The School of Policy, Planning, and Development offers Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy degrees, within which students interested in philanthropy and nonprofit policy and management have five different courses from which to choose a three-course area concentration. In addition, students pursing other master degrees may take a course or courses that complement their preparation for professions that are involved with the nonprofit sector such as Planning, Education, Health and Social Work.

The five courses in philanthropy and nonprofits are:

PPD 689: The Voluntary Nonprofit Sector and Public Policy
Focuses on the structure and diversity of the nonprofit sector and the variety of resources available to the nonprofit sector. The impact of public policies on the resources and behavior of the nonprofit sector, and the consequences of public policies on the development of particular segments of the nonprofit sector, e.g., education, social services, the arts, health, foundations, and neighborhood based organizations, are examined. This course serves as an introduction to the philanthropy and nonprofit sector concentrations. Instructor: James M. Ferris, Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship and Public Policy and Director, The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy

PPD 599: Contemporary Issues in Philanthropy
Focuses on contemporary issues and emerging trends in philanthropy, philanthropic institutions and public policies that impact the philanthropic and nonprofit sector. Topics include the motivations and strategies of philanthropists; public policies that encourage and/or constrain philanthropic behavior; the role, form and structure of philanthropic foundations and emerging institutional alternatives (e.g., donor advised funds); strategies for philanthropic grantmaking, with a focus on philanthropy that works to address critical public problems; and philanthropic stewardship, including issues of donor intent and public accountability of philanthropic institutions. Instructor: James M. Ferris, Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship and Public Policy and Director, The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy

PPD 658: Advocacy in Public Administration
Perspectives on advocacy in the policy process; practice of advocacy; accessing the policy process; simulation of the advocacy process; ethical considerations. Instructor: Michael Moody, Assistant Professor of Public Policy

PPD 675: Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Focuses on managing and leading nonprofit organizations. Topics included are strategic planning; marketing and fundraising; management of financial and human resources; and governing structures and the role of boards. Numerous class sessions in specialized subject areas are used to highlight the applications of the topics.

PPD 687: Strategic Planning in Nonprofit Organizations
Focuses on strategic planning for meeting community needs. Topics include the role of the voluntary nonprofit sector and its role in social, economic, and spatial planning and community development; corporate philanthropy; foundations; and nonprofit planning requirements. Instructor: Robert Myrtle, Professor of Public Administration

These courses are open to graduate students who seek careers in the nonprofit sector or whose research is directly related to understanding the role of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in problem solving. Courses are of particular interest to masters and doctoral students in public administration, policy, and planning as well as social work, education, the arts and health care fields. For more information about these courses or graduate degrees with an emphasis on philanthropy and nonprofits, please contact the SPPD Office of Student Affairs at (213) 740-6842.