A unique program in Canada

The Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program is the only graduate curriculum in Canada that offers specialized skills for leadership positions in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector. Housed in Canada’s oldest and largest School of Public Policy and Administration, the MPNL program and its sister program, the Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (DPNL) program, are designed for both experienced and aspiring professionals. The programs benefit from innovative research by faculty, fellows, and post-doctoral and doctoral students.

What both programs offer:

  • A versatile set of skills, including leadership, strategy, financial management, and fundraising, all of which prepare graduates for leadership positions in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.
  • A blend of executive-style, online and in-class courses, allowing students to study while working and to remain in home communities during the program (and come to Ottawa for two-week, intensive courses in the summer).
  • An opportunity to engage with research and sector professionals to think critically about how to advance social and organizational change.
  • Experiential, professional learning opportunities that prepare students to attain leadership-track positions.
  • Networks of graduates and experienced professionals to support career development.

News

Photo for the news post: MPNL Graduate: Sherlyn Assam
June 21, 2022

MPNL Graduate: Sherlyn Assam

MPNL Graduate: Sherlyn Assam

I was fortunate to spend my time in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) completing my Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership degree. We learned about trust-based philanthropy... More
Photo for the news post: Knowledge Infrastructure Project to Create New Understanding About Canada’s Charitable Sector
March 15, 2022

Knowledge Infrastructure Project to Create New Understanding About Canada’s Charitable Sector

Knowledge Infrastructure Project to Create New Understanding About Canada’s Charitable Sector

Newly announced MPNL project Carleton University’s MPNL faculty team is launching a five-year, $3.4 million research project called the Charity Insights Canada Project—Projet Canada Perspectives des Organismes de Bienfaisance (CICP-PCPOB).... More
Photo for the news post: Intersections & Innovations: A New Book about Our Sector
January 25, 2022

Intersections & Innovations: A New Book about Our Sector

Intersections & Innovations: A New Book about Our Sector

Edited by Dr. Susan D. Phillips (MPNL Program Supervisor) and Bob Wyatt (President of the Muttart Foundation and MPNL alumnus), “Intersections and Innovations” is a new book published in 2021,... More
Photo for the news post: Announcement: “Donald K. Johnson Award in Philanthropy”
January 23, 2022

Announcement: “Donald K. Johnson Award in Philanthropy”

Announcement: “Donald K. Johnson Award in Philanthropy”

In 2013, during the first year of the MPNL program, Donald K. Johnson launched a new award of $5,000 for an outstanding graduate student entering or continuing in the program.... More
Photo for the news post: Changing Times for Charities in Canada
November 5, 2021

Changing Times for Charities in Canada

Changing Times for Charities in Canada

Susan Phillips, a professor in the MPNL program, speaks about the challenges that charities have faced over the past year. In "Changing Times for Charities in Canada," she tells Mary... More

Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory beside the Rideau Canal, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carleton University is taking action in response to the spread of COVID-19. The office is working at limited capacity, from 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday. To contact us, please reach out by email: mpnl@carleton.ca. We’ll work to address your questions as quickly as possible. More information on Carleton’s overall response to COVID-19 is available here.