Yedi- Not-For-Profit

Overview of the Yedi- Not-For-Profit program:

The Not-for-Profit Certificate Program by the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) is tailored for executives and senior management of Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations. Structured as an intensive 12-week executive education program, it blends rigorous academic instruction with practical mentorship and pitch training to support organizational sustainability and growth. The curriculum emphasizes executive-level education across areas such as business development, strategic planning, financial literacy, fundraising strategies, stakeholder engagement, and public speaking. Participants engage in high-level, practical learning designed to translate directly into operational improvement. The program culminates in a Venture Fair, where participants present their organization’s refined vision and strategic plan to a panel of potential funders and community leaders. YEDI leverages a strong support ecosystem, providing participants access to experienced mentors and an elite academic faculty. Classes are held at Schulich Executive Learning Centre in Toronto, offering a professional and immersive learning environment. This program is free of charge for successful applicants, aligning with YEDI’s mission to eliminate barriers for non-profit leadership capacity building in Canada. Its goal is to amplify the impact of community organizations by strengthening the strategic and entrepreneurial capabilities of their leadership teams.

Benefits of the Yedi- Not-For-Profit program:

• Free executive-level training tailored to the not-for-profit sector
• Access to expert mentorship from industry and academic professionals
• Business and operational strategy development for organizational growth
• Pitch training and the opportunity to present at YEDI's Venture Fair
• Networking with funders, peers, and community leaders
• Classes at a premier executive education venue (Schulich Executive Learning Centre)
• Enhanced fundraising strategies and leadership skills
• A professional certificate upon successful completion

Eligibility criteria of the Yedi- Not-For-Profit program:

• To be eligible for the program:
• Applicants must be executives or senior management of a Canadian registered charity or not-for-profit organization
• Organizations must be based in Canada
• Participants should have an active leadership role in shaping organizational direction
• Applicants must demonstrate a clear organizational mission, a plan for sustainability, and commitment to growth
• There is no mention of age, revenue minimums, or business longevity, but applicants must be able to articulate their organization's strategic goals and commitment to community impact
• Applicants should be available for the full 12-week duration of the program, held in Toronto