Over the past 15 years, nonprofit employment has grown 33 percent, dwarfing the 9 percent job growth enjoyed by the for-profit private sector over that time. This statistic was shared in a recent article published in The Washington Post. Similarly, the Bureau of Labor echoed this industry trend in their recent report, Spotlight on Statistics, For-Profit, Nonprofit and Government Sector Jobs. In the report, the Bureau stated, “Nonprofits have passed local government to become the second-largest source of employment in the country, behind the for-profit sector.”

In response to the growth of nonprofits, Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) is now offering the Nonprofit Administration Certificate Program.

Upon completion of the Nonprofit Administration certificate program, learners will develop the skills necessary to successfully manage sustainable operations in the nonprofit sector. Learners with all levels of nonprofit experience will enhance their knowledge by learning key management and leadership skills, expanding their professional networks, and developing expertise aligned with their current or desired role in a nonprofit organization. An equity-informed lens will ensure that diversity, inclusion, and access are central to expanding the learner’s knowledge of the nonprofit sector.

“Given how important the nonprofit sector is to our economy and quality of life, it is important that we prepare and support people who dare to enter the helping professions,” says Kim Tucker, Executive Director of The Impact Foundry (IF). Tucker is the author and creator of curriculum for IF’s Certified Sustainable™ program and the CSUS Nonprofit Administration Certificate program.

“First, we want to ensure impact that improves lives; second, we want to run successful businesses that are mission-driven and provide meaningful employment opportunities. I didn’t take a vow of poverty to do good in this world, and I don’t think anyone should have to sacrifice their financial security or health to work in the nonprofit sector. This means our nonprofits must be well-funded and well-led, able to prove the efficacy of their work.”

There are 14,219 nonprofit organizations in the greater Sacramento metro area, including the cities of Sacramento, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, and West Sacramento. Combined, these Sacramento metro nonprofits employ 146,409 people, earn more than $32 billion in revenue each year, and have assets of $69 billion.

“This new certificate program is designed for those currently working in the nonprofit sector and looking to advance, business and government employees who work with nonprofits, or anyone interested in making a move into the nonprofit sector,” says Tucker. “The courses provide a great overview of nonprofit leadership and will increase one’s understanding of how successful nonprofits operate, lead, and effect change.”

The program consists of four online courses totaling 65 hours of instruction required for a certificate of participation. Certificates and Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are awarded to those who successfully complete the requirements of all four courses. This certificate program is open to the public. It is intended for those wishing to upgrade their knowledge and skills in the nonprofit field.

Visit CCE’s Nonprofit Administration Certificate Program for more information.