Management Programme for NPOs

Introduction

The Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations (NPOs) is a corporate social initiative programme which aims to develop the managerial skills of NPO managers. The programme is a joint initiative of USB Executive Development (USB-ED) and USB alumni.

The objective of this programme is to promote social development and education in South Africa by enhancing managerial effectiveness, service delivery and good governance within the NPO sector. In order to be sustainable, NPOs must be managed efficiently and have the ability to attract, secure and retain funding, and apply sound management principles and good governance to enable effective delivery to their clients. Studies by the Centre for Civil Society have shown that only 2% of welfare organisations are viable in the longer term.

How it all began
In 1999, four final-year MBA students of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) won the Bain Competition and, as a farewell gesture, the part-time II class of 1998 decided to use the R50 000 prize-money as seed capital for a project that would make a difference in the community. After doing market analysis it was found that the group could best meet this aim through establishing what is now known as the Management Programme for Non-profit Organisations.

The organisation of this programme has subsequently been taken over by successive groups of alumni. The programme has been presented bi-annually since 2000. It also forms part of the University of Stellenbosch Business School and USB-ED social initiative programme.

What sets this intervention apart

The NPO programme focuses on the main management functions needed for running a successful NPO. Participants eventually integrate the skills they have developed in these functional areas into an individual assignment.

Follow-up courses

NPO Leadership and Strategy

Past participants’ comments

"This was a brilliant opportunity and I learnt how to promote the work we are doing at Marsh Memorial Homes in a more progressive way. I not only learnt about my work and the role I play, but also about myself. Thank you for your contribution to my personal growth." - Steven Moolman, Marsh Memorial Homes
"A very mature, well rounded, dynamic, secure transfer of knowledge." - Management Programme for NPOs
"Excellent and really engaging." - (Management Programme for NPOs, 2008)

Who should attend

The programme is targeted at current and potential managers of NPOs who have no formal qualifications in management. Participants are substantially subsidised, and should be able to prove that they work in the non-profit sector with a community benefit mandate.

Admission requirements

The minimum requirement is matriculation or equivalent. Candidates should have appropriate management experience in the NPO environment. A basic working knowledge of software applications such as MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint (or other spreadsheet, word-processing and presentation software) is highly recommended.

Contact person (Enquiries)

Jeanne Kuhn
Tel: +27 (0)21 918 4288
Fax: +27 (0)21 918 4112/4478
npo@usb-ed.com

How you will benefit

After completion of the programme, participants should be able to:

draw up a strategic plan for their organisation integrating all the disciplines of the programme to demonstrate an understanding of their interrelationship
write a fundraising strategy for their NPO
read and understand financial statements to determine the financial health of the NPO
apply leadership skills and hence better utilise human capital
understand environmental scanning and strategic planning applicable to the NPO industry to improve business planning.

Please note: The content and learning outcomes are subject to change.

Certification

On successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate from the University of Stellenbosch.

Content overview

ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING: Overview of the economy of SA with specific emphasis on the environment in which NPOs function
LEADERSHIP AND TEAM DYNAMICS: Understanding the role of leadership; team-building
LABOUR LAW: Brief overview of relevant labour legislation applicable to NPOs
FUNDRAISING WITH A MARKETING APPROACH: Developing a fundraising strategy; proposal writing
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Basic elements of financial and management accounts; recording of accounting activity; understanding of basic financial statements
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Project planning; time management; cost management
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY: Developing a strategic plan
GOVERNANCE: Governance issues specific to NPOs and their Boards

NQF complexity level

This programme is presented on the complexity level of an NQF level 5. This programme is run by an accredited service provider (USB-ED). If the NPO has its workplace plan in place, the cost of the course can be reclaimed from the SETA's grant to employers.

Date and Venue

Cape Town (Bellville)

2 Programmes
• 21 – 25 May 2012
• 27 - 31 August 2012
Class times: 08:15-17:30

Fees

R 1 800 (no VAT is applicable)
There are 4 scholarships available. These will be awarded according to the financial needs of the organisation. A well-motivated letter, signed by the CEO/director of the NPO needs to accompany the application.

Fees include programme fees, programme material and light lunches, and are
payable before the commencement of the programme.