Starting and Running a Nonprofit (CPE Course)
CPE Credit: 15 hours
Course Type: Downloaded PDF materials with online test
Price (with PDF Textbook): $100
Course Description
Starting and Running a Nonprofit provides a comprehensive overview of how to establish, manage, and grow mission-driven organizations. It addresses key areas including legal structure, governance, budgeting, fundraising, marketing, risk management, and financial oversight. The course emphasizes compliance, accountability, and strategies for sustaining impact through effective evaluation and long-term planning.
Author: Steven Bragg
Course Number: BM1023
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Understanding Nonprofits
Chapter 2. Structuring a Nonprofit
Chapter 3. Developing a Strategic Plan
Chapter 4. Developing a Budget
Chapter 5. Developing a Board of Directors
Chapter 6. Assembling a Workforce
Chapter 7. Fundraising Essentials
Chapter 8. Risk Management
Chapter 9. Marketing Activities
Chapter 10. Managing the Organization’s Finances
Chapter 11. Working with Lawyers and Accountants
Chapter 12. Measuring Success and Impact
Chapter 13. Scaling the Nonprofit
Learning Objectives
Identify the roles expected of nonprofits in society.
Specify how nonprofits measure their success.
Describe the different types of nonprofits.
Identify the stages of the nonprofit lifecycle.
Specify the legal structures most commonly used by nonprofits.
Identify the contents of nonprofit articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Recall the types of tax forms filed by nonprofits in the United States, and the consequences of not doing so.
Specify the reasons why nonprofits develop mission, vision, and values statements.
Describe how a nonprofit develops plans using SMART goals and SWOT analyses.
Specify how a nonprofit conducts a needs assessment within its planning process.
Specify how mission drift can occur in a nonprofit.
Recall how nonprofits deal with restricted and unrestricted funds.
Recall the different funding sources from which nonprofits obtain resources.
Specify the requirements for accurate nonprofit financial forecasting.
Identify the reason why the administrative expense ratio is so closely followed.
Recall the responsibilities of a nonprofit board and its committees.
Recall the policies that a nonprofit board may use.
Specify why diversity is a useful goal in nonprofit governance.
Identify why a nonprofit needs job descriptions, training, and recognition programs.
Recall the techniques available for reducing nonprofit staff turnover.
Specify the different types of fundraising methods, and the issues associated with each one.
Identify the reasons why donor stewardship is a major concern for nonprofits.
Recall the types of insurance that a nonprofit may need.
Specify why nonprofits should conduct periodic risk assessments.
Identify the elements of a nonprofit branding strategy.
Recall the reasons why nonprofits need to maintain relationships with journalists.
Specify how a nonprofit can use social media.
Identify the need for a nonprofit media kit.
Recall the management issues associated with nonprofit communication strategies.
Specify the different types of financial statements that a nonprofit may prepare, and how each one is used.
Identify the various ratios that a nonprofit may use to evaluate its financial condition and performance.
Recall the different types of internal controls that a nonprofit may install.
Specify why a nonprofit may register with its state for charitable solicitations.
Identify the situations that can put a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status at risk.
State the types of revenue that may be subject to unrelated business income tax.
Recall the compliance requirements for a nonprofit that hires employees.
Specify the situations in which a nonprofit may use the services of outside lawyers and/or accountants.
Identify the types of activities associated with a nonprofit audit.
Recall the difference between output measures and impact measures, and recall examples of each one.
Specify the proper use for foundation and government grants.
Identify the types of earned income that a nonprofit may generate.
Recall the issues associated with relying on a small number of donors for a large part of a nonprofit’s total revenue.
Specify the challenges associated with succession planning.
Identify the ways in which a nonprofit can avoid mission drift.
Identify the reasons why long-term planning is so important for nonprofits.
Level: Overview
Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study
NASBA Category: Business Management & Organization
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Latest Review Date: October 2025
Program Registration Requirements: Click on "Purchase Course" near the top of this page to pay for and access the course. You will then be able to download the course as a PDF file, then take an on-line examination, and then download a certificate of completion if you pass the examination.
Program Refund Policy: For more information regarding administrative policies concerning complaints, refunds, and other matters, see our policies page.
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The NASBA sponsor identification number for Accountingtools, Inc. is 115881.
AccountingTools is an IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider. We are compliant with the requirements for continuing education providers (as described in sections 10.6 and 10.9 of the Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 and in other IRS guidance, forms, and instructions). Our IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider number is 72821.