Certificate in
leadership
The Certificate in Leadership is a 10-week program for nonprofit professionals who are new to managing people or programs (have been in their position for less than three years). Through peer-based learning groups, group coaching calls, and one-on-one coaching, the program prepares emerging nonprofit leaders to effectively lead and manage in our dynamically changing sector while strengthening their organizations and communities.
Nominations are currently open for the spring 2026 program. Nominations are due by January 26, 2026.
Program Components
The Certificate in Leadership consists of the following experiences:
- Virtual orientation and meet and greet
- Four virtual, half-day training sessions facilitated by expert practitioners
- In-person leadership panel and final session
- Four virtual group coaching sessions (one hour each) in between each training session
- A 30-minute virtual individual coaching session
- Follow-up facilitated (virtual) group coaching calls (quarterly, one hour each)
Skill Development
All classes and content empower participants to practice skill development in the following areas:
- Self-reflection
- Reflective writing
- Critical thinking
- Giving and receiving feedback
Proven Impact
- 100% of graduates say they can respond authentically to changes and challenges facing today’s nonprofit leaders, up from 59% before the program.
- Participants’ ability to understand themselves and manage their organizational responsibilities increased from 88% to 100% from the beginning to the end of the program.
- 100% of participants say they understood their leadership style and could develop a plan to enhance their skills after the program, up from 77% before the program began.
How to Apply
Acceptance into the Certificate in Leadership program is by application only and consists of the following steps.
Step 1: Individuals or organizations nominate eligible nonprofit professionals to participate.
Step 2: Nominees who meet eligibility requirements are invited to complete an application.
Step 3: Certificate participants are selected and announced.
Nominate a leader for the spring 2026 program by January 26.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be new to their position (three years or less) in managing people or programs for the first time. Examples include a CEO or executive director who has just joined an organization, a first-time manager who is learning how to effectively lead others or a professional who is new to overseeing a program or department.
- Candidates must commit to attending all content sessions on the published dates.
- Candidates must have the support from executive staff and senior leaders to attend, practice and implement what they’re learning through the program.
What Graduates
are saying:
