Aims Community College - Nonprofit Leadership Academy Certificate

Location: Greeley, CO

Program: Nonprofit Leadership Academy Certificate

Website: https://www.aims.edu/

The Aims Nonprofit Leadership Academy (NLA) supports the nonprofit sector with applied professional development leadership courses that can lead to a certificate in nonprofit leadership, tailored to your career goals. Geared towards both mastering the fundamentals and leading teams as an executive, diverse courses are designed to equip students with specialized skills and meet the evolving needs of nonprofit professionals, designed to be applied immediately in the workplace. Skill Building: Coursework is designed to be applied immediately in the workplace. Flexible Format: Course lengths range from one-day workshops to four- to eight-week courses, offered in various modalities (online, in-person, hybrid). Diverse Topics: Choose the topic that you need to focus on by exploring a wide range of relevant courses- tailored to meet the evolving needs of nonprofit professionals.

Structure: To earn a Nonprofit Leadership Academy Certificate, students must complete five courses of their choosing. For executive leaders of nonprofits who are looking to further develop their leadership skills and earn the Certificate with an emphasis in Leadership, they must complete five courses within the Leadership Track.

Course Catalogue:

• Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management (recommended as the foundational course)

• Nonprofit Finance Essentials

• Marketing Essentials for Nonprofit Professionals

• Beyond the Bake Sale: Diversified and Sustainable Fundraising Techniques

• Grant Readiness and Grant Writing Intensive

• Nonprofit Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders (Leadership Track)

• Developing a Successful Board (Leadership Track)

• Nonprofit Shared Governance and Executive Leadership (Leadership Track)

• Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Leaders (Leadership Track)

• Building and Leading Teams as a Nonprofit Executive (Leadership Track)

• Nonprofit Human Resources: Building High-Impact Teams (Leadership Track)

• Marketing and Communication Plan (Leadership Track)

• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship (Fundraising Track Coming Soon)

• Annual Fund & Campaign Planning (Fundraising Track Coming Soon)

• Donor Cycles and Segmentation (Fundraising Track Coming Soon)

Course Delivery: Flexible learning options include one-day to four- to eight-week courses offered online, in-person and hybrid.

Financing: Scholarships are available through the Weld Legacy Foundation and Chevron. Enrollment to earn a full certificate, receives a 10% tuition discount. Individual multi-week courses range in cost from approximately $275-$450.

Western Colorado University - Nonprofit Administration Degree and Certificate (Online)

Location: Gunnison, CO

Program: Nonprofit Administration Degree and Certificate (Online)

Website: https://western.edu/

Lead with purpose. Make a difference in your community with the Nonprofit Administration Certificate. Designed for professionals and aspiring leaders, this fully online, nine-credit program equips you with the essential skills to effectively manage and grow nonprofit organizations. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, board member, or staff member stepping into leadership, this certificate provides the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful impact. Through expert-led courses, you’ll gain insights into governance, strategic planning, and financial management—ensuring you’re prepared to lead with confidence and create lasting change. This program is available to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students who wish to bolster their resumes and/or professionally develop in their career path.

University of Denver - Graduate Certificate in Social Enterprise and Innovation

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Graduate Certificate in Social Enterprise and Innovation

Website: https://www.du.edu/

Turn big ideas into sustainable impact. Learn how to build mission-driven ventures that solve real-world problems and deliver compelling value propositions. Through a hands-on project, you’ll develop a business plan or prototype for your own social enterprise. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is one of only 13 in the U.S. accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Sharpen skills including: Design social enterprises that address specific challenges, Apply social innovation frameworks and tools to a nonprofit organization’s business structure, Assess innovative ideas for their social value and market possibilities, Work with a social enterprise to business plan or prototype a new idea.

University of Denver - Masters in Nonprofit Leadership with a Concentration in Social Enterprise and Innovation

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Masters in Nonprofit Leadership with a Concentration in Social Enterprise and Innovation

Website: https://www.du.edu/

Turn big ideas into sustainable impact. Learn how to build mission-driven ventures that solve real-world problems and deliver compelling value propositions. Through a hands-on project, you’ll develop a business plan or prototype for your own social enterprise. The M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership is one of only 13 in the U.S. accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Sharpen skills including: Design social enterprises that address specific challenges, Apply social innovation frameworks and tools to a nonprofit organization’s business structure, Assess innovative ideas for their social value and market possibilities, Work with a social enterprise to business plan or prototype a new idea.

University of Denver - Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and Operation

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and Operation

Website: https://www.du.edu/

Drive change with confidence in the nonprofit world. Build the leadership and operational skills you need to guide organizations through complex challenges. Learn organizational assessment, performance assessment, board governance, financial management, and program design and impact evaluation. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is one of only 13 in the U.S. accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Sharpen skills including: Shape organizational culture for stability and high performance, Strengthen strategic leadership and management approaches, Build productive executive leadership and board relationships, Oversee successful program design and evaluation.

University of Denver - Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising

Website: https://www.du.edu/

Strengthen nonprofits with effective fundraising strategies. Build skills and knowledge in development planning, strategic fundraising approaches, technology use, finance, and long-term donor cultivation. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is one of only 13 in the U.S. accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Sharpen skills including: Create and implement comprehensive development plans, Leverage digital tools and technology to drive fundraising results, Use culturally-informed fundraising strategies for diverse contexts, Apply AI strategies to fundraising and long-term giving strategy

University of Denver - Masters in Nonprofit Leadership with a Concentration in Nonprofit Fundraising

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Masters in Nonprofit Leadership with a Concentration in Nonprofit Fundraising

Website: https://www.du.edu/

Strengthen nonprofits with effective fundraising strategies. Build skills and knowledge in development planning, strategic fundraising approaches, technology use, finance, and long-term donor cultivation. The M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership is one of only 13 in the U.S. accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Sharpen skills including: Create and implement comprehensive development plans, Leverage digital tools and technology to drive fundraising results, Use culturally-informed fundraising strategies for diverse contexts, Apply AI strategies to fundraising and long-term giving strategy

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs - Master of Public Administration

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Program: Master of Public Administration

Website: https://www.uccs.edu/

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UCCS prepares students to take leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. The UCCS MPA program is the only program in the Pikes Peak Region accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The MPA program offers courses in-person, online, or a combination of both. Within the program, there are around 200 active students. Class sizes are capped at 20, except for capstone courses, where you may have up to 36 students. Students in the MPA program should expect to complete the degree in no less than one and a half and no more than six years; the average is about three years.

University of Colorado-Denver - Public, Non-Profit & Community Leadership Certificate

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Public, Non-Profit & Community Leadership Certificate

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

The Public, Non-Profit & Community Leadership Certificate is a valuable academic credential that reflects the participant's scholarly achievement in courses related to public policy, administration, local politics and/or community leadership. You can earn a certificate while simultaneously seeking a master's or bachelor's degree, or you can pursue it as a stand-alone certificate without a degree. All graduates of the New Directions applied MA program will earn this certificate. Regardless of your path, the courses you take will develop your knowledge, skills and political acumen to lead more effectively within your organization, jurisdiction, or community.

University of Colorado-Denver - Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management prepares students to become innovative and critical thinkers in the areas of nonprofit organizational management and public policy, with a unique approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

University of Colorado-Denver - Nonprofit Management Undergraduate Certificate

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Nonprofit Management Undergraduate Certificate

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

The undergraduate certificate in Nonprofit Management is designed to appeal to students with a background in any major, or non-degree students, who are interested in working in the nonprofit sector. The certificate is designed to allow students to demonstrate to potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the nonprofit workplace. Competencies covered by the certificate include foundations and management of the nonprofit sector, cultural competence and diversity, and financial resource development, among others. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and connections through nonprofit internships and field experiences.

University of Colorado-Denver - Masters in Public Administration (Online Option)

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Masters in Public Administration (Online Option)

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

With coursework rooted in research, analytics, ethics, and leadership, MPA students are well equipped to thrive in public service and drive meaningful change. Versatile options—including a one-year accelerated or an executive-focused program—allow you to customize your journey to fit your career goals. The MPA program empowers skilled, open-minded leaders ready for impactful roles in public service, from city management and policy analysis to nonprofit and emergency management leadership.

University of Colorado-Denver - Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

The University of Colorado Denver’s Bachelor Arts in Public Administration is an applied, generalist degree designed for those who are passionate about making a difference in their community; preparing them to take active roles in organizations that promote the common good, such as local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.

University of Colorado-Denver - Public Administration Minor

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Public Administration Minor

Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/

The Minor in Public Administration will provide needed competencies to a generation looking for meaningful work consistent with their social values. Public Administration courses provide students with the skills and content knowledge to work in public, private and nonprofit sectors, and the emerging fourth sector, blending social and environmental concerns with business approaches.

Regis University - Masters in Nonprofit Management (Online Option)

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Masters in Nonprofit Management (Online Option)

Website: https://www.regis.edu/

As one of the first universities in the country to offer a degree in nonprofit management, Regis understands that, for many, a career is about more than money or status. It’s about making a difference. Guided by our Jesuit heritage, our Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) degree program provides a rigorous, values-based, transformative education. Nonprofit work is deeply fulfilling, and a big part of that is having the chance to help others. As a Regis MNM student, you’ll have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in our unique service-oriented field experience (SOFE). Wherever you put your skills to use, you’ll gain valuable insights into the real workings of nonprofit organizations. The Regis MNM is taught 100% online in 8-week formats, ensuring maximum flexibility for busy adult learners. There’s no fee to apply and no letters of recommendation or GRE score required. Class sizes are capped to maintain a small student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring you’re not just a face in the crowd, but a valued member of the Regis community.

Regis University - Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Location: Denver, CO

Program: Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Website: https://www.regis.edu/

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is an excellent entry point for students who wish to understand the nonprofit world and use their talents to help organizations succeed. Developed in partnership with the Denver Rescue Mission, this graduate certificate is open to all students, whether they hope to get their foot in the door of the nonprofit sector, earn credits toward a future master’s degree or simply expand their existing professional skillset. Students explore the history, formation, legal basis and operations of the nonprofit sector, as well as the ethos and motivations for the development of nonprofits in general. Mastery of these areas makes students more competitive as candidates for advanced nonprofit roles and offers a solid foundation for their future development as nonprofit leaders. This certificate represents part of Regis University’s 30-year legacy as a pioneer in nonprofit management and leadership.

Colorado State University - Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Online)

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Program: Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Online)

Website: https://www.colostate.edu/

A career leading non-profit organizations requires a unique set of skills that you can gain by enrolling in the online Nonprofit Administration certificate. Become proficient in developing an organization in the areas of board development, program architecture, human resources and staffing, resource development, volunteer management, and communications. Learn to innovate and build successful non-profit programs that make positive changes in our world.

Colorado State University - Public Management Certificate (Online)

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Program: Public Management Certificate (Online)

Website: https://www.colostate.edu/

The Public Management Graduate Certificate equips current and aspiring public leaders with the tools to effectively manage and lead in today’s complex public sector. In just four online courses, you’ll explore the historical foundations and modern practices of public administration while connecting theory to real-world leadership challenges. Designed for flexibility, this certificate helps you build skills in organizational culture, budgeting, performance management, and leadership. It emphasizes justice-oriented management and policy while keeping effectiveness and efficiency at the forefront. Whether you’re advancing in your current role, making a career shift into public service, or testing the waters before a master’s program, this certificate provides a practical, affordable, and impactful pathway to leadership.

Colorado Christian University - Master in Public Administration (Online)

Location: Lakewood, CO

Program: Master in Public Administration (Online)

Website: https://www.ccu.edu/

The Master of Public Administration online degree program at Colorado Christian University will equip you with the knowledge necessary to provide leadership and management in local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as voluntary, proprietary, and not-for-profit organizations. CCU's online MPA program is unique in its emphasis to train Christ-centered men and women with a interest in public service to take places of leadership as confident, courageous, ethical, and effective leaders. Governmental law; public budgeting and finance; public information and civic engagement; and public policy Offered through our College of Adult and Graduate Studies, the MPA degree focuses on building your capacity to facilitate change in organizations and communities through technical competency and servant leadership.

Adams State University - Master in Public Administration (Online)

Location: Alamosa, CO

Program: Master in Public Administration (Online)

Website: https://www.adams.edu/

This is a 36 hour program leading to a Master in Public Administration (M.P.A.). It is a fully online degree designed for professionals who are already working in the public and non-profit sectors as well as pre-professionals who want to start a career in public service. The program mixes skills based coursework with real practical experience working in public agencies. It will prepare its graduates to work in positions in the federal, state, and local government as well as non-profit organizations.

The degree is delivered through semester based, interactive, online courses. The program, which can be completed in 2 years, is designed for students who are also working full time.

This M.P.A. degree leads to career advancement for those seeking to enter the field of public administration as well as current public servants who want to move into management positions. It also provides the skill development necessary for public managers to do their jobs more effectively.