Learn how to strategically attract new sources of capital to projects and organizations that have potential to generate positive social and environmental impacts at scale.
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January 08, 2024
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Program description
The Graduate Certificate in Financing Social Impact prepares you to co-create innovative approaches to advancing progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
This program invites practitioners from across the private, public and non-profit sectors to co-create solutions to address these barriers and to learn more strategic ways of financing projects and organizations that have the potential to generate positive social and environmental impact at scale.
While there are several promising developments in social finance and sustainable investing in Canada and globally, significant barriers remain to scaling both the demand for and supply of capital to match the magnitude of environmental and social challenges facing business and society.
Who it's for
This graduate certificate program is designed for professionals tasked with addressing complex social and/or environmental challenges with limited resources on hand. They are driven to generate positive social and environmental change at scale by leveraging new sources of capital.
Program outcomes
For you:
- Develop competencies that are increasingly in demand across public, private and non-profit sectors.
- Deepen your understanding of capital sources available for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Learn how to attract new sources of capital to your program or initiative to achieve large scale impacts.
- Network with people working on similar issues and challenges and build relationships and partnerships to share resources, learning and best practice.
For your organization:
- Develop internal champions who can support your organization to manage social impact projects and effectively take them to scale.
- Build employee competencies to apply thinking and approaches to identify new opportunities for scaling projects and organizations with high impact potential.
- Access leading experts in the social finance and sustainable investing space in Canada.
Program delivery
The Graduate Certificate in Financing Social Impact is delivered entirely online, providing students with the opportunity to continue their education and training while balancing their personal and professional lives. To increase learning flexibility, students will also be able to take FSIM500 and FSIM525 courses individually (stand alone) or as part of the program, depending on how best to integrate completion of the program into their schedule.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are essential to the co-created learning experience of your classmates.
The first course (FSIM500) and second course (FSIM525) will be delivered online over nine weeks.
The third course (FSIM690) is delivered completely online over five weeks, with a four-day virtual synchronous session, followed by a one-day student conference in the final week.
Each online course requires approximately 10-15 hours of learner effort per week.
Virtual residency
This online program includes a four-day synchronous session delivered virtually.
These experiences are intensive and immersive, and allow for community and cohort building, as well as an ability to work collaboratively on relevant, directly-applicable learning activities in real-time.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time online (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- complete homework, individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
- learn from guest speakers or subject matter experts
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Refine results
Admission to this program is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all aspects of the applicant's work and life experience, volunteer and community activities, practical experience, related training and formal education.
Standard admission
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Completion of an undergraduate four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field (i.e., arts, business, environmental studies) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
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Normally, at least two years of relevant full-time work experience (relevant work experience may include positions in leadership, management, communication, training, marketing, consulting etc.).
Flexible admission
- To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least five full-time years of relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Official transcripts
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Graduate Certificate in Financing Social Impact applicants as outlined below:
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All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
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As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
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As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.
In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one page in length and outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate program that you are applying for will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Résumé
A detailed résumé provides the Admissions Office with as much information about your work and life experiences as possible. We are interested in knowing where you have worked, for how long, and what you were responsible for in the positions you held. Provide as much information as possible, with special attention to the past ten years of your career. We would also like to see any professional development courses, volunteer positions, professional certification, association memberships or international experience that you may have acquired.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the writer to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, explain why s/he believes you will succeed in such a program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned.
If applicable:
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Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
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Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
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An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
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Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.