Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management

Faculty presents in front of board during lecture

Nonprofit leaders who take decisive action and build responsive, agile cultures deliver the most impact. Develop the strategic knowledge, practical tools, and leadership skills you need to lead a thriving, high-performance nonprofit.

  • Dates

    Jul 27 – Aug 2, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $7,500

  • Application Due

    Jul 17, 2025

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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The world of nonprofits has changed. Leaders must adapt to evolving service demands, resource constraints, technological advancements, and public scrutiny.

Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, presented jointly with the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative, addresses the pressing challenges facing today's nonprofit organizations. Participants will gain the skills needed to take decisive action and create a more responsive, impactful, and sustainable nonprofit organization.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Perform strategic analysis that positions your organization to grow

  • Focus your mission and create service offerings that truly address the needs of your target populations

  • Develop the core capabilities, operational alignment, and external alliances to execute your strategy and fulfill your mission

  • Compare scaling options and choose the best strategy for your organization

  • Build and implement effective performance management systems

  • Lead organizational transformation to drive impact

  • Create a governance system that serves your mission

Program Format

  • 7
    days on the HBS campus
  • 9–12
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • Nonprofit executive directors and CEOs responsible for shaping the direction, mission, policies, and major programs of their organizations

  • Participating organizations must be public-serving nonprofits, fully operational, and out of the startup phase

  • Particularly appropriate for: nonprofits with operating budgets over $1 million

  • Not appropriate for: industry or trade associations, management support organizations, or consulting firms

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
3%
Africa
18%
Asia Pacific
8%
Europe
1%
Latin America
1%
Middle East
69%
North America

Experience

Years Worked

  • 6%

    Less than 10 years

  • 10%

    10-14 years

  • 19%

    15-19 years

  • 24%

    20-24 years

  • 18%

    25-29 years

  • 17%

    30-34 years

  • 5%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • ACLU
  • Ashoka University
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • The Chicago Philharmonic Society
  • Habitat for Humanity International
  • Make-A-Wish
  • Meals On Wheels
  • Save the Children
  • United Way

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Partial Scholarship Opportunities

Program fees are subsidized by Harvard Business School and its Social Enterprise Initiative. Limited, additional need-based scholarship funding may be available. Visit the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative website for scholarship information.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.