Certificate Tuition & Financial Aid
For the 2012-2013 academic year, tuition for the 72-hour Certificate series is $1400. Although it costs significantly more than this amount to offer the course, generous support from the Vermont Community Foundation, the TDBank Foundation, the Windham Foundation, the National Life Group Charitable Foundation and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation enable us to keep the tuition reasonable.
Marlboro is partnering with the Vermont Arts Council to offer four Nonprofit Arts Management Training Scholarships to Vermont artists and residents working with local arts organizations. To find out if you are eligible or to apply, please go to the online application. The application deadline for Winter 2013 is Monday, January 14.
We are pleased to offer a 25% discount off the tuition to current members of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Marlboro College Graduate School supports VBSR's mission to advance business ethics in Vermont that value multiple bottom lines - economic, social, and environmental. This offer extends to individual and organizational members; please contact nonprofit@marlboro.edu to learn more.
Marlboro is also a proud partner of the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund and the Vermont Foodbank. These key hub organizations have joined with Marlboro to offer matching scholarships for the Certificate to their member organizations. Eligibility is by invitation.
We will work with each student to develop a viable financial plan. Please note that we will expect all applicants for Marlboro's need-based aid to apply first for support from VSAC.
Resources for Financial Aid: Overview
| Applicant | Residency | Need-based | Notes | Typical Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASAP | Individual | NH only | yes | Single parents encouraged to apply | $100-$500 |
| VSAC | Individual | VT only | yes | - | Depends on need |
| Segal Award | Individual | open | no | Americorps/ VISTA alumni | Variable |
| TD Bank | Nonprofit Organization | open | no | Must match mission area | Up to $1000 |
| Marlboro Alumni | Individual | open | no | Marlboro alumni | $150 |
| Marlboro Need-Based | Individual | open | yes | Must also apply to VSAC | $300 |
| Marlboro Capacity Building | Nonprofit Organization | open | yes | Matching grant | $700 |
Marlboro College Financial Aid
Some internal financial aid is available from the Program in Nonprofit Management, based on need. After you register for the Certificate online, you may complete the online request for financial assistance with additional information about our scholarship programs. Vermont students intending to apply for Marlboro's need-based aid must also apply to VSAC.
The Certificate course is an investment in professional development. We strive to keep the tuition reasonable. However, we recognize that even a small amount of financial aid can make a big difference, and we are pleased to offer three scholarship programs for our students: Partnership for Capacity Building matching grants for students partially sponsored by their employers; Alumni Grants for Marlboro College or Graduate School graduates; and need-based Grants for Individuals.
Marlboro has limited funds available for financial aid. We would encourage you to start by exploring your eligibility for assistance from external sources such as the programs described below.
Partnership for Capacity Building Matching Grants
Nonprofit organizations recognize that advanced training in leadership and management is critical to the competitive strength and ongoing vitality of the sector. However, for some smaller organizations, meaningful investment in staff development can be financially challenging.
Marlboro College created the Partnership for Capacity Building program to insure that all stakeholders join forces to build a more skilled, effective and confident workforce. This program is designed for organizations with an annual operating budget under $100,000. Marlboro will match a $350 employer contribution for a combined grant of $700, and the student will cover the remaining balance.
Please note that applicants for matching funds will need to supply a signed letter of support from their employer.
Alumni Grants
While the adjunct professors were absolutely wonderful, some of the real learning took place in and amongst the members of the class. The cross-leveling of information, networking and ideas was wonderful.Frank Wetherby, Rescue, Inc.
Marlboro College is proud of the diverse and inspiring contributions its alumni have made to the nonprofit sector, and we are always delighted to welcome our graduates back for further training. If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from Marlboro, you are eligible for an alumni grant of $150.
Grants for Individuals
We have a limited amount of need-based aid available for students in difficult financial situations. Please note that we expect all Vermont applicants for need-based aid to also apply to VSAC for assistance.
How to Apply
The first step to applying for financial aid is to sign up for the Certificate class. After your registration is on file, you can apply for Marlboro College financial aid using this online request for financial assistance. The Priority Financial Aid deadline is January 14, 2013. If you would like more information about financial aid, please contact the program director at nonprofit@marlboro.edu or (802) 451-7510.
Other Sources to Explore
Our students have been successful applying for external sources of aid such as:
- VSAC's Non-Degree Grant for Vermont residents,
- Adult Student Aid Program for New Hampshire residents, and
- TDBank Nonprofit Resources grant for 501(c)(3) organizations.
Former Americorps and VISTA volunteers may be able to use their Segal educational award to offset the Certificate tuition. Students taking the Certificate to improve job skills may qualify for a Lifetime Learning Credit from the IRS ; consult a tax professional to learn more.
Individuals registered with Vermont Joblink may be able eligible to receive Workforce Investment Act for this training; contact your local Department of Labor office for more information.
Please note that these external resources are not affiliated with the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and all have independent application processes. You must apply directly to these programs.
A note on deadlines. There is no cut-off date for a VSAC application, but they do run out of funds so your chances are best if you apply near the beginning of the fiscal year in late summer or early fall. For the Adult Student Aid Program of New Hampshire and TDBank, please keep in mind these deadlines:
- August 15: approximate TDBank deadline for Fall classes
- August 15: hard ASAP deadline for Fall classes
- December 15: hard ASAP deadline for Winter classes
- December 20: approximate TDBank deadline for Winter classes
VSAC Non-Degree Grant (for VT residents)
Any Vermont resident enrolled in a non-degree (non-matriculated) course that will improve employability or encourage further study is eligible to apply for a Vermont Non-Degree grant. The grant award amount is based on financial need and the cost of the course. The maximum award amount per term is determined each year by VSAC based on funding availability.
An applicant may receive a Non-Degree grant for up to two enrollment terms per financial aid year (July 1 - June 30), and a total of six terms of Non-Degree grants in a lifetime. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available. Contact VSAC for more information.
Adult Student Aid Program (for NH residents)
The program is particularly interested in helping applicants achieve economic independence and in supporting students whose education and training will lead directly to better employment opportunities. Single parents are especially encouraged to apply.
Awards typically range from $100 to $500. Requests for funding may be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on December 15th, May 15th or August 15th each year for upcoming academic terms. There is a $15 application fee.
TD Bank Nonprofit Training Grant (for organizations)
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted before the class begins and preferably a month in advance. An organization can receive no more than $1000 per calendar year. Grant amounts are to cover employee tuition only.
To qualify for this funding, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) located in a TD Bank market area and must promote one of the following:
* Affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals
* Increased economic (small business) development
* Financial literacy for low- and moderate-income youth, individuals or families
* After-school or extracurricular programming for low- and moderate-income children
Segal Americorps Education Award (for Americorps & Vista alumni)
After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use your education award to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. If you successfully complete a term of service in VISTA, you may choose to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in place of the end-of-service stipend.Pay Current Educational Expenses at a Qualified School
The Segal award can be used to pay tuition for a degree- or certificate-granting program of study or continuing education courses at a qualified Title IV school such as Marlboro College Graduate School.
The Certificate was a great fast track option for busy working nonprofit leaders. The information was practical, the connections helpful and the faculty very experienced. I have a much more complete skill set to bring back to my work place along with a renewed confidence for tackling tough issues in the nonprofit world.
Julia Van Ranson '11, Neighborhood Schoolhouse
