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: “The MPNL program came at the right time, when we were starting to take the sector more seriously.”–Kristina Inrig
March 23, 2023

“The MPNL program came at the right time, when we were starting to take the...

“The MPNL program came at the right time, when we were starting to take the sector more seriously.”–Kristina Inrig

Kristina Inrig is a 2016 MPNL graduate and President and CEO of the Sustainable Capacity Foundation, which works to build capacity among small nonprofit organizations in the environmental sector. After... More
Photo for the news post: Opportunities & Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for the Sector
March 14, 2023

Opportunities & Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for the Sector

Opportunities & Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for the Sector

A recording of the PhilanthroTHINK webinar, "Opportunities and Challenges of AI for the Sector," which was held on March 23, 2023, is available: https://youtu.be/wLgCPuFEcgs Panelists: Adegboyega Ojo, Professor, School of... More
Photo for the news post: Canada’s Foundations: The Strategies of Philanthropy
February 26, 2023

Canada’s Foundations: The Strategies of Philanthropy

Canada’s Foundations: The Strategies of Philanthropy

As part of PhilanthroTHINK, the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program, at Carleton University, hosted "Canada’s Foundations: The Strategies of Philanthropy" on Feb. 23, 2023, featuring three speakers. This is one-hour... More
Photo for the news post: “MPNL plays a key role in the growing professionalization of the sector and in attracting top talent, research and resources.” –Amanda Mayer
January 18, 2023

“MPNL plays a key role in the growing professionalization of the sector and in attracting...

“MPNL plays a key role in the growing professionalization of the sector and in attracting top talent, research and resources.” –Amanda Mayer

Amanda Mayer was a graduate student in the MPNL program in 2013, the program's inaugural year, and is a member of the Editorial Board for PANL Perspectives. She's been with... More
Photo for the news post: “The MPNL program provided me with resources and approaches to increase impact, but also, to promote justice.” –Brianna Salmon
January 8, 2023

“The MPNL program provided me with resources and approaches to increase impact, but also, to...

“The MPNL program provided me with resources and approaches to increase impact, but also, to promote justice.” –Brianna Salmon

Before enrolling in the MPNL program, Brianna Salmon worked with a non-governmental organization (NGO) and finished a graduate thesis about sustainable transportation. She graduated from the MPNL program in 2014... More
Photo for the news post: The Future(s) of NextGen Philanthropy in Canada
October 28, 2022

The Future(s) of NextGen Philanthropy in Canada

The Future(s) of NextGen Philanthropy in Canada

In Oct. 2022, Carleton University's Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program and TD Bank Group hosted the online Annual TD Lecture, “The Future(s) of NextGen Philanthropy in Canada.”... More
Photo for the news post: MPNL announces four recipients of the Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals
October 18, 2022

MPNL announces four recipients of the Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals

MPNL announces four recipients of the Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals

In 2022, there are four recipients of the MPNL Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals: Leigh Ann Asare, Marsha Clyne, Muna Mohamed and Zahra Baptiste. Spearheaded by Nneka Allen (the... More
Photo for the news post: The 2022 Recipient of the Jackson Family Scholarship is Katelyn James
October 4, 2022

The 2022 Recipient of the Jackson Family Scholarship is Katelyn James

The 2022 Recipient of the Jackson Family Scholarship is Katelyn James

Katelyn James is an MPNL student and Operations Director at One City Peterborough, a nonprofit organization serving people experiencing homelessness and criminalization. She's the 2022 recipient of the Jackson Family... More

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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.