Nonprofit Organizations

Overview and Contact Information

The Nonprofit Organizations Nexus focuses on the study of organizational settings in the nonprofit sector. The word “nonprofit” refers to a type of business—one which is organized under rules that forbid the distribution of profits to owners. The Internal Revenue Service describes nonprofit organizations as serving charitable, religious, scientific, or educational purposes. Nonprofit organizations include global nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Oxfam and Greenpeace as well as local community organizations such as the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Historic Northampton Museum. Students may pursue internships with nonprofit organizations to complete the experiential requirement for this Nexus.

See Also

• Entrepreneurship, Organizations, and Society

Faculty

This area of study is administered by the following Nexus track chairs:

Michael Robinson, Professor of Economics

Rick Feldman, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, Organizations and Society; Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Requirements for the Nexus

A minimum of 18 credits:

Additional Specifications

• Nexus students will develop a brief proposal outlining their specific area of focus and provide a course outline for approval from the track chair. A Plan of Study form must be returned to the Nexus Program office.

• The sequence of a Nexus is part of what makes it unique:

  • In preparation for the summer internship or research, students complete courses chosen in consultation with the track chair. If seeking funding through LYNK UAF, students will additionally complete orientation and advising, and online training (stages 1 and 2).

  • COLL-211 is taken after the internship or research project and culminates in a presentation at LEAP Symposium.

Courses Counting toward the Nexus

Courses other than those listed below may count toward the Nexus. Students should consult the Nexus track chair for consideration of courses not on the list.