In 2013, the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program and its sister program, the Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (DPNL) program, were launched with a vision: to equip graduates with a specialized, versatile set of skills and knowledge to succeed in a range of careers in nonprofits, social enterprises, foundations, government agencies and private-sector firms. Both programs are unique in Canada and comparable to programs internationally — and their formats allow students to study without needing to relocate.
For more than a decade, 
students and alumni of both programs have included a mix of experienced and aspiring professionals, innovators and change-makers. They make positive contributions to the world, knowing this requires the ability to think critically, use evidence, develop strategies and exercise effective leadership. And they use their diverse interests and experiences to learn from and mentor each other during the program and throughout their professional careers.
The MPNL/DPNL program accepts about 30 students a year
There’s only one application deadline and intake each year, with classes beginning in the summer (not in the autumn). Please note that we review applications as they arrive, and will make early offers, with funding to strong candidates, before the application deadline, if applicants apply before the application deadline. MPNL and DPNL students take the same courses; the difference is that the DPNL program is shorter. Please see our Programs page for more about courses, admissions requirements, scholarships and other details.
Students speak about the MPNL program:
Damilola Abimboye explains how the program attracts both experienced and less experienced leaders from our sector:
Sayed Farhad Hasimi joined the MPNL program, at Carleton University, in 2024, after more than 20 years of working with nonprofit organizations in war-affected countries. He says that, in terms of nonprofit leadership, theory and practice came together for him in the program:
Ben O’Neill and Ellen Doty talk about their time in the program, especially in terms of the arts:
