Course Overview
Board Governance Essentials for Nonprofits is a specialized course that equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and govern nonprofit organizations (NPOs). The course explores the fundamentals of board governance, strategies for building strong organizational foundations, effective risk management practices, and board succession planning.
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
Start Date:
- May 1, 2027
- October 1, 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
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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:
- Develop an understanding of board governance principles, roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations within nonprofit organizations (NPOs).
- Explore strategies for building strong foundations through effective board structure, composition, recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development.
- Implement effective risk management practices to safeguard organizational assets, reputation, and mission.
- Develop board succession planning strategies to ensure continuity of leadership and sustainability of organizational impact.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Understanding Board Governance
- Roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards
- Legal and fiduciary duties
- Governance models and best practices
Lesson 2: Building Strong Foundations: Board Structure and Development Strategies
- Board composition and diversity
- Recruitment, orientation, and training of board members
- Evaluating board performance and continuous improvement
Lesson 3: Effective Risk Management
- Identifying and assessing organizational risks
- Developing risk management policies and procedures
- Crisis management and mitigation strategies
Lesson 4: Board Succession Planning Strategies
- Importance of succession planning for board leadership
- Developing a succession plan and leadership pipeline
- Transition management and knowledge transfer
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.