Written by
October 28, 2024

Coursera for non-profits initiative has partnered with 147 top universities and dozens of global organizations to bring education specifically to those in need.

If you, too, are wondering how you can help the needful by fulfilling your social responsibility, this is your chance to do so by donating to education

In this article, I will help you understand how exactly to get a pricing quotation from Coursera and how your organization and your country can benefit from using Coursera to spread education and reduce the skill gap.

What Is Coursera For Non-Profits?

In 2017, Coursera announced its Coursera for non-profits initiative. This noble effort aimed to help change the economy of an impoverished individual and, on a larger scale, your nation’s economy.

Coursera For Non-Profits
Source: Coursera

Through this initiative, Organizations, businesses, and governments in different countries can use Coursera’s curated educational courses to educate those in need.

Who Is Coursera For Non-profits For?

Non-Profits
Source: Coursera

Coursera for non-profits is made to help the following population grow in their professional and personal lives-

1. Underserved Communities

This category includes refugees, students, veterans, and women and girls. The following are examples of the names of the organizations in the U.S.A. that Coursera for non-profits works with-

  • Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF) 
  • Coastal Counties Workforce in the U.S.A

2. Countries In Need For Economic Mobility

The program’s scope also extends outside the U.S.A. into the following countries or globally for vulnerable communities that need economic mobility

  1. Egypt
  2. Mongolia
  3. Singapore
  4. Malaysia
  5. Pakistan
  6. Kazakhstan.

What Does Coursera For Non-profits Provide?

Coursera for non-profits is a boon as it provides access to tailored programs

Coursera covers thousands of subjects but is widely used for these 3 subjects in non-profit initiatives by Governments and donation makers-

  • Data Science 
  • Digital Manufacturing
  • Business English

The subjects make it clear that Coursera is providing exactly what it promises: to bridge the gap between skills and the workforce. Coursera also provides a Corporate discount that businesses can use to buy Coursera Plus and save big.

How To Partner With Coursera For Non-Profit

If your organization is looking to participate in this noble deed and wants Coursera as a partner in this journey, here are a few things that you must know-

1. Coursera For Non-Profit – Eligibility

Organizations have to meet the following minimum eligibility criteria to partner with Coursera as a Social Impact partner-

  • Be a certified non-profit organization or international charity equivalent.
  • Have dedicated staff to implement and manage the Coursera program.
  • Be able to provide a minimum of 250 licenses to underserved learners.
  • Be capable of offering comprehensive support and services to students or individuals in need. 
  • The learner population must include the following or similar folks who need help-
  • Refugees
  • Underserved students
  • Underserved women & girls 
  • Vulnerable communities

2. Coursera For Non-Profit – Form

If your organization meets these criteria, you can fill out the interest form to register for an upcoming partnership application cycle.

Coursera for Non-Profit - Form
Source: Coursera

3. Coursera For Non-Profit – Approval 

If your cause is selected and your organization meets all the eligibility criteria, Coursera will contact you directly.

Coursera usually takes a maximum of 15 days to verify your application and revert. 

However, if you do not hear back from the Coursera for Non-Profits team, do not be disheartened. There are many other ways to contribute to the education field, and you should venture into those. 

What If You Are Not Eligible For Coursera Non-Profit Partnership?

You can contact Coursera for non-profit support or email them about your unique case and how your partnership is for the greater good.

You can also tweak your mission to fit in the Coursera non-profit eligibility.

However, if that does not work out, do not be disheartened. You can always pursue your idea with other alternatives.

Eligible For Coursera Non-Profit Partnership
Source: Coursera

Alternatively, you can opt for Cousera Plus for Bussiness (Teams or Enterprise plans) starting at $399/per user/ year. And train as many as 125+ of your employees or volunteers.

Coursera Pricing For Non-Profits And Available Discounts

Coursera for Non-profit does not disclose its pricing plans and discount deals anywhere on its platform. 

To find out how much you will have to spend on Coursera to fulfill your duty to this noble cause, you must fill out the form shown in this article and get a custom quote.

Who Has Partnered With Coursera For Non-Profit?

Coursera partners with Ivy League schools (the University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University) in the U.S.A. to allow underprivileged learners to learn.

Apart from Ivy League Schools, Coursera also partners with seven countries and many organizations in these countries to help learners get trained with skills and knowledge that will further help them find work. These few organizations are namely- 

1. Institute For Veterans & Military Families (IVMF)

Institute for Veterans & Military Families
Source: Coursera

In the United States, Coursera’s partnership with The Institute for Veterans & Military Families located at Syracuse University and the University of New England provides training to transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and unemployed citizens

2. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation
Source: Open Gov

In Malaysia, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation is partnering with Coursera to train individuals in data science.

3. Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Kazakhstan

Astana International Financial Centre
Source: Astana International Financial Centre, Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the Astana International Financial Centre is partnering with Coursera to train citizens to find jobs in the financial sector

4. Technology Innovation And Entrepreneurship Center

Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Source: Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)

In Egypt, the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center runs the Next Technology Leaders initiative to train youth in computer science, data science, and entrepreneurship

5. Guren Graduate Institute, Mongolia

Guren Graduate Institute, Mongolia
Source: shurentsetseg Altantsetseg via PREZI

In Mongolia, Guren Graduate Institute is partnering with Coursera to train educators in business and communication skills. 

6. Overseas Technologies

Overseas Technologies
Source: Oversea Technologies

In Pakistan, partnerships with Overseas Technologies and various Government institutions aim to train young adults in computer science, data analytics, career success, and language learning. 

7. SkillsFuture & Civil Service College

SkillsFuture & Civil Service College
Source: SkillsFuture

In Singapore, Coursera is working with SkillsFuture Singapore and the Civil Service College to provide training courses in various fields for Singaporeans.

Coursera For Non-profit – Donations

100+ nonprofit and community organizations take help from Coursera to provide them with access to high-quality courses and learning resources

Coursera for non-profit - Donations
Source: Coursera

Coursera’s Social Impact team donates its platform licenses to offer educational opportunities to needy communities.

A few non-profit organizations that Coursera donates to are –

  • Good Will
  • Mind Matter
  • Geek Girls LatAm

Notable Achievements Of Coursera For Non-profits- Achievements

Coursera For Non-profits- Achievements
Source: Coursera

Until 2024, Coursera for Non-Profits has achieved the following by providing accessible, high-quality education that supports underserved populations’ personal development, career advancement, and economic opportunities

  • 200,000 underserved learners
  • 900,000-course enrollments
  • Overall B Impact Score– 94.5

Best Courses For Non-profits on Coursera

If you are a dedicated organization or a small team determined to start your non-profit, here are my top 5 recommended courses that will help you smoothen the process of being a non-profit and collaborating with other non-profits like Coursera- 

1. Social Impact Strategy: Tools For Entrepreneurs And Innovators (Free)

You Can take this course for free on Coursera and finish it in a day. However, if you want a course certificate for the same, you will have to pay for it.

Course ByUniversity of Pennsylvania
7-Day Free TrailFree Course
Rating4.8 out of 5
Approximate Duration7 Hours
Course MatterSocial impact strategy, Social entrepreneurship,  New organizational forms
Course LinkHere

2. Governmental Accounting II and Nonprofit Accounting (Free)

Through this course, you will learn how to prepare specific financial statements for government funds that are required by law or regulation.

Course ByUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
7-Day Free TrailFree Course
RatingNot Available
Approximate Duration24 Hours
Course MatterAccounting, Governmental Accounting, Nonprofit reporting, Reporting, Governmental reporting, Nonprofit Accounting
Course LinkHere

3. Introduction To The Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership And Governance

This 5 module course is an introductory course taught by top course instructors and professors for the State University of New York, Prof. Yvonne Cafik Harrison, PhD and 

Prof. Vic Murray, PhD.

Course ByUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New York
7-Day Free Trail
Rating4.4 out of 5
Approximate Duration11 Hours
Course MatterNon-profit sector, Nonprofit organizations, Leadership and governance
Course LinkHere

4. How To Create A Program Evaluation For Your Non-Profit

In this short course, you learn the fundamentals of program evaluation for non-profit organizations, along with other fundamental concepts such as the Logic Model. You also set SMART goals and develop effective evaluation questions.

Course ByCoursera Project Network
7-Day Free Trail
Rating4.4 out of 5
Approximate Duration1.5 hours
Course MatterEvaluation, Non-Profit Management, Surveys, Grant Writing
Course LinkHere

5. Improving Leadership & Governance In Nonprofit Organizations Specialization

This is the longest course duration on this list, as it is a specialization with a capstone project. The capstone project will help you gain knowledge using practical tools.

Course ByThe State University of New York & University at Buffalo
7-Day Free Trail
Rating4.5 out of 5
Approximate Duration3 months
Course MatterLeadership Development, Strategic Leadership, Management, Corporate Governance
Course LinkHere

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Conclusion- Coursera For Non-Profits Is Worth It

Coursera for Non-profit is an excellent opportunity for businesses, organizations, and Governments to help the underserved population gain education and close the skill gap experienced globally.

Coursera for non-profit pricing is not directly available, but you can email Coursera support for a customized quote and work the math.

Coursera for non-profits is a great tool for customizing courses from top universities, which will allow millions to change their economic status. So do not hesitate to contact Coursera and start this noble journey today.

FAQs

Is Coursera a nonprofit?

Coursera is not a non-profit organization, but it donates its services in partnership and also helps businesses and governments provide education to the unserved population in various countries.

Who can use Coursera for free?

Coursera can be used for free by anyone. All you must do is find the free courses and sign up for them. Alternatively, you can access the p[aid courses for free with the 7-day free trial on the Coursera Plus subscription.

Are Coursera certificates respected?

Coursera certificates are accredited by many Ivy League schools and also provide college credits. Hence, Coursera certificates are respected.

How long does it take to become a certified nonprofit professional?

It depends on your course and the number of days you must prepare for its certification exam. But to give you a ballpark figure, it may take between 3 and 24 months to become a certified nonprofit professional.

What is the main qualification for a nonprofit organization?

A nonprofit must meet many criteria based on the laws and regulations of the country in which it is founded. However, a few common factors are that it must serve the public good and not gain any personal profit.

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