Foundations of Financial Administration for Nonprofits is a comprehensive course designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed for effective financial management within organizations. Through a series of interactive modules, participants will learn how to establish robust record-keeping systems, develop efficient financial management systems, understand accounting standards specific to not-for-profit organizations, and implement policies and procedures to ensure financial integrity and compliance.
Course Objectives:
- To equip students with the skills necessary to Set Up a Record Keeping System tailored to the needs of Not-for-Profit Organizations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accessibility of financial data.
- To enable students to Set Up a Financial Management System that supports effective budgeting, financial reporting, and decision-making within NPOs.
- To familiarize students with Accounting Standards applicable to Not-for-Profit Organizations, including specific guidelines for financial reporting and disclosure.
- To guide students in developing and Implementing Policies and Procedures that promote financial integrity, transparency, and accountability within NPOs.
Lessons:
1. Setting Up a Record Keeping System
- Importance of record keeping in NPOs
- Designing and implementing a system for accurate financial records
- Compliance requirements and best practices
2. Setting Up a Financial Management System
- Components of an effective financial management system
- Budgeting processes and techniques for NPOs
- Financial reporting structures and tools
3. Accounting Standards for Non-Profit Organizations
- Overview of specific accounting standards (e.g., ASPE, IFRS) applicable to NPOs
- Financial statement preparation and presentation
- Fund accounting principles and practices
4. Ensuring Financial Integrity: Policies & Procedures
- Developing financial policies and procedures for NPOs
- Internal controls and segregation of duties
- Compliance with regulatory requirements and governance standards
Evaluation:
This course is a graded course where a complete or incomplete grade will be issued. To receive a Completion of this course, a student must:
- Participate in online discussions.
- Complete lesson quizzes, reflections, or case studies.
Upcoming Sessions:
- June 1 - June 28, 2026 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
- November 2 - November 28, 2026 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
All the courses are delivered online and asynchronously to enable participants to complete the work in their own time.
How to Register:
Courses are competitively priced, and registrants may qualify for OSAP or the Canada Ontario Job Grant, which offers support for employers.
Register for Individual Courses
Program Fees:
The fee for the micro-credential is $375, and there are no additional fees for textbooks or materials.
Trent Alumni receive 10% off. Please email alumni@trentu.ca for more information.
Current Trent undergraduate students receive 50% off. Please email microcredential@trentu.ca for more information.
Current Trent staff and faculty receive 20% off. Please email microcredential@trentu.ca for more information.
NOTE: Only one discount code can be used per order
Prerequisites:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course, although familiarity with basic financial concepts and principles would be beneficial.
Conclusion:
Foundations of Financial Administration for Nonprofits equips students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage financial operations within Not-for-Profit Organizations. By mastering record keeping systems, financial management practices, accounting standards, and policies for financial integrity, students will be well-prepared to contribute to the financial health and sustainability of NPOs, ensuring their ability to fulfill their missions and serve their communities effectively.