In the non-profit world, where every resource counts and the mission is paramount, effective project management is the key to creating sustainable change and maximizing impact. This "Impact-Driven Projects: Project Management in the Non-Profit Sector Training Course" is a specialized program designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by non-profit organizations. It goes beyond generic project management principles, tailoring methodologies to the specific needs of mission-based work—from securing grants and managing volunteer teams to demonstrating tangible results to donors and stakeholders. This training empowers you to deliver projects that are not just successful, but that truly advance your organization's cause.

This 10-day training course provides a practical toolkit for navigating the complexities of non-profit project work. You will learn how to apply proven project management techniques—from planning and execution to monitoring and evaluation—within the constraints of limited budgets and diverse stakeholder groups. We will cover crucial topics such as grant proposal management, ethical considerations, and the art of measuring social impact. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to lead projects with confidence, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and with the greatest possible benefit to your community.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Non-Profit Leaders
• Program Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Grant Writers
• Fundraisers
• Volunteer Managers
• Community Organizers
• Social Entrepreneurs
• Board Members
• Advocacy Managers

Objectives:

• Understand the unique context of non-profit project management
• Plan projects with social impact and mission alignment
• Develop project budgets and manage financial constraints
• Effectively manage and motivate diverse stakeholder groups
• Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Master grant and proposal writing from a project perspective
• Learn to build and lead high-performing volunteer teams
• Communicate project progress to donors and the community
• Identify and mitigate risks specific to the non-profit sector
• Ensure ethical considerations are integrated into all project phases

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Non-Profit Project Management

• The importance of project management in the non-profit sector
• Aligning projects with an organization's mission and vision
• The non-profit project lifecycle
• Key differences between corporate and non-profit projects
• The role of the project manager in a mission-driven organization

Module 2: Project Initiation and Proposal Development

• From idea to viable project concept
• Creating a strong project charter for the non-profit context
• Developing a compelling grant proposal or funding request
• Identifying and engaging potential donors and partners
• Defining clear project goals and success metrics

Module 3: Stakeholder Management for Social Impact

• Identifying and mapping non-profit stakeholders (e.g., beneficiaries, donors)
• Building trust and relationships with the community
• Managing volunteer expectations and motivations
• Communicating effectively with diverse stakeholder groups
• Strategies for engaging board members and executive leadership

Module 4: Budgeting and Financial Management

• Creating a realistic project budget for a non-profit
• Differentiating between direct and indirect costs
• Tracking expenses and managing cash flow
• Strategies for maximizing impact with limited resources
• Reporting financial progress to donors and grantors

Module 5: Project Planning and Scope Definition

• Defining the project scope in a non-profit context
• Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS)
• Developing a realistic project schedule
• Identifying and securing project resources (e.g., volunteers, donations)
• The role of agile methodologies in non-profit projects

Module 6: Risk Management

• Identifying common risks in non-profit projects
• Developing a risk management plan
• Strategies for mitigating financial and reputational risks
• Preparing for unexpected challenges and changes
• The importance of transparent communication during crises

Module 7: Volunteer and Team Management

• Recruiting and onboarding volunteers effectively
• Motivating and retaining a volunteer workforce
• The importance of recognition and appreciation
• Managing team dynamics and conflict resolution
• Building a sustainable volunteer program

Module 8: Grant and Donor Management

• The project manager's role in grant administration
• Meeting donor reporting requirements
• Building and nurturing long-term donor relationships
• The importance of transparency and accountability
• Communicating project results and impact to funders

Module 9: Communication and Marketing

• Developing a project communication plan
• Crafting compelling stories of impact
• Using social media and digital channels to share progress
• Building a media kit for project promotion
• The art of public speaking and presentations

Module 10: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Defining a robust M&E framework
• Differentiating between outputs, outcomes, and impact
• Choosing the right data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews)
• Analyzing and interpreting project data
• Presenting findings to stakeholders in a clear and compelling way

Module 11: Ethical Considerations

• Navigating ethical dilemmas in non-profit work
• Ensuring beneficiary privacy and dignity
• The importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
• Managing conflicts of interest
• Building a culture of accountability and transparency

Module 12: Measuring and Reporting Impact

• The difference between monitoring and evaluation
• Creating logic models and theories of change
• Using case studies to demonstrate qualitative impact
• Techniques for measuring social return on investment (SROI)
• The power of data visualization in reporting

Module 13: Project Closeout and Sustainability

• The importance of a formal project closeout
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices
• Transitioning a project into an ongoing program
• Building capacity within the community to sustain the change
• Celebrating project successes with the team and community

Module 14: Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

• The project manager's role in fundraising
• Identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities
• Developing a compelling elevator pitch for your project
• The art of storytelling in fundraising
• Practical tips for grant writing and proposal submission

Module 15: Advocacy and Policy

• The role of projects in advocacy and policy change
• Engaging with government and community leaders
• Building coalitions and partnerships for greater impact
• Using project data to influence public policy
• Communicating with the media and public

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.