NGO Education Survey

Other electives may be taken in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Sprott Faculty of Business or other units with approval of the PNL Graduate Supervisor (and prerequisites as needed).

PANL 5001 [0.5 credit] – Foundations of Philanthropy

The motivations, values and ethics, and history of philanthropy, and a critical examination of its role in relation to government, business and society. Trends and emerging challenges in philanthropy and voluntary action over time and in different cultures and regions.

PANL 5002 [0.5 credit] – Policy and Legal Environment

The legal, tax and regulatory context in which philanthropy, charities and nonprofits operate; the processes of policy formation and means of participating in them.

PANL 5003 [0.5 credit] – Finances for Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector

Revenue source development, business planning, financial management and accountability covering a range of financing options.

PANL 5004 [0.5 credit] – Governance and Leadership

Theories of leadership, ethical decision making, and the function of governance, boards and strategic planning in directing effective sustainable organizations, building external relationships and managing multiple accountabilities.

PANL 5005 [0.5 credit] – Organizational Development

Theories and application of organizational development for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations; human resource management for staff and volunteers, control systems, and project and risk management.

PANL 5006 [0.5 credit] – Research Methods

Understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods with application to philanthropy and nonprofit research. Topics may include research design, techniques for collecting and managing evidence, an introduction to qualitative and statistical analysis and communication of results. Precludes additional credit for PADM 5113 or 5114.

PANL 5007 [0.5 credit] – Policy and Program Evaluation

Selected concepts, issues and processes in applied planning and evaluation, utilizing both Canadian and comparative experiences. (Also listed as PADM 5420)

PANL 5008 [0.5 credit] – Capstone Project

Prerequisite: completion of six of the core courses is required before undertaking the capstone. Undertaken during the (second) fall term, a team of students will be assigned to work with a community partner (a philanthropic or nonprofit organization, social enterprise, government department or corporation that works with this sector) on an issue of relevance to the organization or sector as a whole, under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. It culminates in a 50-page (or equivalent) analytical paper, and the team is expected to present their research findings to the host. In the winter term, the PNL Administrator will contact students to arrange teams and community partners, arrange learning agreements and begin the ethics review application process (if needed).

PANL 5009 The Professional Development Practicum (PDP)

PANL 5009, an elective, is a one term placement with a community partner involving approximately 7-10 hours a week during the fall or winter terms. It gives students an opportunity to gain professional experience in the nonprofit/philanthropic sector by working closely with a host community partner on a project that is of value to the host and a learning experience for the student. It culminates in a 15-20 page analytical paper (or equivalent) to be assessed by the PNL Graduate Supervisor, and assigned a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade. Please contact the PNL Graduate Administrator early in the term before you wish to undertake a placement to identify a suitable placement and arrange a learning agreement with the host.

PANL 5301 [0.5 credit] – Planning and Management of Integrated Fundraising

Strategic and tactical management, oversight and ethical considerations of a diversity of fundraising methods; donor relationships; planning and managing major, integrated campaigns.

PANL 5302 [0.5 credit] – Responsible and Impact Investing

The financial instruments, organizational implications and measurement of program-related and other investments that lever economic, social and environmental value by organizations in or straddling the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

PANL 5303 [0.5 credit] – Social Media, Communications and Marketing

The use of social media and other information technologies for brand building, marketing, fundraising, and social/political activism. An overview of marketing and communications theory, principles and techniques, and their application in philanthropic, nonprofit, and social entrepreneurial environments.

PANL 5304 [0.5 credit] – Strategic Grantmaking

Alternative approaches to effective grantmaking and funding practices, including managing the associated accountabilities for both grantmaking bodies and recipient organizations.

PANL 5305 [0.5 credit] – Globalization of Philanthropy

Understanding global civil society and the effects that globalization has on giving and organizing. The legal, regulatory and cultural considerations for philanthropy, volunteerism, and civil society organizations that work transnationally.

PANL 5372 [0.5 credit] – Special Topics in Philanthropy

One or more specialized aspects of philanthropy. The topics will change each year.

PANL 5701 [0.5 credit] – Social Innovation

The processes, business models and leadership of ‘social innovation’ – system changing approaches to dealing with social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges. Use of case studies and prototypes to test assumptions and alternatives.

PANL 5702 [0.5 credit] – Social Entrepreneurship

The theory, leadership and management of social entrepreneurship, from evaluating the opportunity through implementation. Includes assessment of startup strategies, raising funds, assessing risks, legal aspects, marketing ideas, managing resources and growth, and creation of socially responsible models.

PANL 5703 [0.5 credit] – Public Policy Advocacy

Examination of how nonprofit organizations and voluntary action can affect social change and influence public policy processes in both national and international contexts. Practical development of advocacy and public education strategies.

PANL 5704 [0.5 credit] – International Civil Society Organizations

Understanding the role of international non-governmental organizations in a global civil society, and how they strategically plan and manage key functions including regime creation, humanitarian and development assistance and internal governance and operations.