucho aprendizaje

By Tshegohatso C

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Aug 11, 2021

Insightful! I've learnt alot, thank you!

By Jeffrey K

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Sep 29, 2016

Great start of this specialization

By Mary E S

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Apr 12, 2023

I don't need the class now.

By Harris C

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Feb 18, 2016

very useful and practical

By Christopher W

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Jan 9, 2023

An excellent overview!

By R. H G

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Jul 8, 2025

Excellent this course

By Aishwarya P M

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Apr 1, 2021

A great course indeed

By Dr. C F

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Jun 15, 2016

Outstanding course

By Chepkoech F K

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Jul 13, 2023

I learnt so much

By Mario G

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Nov 22, 2017

Excellent course

By D.Annie C

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Sep 27, 2020

Awesome 😊

By Luiz M

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Apr 27, 2016

Excellent!

By Denissa F B G

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Jun 3, 2025

Este curso me ha dado una visión clara y práctica del funcionamiento de las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro. Aprendí sobre los distintos tipos de entidades, su rol en la sociedad y cómo son reguladas. También comprendí la importancia de una buena gobernanza y del liderazgo efectivo en la junta directiva. Me ayudó a reconocer los desafíos que enfrentan estas organizaciones y cómo abordarlos. En general, el curso fortaleció mi interés y compromiso con el trabajo social y comunitario.