Imagine a nonprofit tackling food insecurity in your community. The organization works tirelessly, yet systemic barriers--like zoning laws, funding inequities, and historical policies--often limit its impact. This course uncovers those hidden forces, examining how social policies shape nonprofit work and determine who benefits from their programs. Students will explore how systems of race, class, and governance connect to nonprofit challenges such as equity in funding, diversity and inclusion, and board leadership. Through case studies, critical discussions, and applied exercises, you'll gain tools to address social problems while challenging the systems that create them. By the end of the course, you'll be able to analyze policy through a social impact lens, design actionable strategies for nonprofits, and think critically about your role as a changemaker in a complex system.