Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Administration (M.P.N.L.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 36 Credits
Nonprofit leadership involves guiding and managing nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions effectively and sustainably through strategic planning, resource management, and community engagement.
Overview
Grand Valley State University’s Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (M.P.N.L.) program prepares students for careers in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. This 36-credit hour program offers a hybrid format with online and in-person classes, providing flexibility for both part-time and full-time students.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as financial management, fund development, grantmaking, marketing, nonprofit management, program evaluation, and social entrepreneurship. These courses equip students with the skills needed to lead and manage nonprofit organizations effectively.
Studying at Grand Valley offers unique advantages, including accreditation by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council and top-ten national rankings. Students benefit from comprehensive resources, real-world learning opportunities, and an innovative curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s job market.
School of Community Leadership and Development
[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
Program Director
Donijo Robbins, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6740
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is August 15; winter deadline is December 15; spring/summer deadline is April 15. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Top skills- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 67,664.85 | 10% |
| $108,682.77 | 25% |
| $181,250.06 | 50% |
| $297,194.89 | 75% |
| $471,972.57 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,052.59 | 10% |
| $ 58,199.93 | 25% |
| $ 77,740.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,516.51 | 75% |
| $115,883.60 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Top skills
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 71,128.62 | 10% |
| $ 88,790.86 | 25% |
| $114,031.10 | 50% |
| $147,388.98 | 75% |
| $183,507.59 | 90% |
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Top skills- Speaking
- Persuasion
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 37,130.03 | 10% |
| $ 45,600.23 | 25% |
| $ 59,961.35 | 50% |
| $ 77,274.25 | 75% |
| $ 94,635.49 | 90% |
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Top skills- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Management of Financial Resources
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 67,664.85 | 10% |
| $108,682.77 | 25% |
| $181,250.06 | 50% |
| $297,194.89 | 75% |
| $471,972.57 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council and is regularly ranked in the top ten nationwide for graduate programs in nonprofit management.
The Johnson Center
Grand Valley library's endowed Johnson Collection for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is one of the country's most comprehensive collections of books, journals, and audiovisuals on the nonprofit sector.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
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