Nonprofit & Philanthropic Studies Certificate

The certificate in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies at Rutgers SPAA provides students with foundational knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, along with practical competencies in organizational management, fundraising, civic engagement, and social innovation. The minor emphasizes the role of nonprofit organizations within democratic societies and their interaction with government, markets, and communities.

Courses in the certificate examine governance structures, leadership challenges, ethical considerations, and resource mobilization strategies central to mission-driven organizations. Students develop applied skills through experiential and skill-based coursework, preparing them to contribute to nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and philanthropic institutions. 

Through this curriculum, students gain an understanding of how nonprofit organizations address complex social challenges while developing professional skills applicable to careers in community development, public service, and social impact sectors.

Students seeking the certificate complete three (3) courses for a total of nine (9) credits from the following SPAA undergraduate courses:

Required:

• 40:834:203 Understanding the World of Nonprofits (3)
• 40:834:306 Grant Writing for Organizations (WI) (3)
• 40:834:404 Philanthropy: Volunteerism, Fundraising, and Community Engagement (3)

Modality

In-person

Eligibility

Open to students in SPAA, SCJ, RBSN, and SASN|UC

To Obtain the Certificate

Students need to have at least a 2.000 cumulative GPA, complete the request form, and email it to Alyssa Sofman, the assistant dean for undergraduate programs, at alapat@newark.rutgers.edu.

Questions?

If you have questions about a program or the application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.