New NonProfit Micro-Credential Program Partnering With Trent University

Lindsay, September 4, 2024 — The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with Trent University, is pleased to introduce the Nonprofit Management Essentials (NME) micro-credential program, a timely initiative designed to equip nonprofit professionals with critical management skills. This program is being launched in response to the evolving needs of the nonprofit sector, aiming to provide professionals with the tools necessary to navigate and lead in an increasingly complex environment.

The NME program is led by Carey McMaster, founder of TRAICON and an organizational development specialist with over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector. McMaster’s deep understanding of the sector’s unique challenges will guide participants through key areas such as strategic planning, operational efficiency, and leadership development. Her expertise will help ensure that participants gain practical insights and skills that can be directly applied to their roles in the nonprofit world.

“This program is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution to their community,” said Kevin Whitmore, Director of Coop, Careers, and Experiential Learning, Trent University. “The fundamental skills taught throughout this program will not only help industry leaders propel their organizations to new levels, but also to equip those entering the nonprofit sector with the tools they need for success.”

The NME program offers a suite of courses tailored to meet the specific needs of nonprofit professionals, whether they are seeking to improve their financial administration skills, develop effective grant proposals, or enhance their digital marketing strategies. The program’s structure is flexible, allowing participants to choose the courses that align best with their professional goals. Upon completion of the required courses, participants will earn a micro-credential electronic certification and/or digital course badge. These electronic credentials offer important and modern recognition learners in online settings and can ultimately improve a learners’ career growth and employability. 

This initiative has been made possible through a unique collaboration between the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, and the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development teams. These organizations recognized the need for targeted skills development within the nonprofit sector and worked together to bring this program to life. Their collective vision was to create a resource that addresses the real-world challenges faced by today’s nonprofit leaders.

Laurie Dillon-Schalk, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, noted the growing demand for professionals with strong financial and operational management capabilities. “There is also a critical need to deepen our collective commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion within organizations. By integrating EDI into our training programs alongside robust financial and management skills development, we can help break down systemic barriers while building a workforce that is both skilled and inclusive. This is what prompted me to collaborate with community leaders and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to create a program that not only addresses these needs but strengthens the overall workforce in the nonprofit sector” said Dillon-Schalk. 

Jennifer DeBues, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, emphasized the importance of targeted skills development for the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the sector. “By supporting this type of professional development, we are investing in the future of our communities,” she said.

The NME program, which begins on September 26, 2024, and runs until June 2025, offers courses including Business Essentials and Strategies, Foundations of Financial Administration for Nonprofits, Board Governance Essentials, Grant Writing, Volunteer Management, and more. Each course is $325, and participants may be eligible for the Ontario Job Grant, which provides support for employers.

This program represents an important opportunity for nonprofit professionals to enhance their skills and contribute to the overall strength of their organizations. By investing in their professional development, participants will be better equipped to lead and drive meaningful change within their organizations, ensuring that the nonprofit sector in Peterborough and the Kawarthas remains strong and effective.

About Community Foundations
Community foundations exist to improve the quality of life for people in a specific geographic area, highlighting the greatest needs and engaging the community to understand and fund those needs. More than 200 communities across Canada have a community foundation. 

About the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is a registered charity that attracts and administers funds—such as endowments, scholarships, and legacy gifts—to support and grow philanthropy within the Kawartha Lakes community. Founded in 2019 by local leaders, the Foundation focuses on directing charitable giving back into the community through strategic granting.

About the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough

Established in 2009, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough stewards more than $13 million in endowed and long-term funds and has invested more than $7.5 million in local charitable initiatives that build community vitality.