Advanced Management for Leaders in Foundations and Non-Profits
Acquire Strategy Tools to Effectively Manage in the Non-Profit Sector
About the Program
The non-profit sector faces increasing challenges as a consequence of digitalization, changes of the legal frameworks and other shifts in the strategic environment. The Management Program for Executives in the Non-profit Sector (Management-Führungskräfteprogramm für Non-Profits) by WHU and DSA helps you to get a structured view on those challenges, to expand your strategic toolkit and establish additional networks in the sector. During the program week, you will engage in discussions with our lecturers in interactive learning sessions, consider practical cases in small groups, and reflect on your role as a leader and your personal leadership style. The program is held in German language only.
Program Content
Deutsche Stiftungsakademie (DSA) and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management have collaborated with renowned executives from the non-profit sector to create an Executive Education program specifically for executives of non-profit organizations such as foundations and social enterprises. Our aim is to expand your strategic toolkit and to provide you with new, inspirational content, for example on the subject of digitalization. In a compact one-week format we will give you the time and space you need to reflect on your own strategic approaches and related topics among like-minded people. Expand your professional network and take the opportunity to interact with colleagues from the non-profit sector.
You can expect a theory-driven, practically focused curriculum that deals specifically with issues that are relevant to the future. You will have the opportunity to discuss key topics with renowned faculty, and also to reflect collegially on the issues that matter to you with your peers in a safe environment. The diverse experiences of the participants, as well as the heterogeneity of the organizations represented, provide an enriching learning environment that will enable you to develop new and creative approaches to challenges you are facing.
Method: The basis is an interactive, theory-based, and practice-oriented curriculum. Participants work on various topics in two content blocks per day with the instructors and in working groups, and reflect on these topics in peer consulting sessions.
Program Format and Module Dates
The in-classroom program will take place at WHU Campus Düsseldorf.
For more information and application please visit the DSA website.
Module Dates
Program Benefits
The compact, five-day face-to-face program has been specially developed for executives from the non-profit sector and will help you expand your strategic competence. The carefully selected topics provide new stimuli for the ongoing development of both your organization and you personally.
During the program you will enhance your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Management in the non-profit context: outlook on the latest management techniques and insights into new management approaches
- Context: strategic implications of new legal and fiscal/financial frameworks
- Transformation: digitalization of civil society as an opportunity and challenge for non-profit actors
- Innovative business models: social enterprises as an innovative instrument for extensive and sustainable social impact
- Agile methods & ways of working: opportunities for deploying agile methods (e.g. design thinking) in the non-profit context
- Organizational culture: management of change processes in non-profit organizations
Upon completion, you will be awarded a WHU Executive Education and DSA Certificate, a recognized mark of your commitment to growth, leadership, and lifelong learning, issued by one of Europe’s top business schools.
Participant Profile
The target group for the program are executives and high potentials from the foundation and non-for-profit sector, DSA and WHU alumni as well as graduates of other programs in foundation management.
Participants should have at least five years’ experience in management, governance or project management at non-profits, or similar qualifications. Admission to the program is decided by a joint admission board of DSA and WHU.
The number of participants is limited to 25 persons.
- Tim Göbel
- Katarina Peranić
- Verena Renze-Westendorf
- Dr. Peter Schubert
- Dr. Gereon Schuch
- Anne von Fallois
FAQ
1Who is this program for, and what qualifications or experience do I need?
This non profit leadership program in Europe is designed for nonprofit professionals, foundation managers, NGO leaders, social entrepreneurs, and board members who want to strengthen their leadership and organizational impact. It welcomes experienced leaders and those preparing for greater responsibility in the social sector. No formal academic qualification is required; this nonprofit executive education program is open to professionals from diverse backgrounds.
2Where does the program take place, how long does it last, and what is the format?
The program takes place over five days in a fully in-person format at WHU Campus Düsseldorf, Germany. Located in one of Germany’s leading business hubs, the campus provides a setting for executive learning, networking, and collaboration. Interactive sessions, case studies, and peer exchange create an immersive learning experience.
3What are the key takeaways from this program?
You will gain practical leadership tools, strategic management skills, and insights into fundraising, governance, and organizational development. Combining foundation management training with an NGO leadership course, the program helps you drive greater impact within your organization.
Our Admissions Team is happy to assist you.
We look forward to connecting with you!