Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, M.P.N.L.
The master of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership prepares students for careers or advancement in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector through classroom study, applied research, professional development, and hands-on experience.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
Students will learn to act ethically and effectively in leading and managing philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, and to transcend traditional boundaries in the pursuit of prosperous, safe, and healthy communities. The MPNL consists of 36 credit hours of coursework. Students can pursue the following emphases:
- Community impact
- Mission advancement
- Nonprofit healthcare
- Customized with approval of advisor
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.
Why Study Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley?
- 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 program meets the needs of both part- and full-time students with evening and weekend courses, workshops, and the ability to take course in a variety of formats.
- 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.
- There are opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty
on field-related research projects.
- Students develop skills in effective, ethical leadership and management through real-world learning opportunities.
- Grand Valley's innovative nonprofit leadership curriculum is designed for the diverse needs of today's job market.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Most courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online and hybrid. In-person classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:Coursework
Students will study a variety of topics, including:
- Financial management
- Fund development
- Grantmaking
- Marketing
- Nonprofit management
- Program evaluation
- Social entrepreneurship
Admission Requirements
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into the philanthropy and nonprofit leadership program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Community Leadership and Development[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
Program Director
Donijo Robbins, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6740
“Every time I go to class, I come back to work the next day with five more things I want to incorporate into my job.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WEST MICHIGAN REFUGEE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL CENTER