Course Overview
This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to foster inclusive work environments, with a particular focus on nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Participants will explore the importance of EDI, theoretical frameworks for understanding diversity, strategies for creating inclusive organizational cultures, and methods for assessing and evaluating EDI initiatives.
Course Details
Format: This course is delivered online in an asynchronous format, allowing participants to learn and complete coursework at their own pace.
Duration: 4 weeks
Course Date Options:
- November 2 - November 28, 2026
- March 1 - March 28, 2027
- June 1 - June 28, 2027
Weekly Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week
Cost: $375
- Course materials are provided online. Printed course materials are also available for an additional $99 per course.
Available Discounts
- Current Trent University Undergraduate students qualify for a 40% discount. Contact microcredential@trentu.ca for details.
- Trent University alumni receive a 10% discount. Contact alumni@trentu.ca for details.
Only one discount may be applied per registration.
Credential Earned: Digital Badge
Course Instructor: Carey McMaster, Capacity Building Specialist
Part of a Larger Credential
This micro-credential is one of nine courses that make up the Nonprofit Management Essentials Milestone-Badge. Complete all nine courses to earn the Milestone-Badge and develop well-rounded expertise in nonprofit leadership and management.
Interested in pursuing the full program? Learn more about the Milestone-Badge and its nine-course pathway, or register for the full program.
Registration
Ready to register?
Note for Trent University Staff
Permanent OPSEU employees at Trent University are now eligible for tuition waivers for Trent University micro-credential courses. Please do not register or pay through this page. Visit Support → Human Resources / Payroll / Waivers → Micro-Credential - Staff for waiver and registration instructions.
Funding Opportunities
Participants may be eligible for financial assistance through OSAP or the Ontario Job Grant, which provides funding support for employers investing in employee training.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, including their relevance, key concepts, and ethical imperatives within organizational contexts.
- Explore theoretical frameworks for understanding EDI, including social justice theories, intersectionality, and cultural competence models.
- Develop strategies for creating inclusive organizational cultures that promote equity, respect diversity, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Apply methods for assessing and evaluating EDI Initiatives to measure impact, identify areas for improvement, and support continuous learning and development.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
- Definitions and concepts of EDI
- Importance of EDI in organizational effectiveness and social impact
- Legal and ethical considerations in promoting EDI
Lesson 2: Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding EDI
- Social justice theories (e.g., distributive justice, procedural justice)
- Intersectionality and its implications for understanding diversity
- Cultural competence models and their application in organizational settings
Lesson 3: Creating Inclusive Organizational Cultures
- Strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in NPOs
- Building cultural competence among staff and volunteers
- Addressing unconscious bias and promoting equitable practices
Lesson 4: Assessing and Evaluating EDI Initiatives
- Key indicators and metrics for measuring EDI progress
- Methods for collecting and analyzing EDI data
- Using evaluation findings to inform organizational strategies and policies
View the full course curriculum.
Assessment Requirements
This course is graded on a Complete/Incomplete basis. To earn the micro-credential, participants must successfully complete:
- Active participation in online discussions
- Lesson-based assessments, such as quizzes, reflections, or case studies
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites are required. Familiarity with basic business principles and not-for-profit organizations is helpful but not necessary.
Tax Receipt Information
Students may be eligible to receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate if their micro-credential meets Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a qualifying educational program that provides at least 12 hours of instruction within a calendar month.
- Pay a minimum course fee of $150.
- Not receive a grant, reimbursement, benefit, or allowance for the program from an arm’s length party that would make the program ineligible under CRA guidelines.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a verified digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and professional profiles.