This course provides nonprofit leaders, project managers, and mission-driven professionals with a structured, practical framework for evaluating projects before they begin. Grounded in proven project management principles, the program introduces seven essential questions that strengthen decision-making, improve resource allocation, and increase the likelihood of successful project delivery. Through guided instruction, real-world examples, and tailored nonprofit insights, participants gain a deeper understanding of how to assess project feasibility, define success, evaluate risks, and choose the most appropriate execution approach. The course equips participants with the clarity and confidence needed to launch projects that are strategically aligned, well-resourced, and realistically achievable.

This comprehensive four-hour virtual course examines the critical considerations that nonprofit organizations must address before initiating a project. The program begins with a foundational introduction to project management concepts, including definitions, life cycles, and the organizational domains that influence project outcomes. It then progresses into the Seven Key Questions—a systematic method for assessing purpose, success criteria, resource adequacy, challenges, environmental factors, confidence levels, and execution strategies. Each segment integrates nonprofit-specific scenarios, practical tools such as RACI and prioritization frameworks, and guidance for navigating constraints common in mission-focused environments. By the end of the session, participants are equipped with actionable insights and templates that support more informed, strategic project planning.

The course begins with an introduction to core project management principles, highlighting both formal and informal definitions of projects and outlining the role of life cycles, governance, resources, and stakeholder engagement in successful delivery. It then transitions into a detailed exploration of the Seven Questions, dedicating focused discussion to each question—its purpose, common nonprofit challenges, and recommended best practices. Participants will analyze how to identify the “why” behind a project, define realistic success criteria, assess resource sufficiency, understand organizational and environmental challenges, evaluate confidence levels, and select appropriate methods for execution. The session concludes with a synthesis of key takeaways, a review of included templates, and guidance for applying the framework to live or upcoming projects.