In Person

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.

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 - 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 - 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.

Western Oregon University - Public Policy and Administration Minor

Location: Monmouth, OR

Program: Public Policy and Administration Minor

Website: https://wou.edu/

Like the political science minor, WOU’s Public Policy and Administration minor can prepare students for a career in government or politics as well as help on the path to a law degree. Learn about administrative law and governmental budgeting along with classic subjects such as policy and public administration.

Western Oregon University - Public Policy and Administration Major

Location: Monmouth, OR

Program: Public Policy and Administration Major

Website: https://wou.edu/

This program at WOU is blended with courses in political science, communications, psychology, economics, business administration, criminal justice and sociology. You’ll get to choose an area of concentration with options such as management, human resources, corrections or government, depending on your career goals. You’ll be poised to take a position in leadership after you complete your studies and recommended practicums.

Learning outcomes:

  • Analyze issues in public administration and policy

  • Analyze the administrative context, politics and practical implications of public choices

  • Demonstrate skills in international and external organizational communication, public outreach and advocacy

Western Oregon University - Public and Nonprofit Management Certificate

Location: Monmouth, OR

Program: Public and Nonprofit Management Certificate

Website: https://wou.edu/

The certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management is designed to provide undergraduate students with skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of careers in organizations in the public, nonprofit, and civil service sectors. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of issues such as management, fundraising, communications, and the role of public policy within these important organizational sectors.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of principles, theories and concepts of public and nonprofit organizations.

  • Demonstrate skills such as problem solving, decision-making, organizational ethics, and budgeting for public and nonprofit management.

  • Analyze real-world cases in public, nonprofit, and international civil service organizations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for improvement.

University of Portland - MBA in Nonprofit Mangement

Location: Portland, OR

Program: MBA in Nonprofit Mangement

Website: https://www.up.edu/

Our MBA in Nonprofit Management program brings together aspiring leaders in nonprofit organizations to connect their skills, experiences and perspectives with committed professors, fusing theory and application. This unique program provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences to develop students into successful executives. The MBA in Nonprofit Management provides all the advantages of our traditional MBA plus specialized courses that enable participants to confidently face the challenges presented by the rapidly changing landscape of the nonprofit sector. Coursework focuses on social entrepreneurship, fund raising,negotiations, and sustainable economics. Students are encouraged to participate in strategic leadership workshops, held once a semester. Classes are taught once a week, Monday through Thursday in the evenings. Our program caters to the part-time student, full-time employee. Students will take two classes each semester for six consecutive semesters (two years). The cohort model fosters strong, long-term relationships with students and professors alike.

University of Oregon - Minor in Nonprofit Administration

Location: Eugene, OR

Program: Minor in Nonprofit Administration

Website: https://www.uoregon.edu/

The School of Planning, Public Policy and Management offers a minor to students interested in a career in the nonprofit sector. Through the minor, you can enhance your undergraduate education to include preparation for occupations and graduate study in nonprofit administration. Nonprofit organizations comprise one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the country, creating a high demand for graduates with tailored knowledge and skills to work for these diverse and exciting entities. The UO has one of the most comprehensive undergraduate nonprofit programs in the world. With a nonprofit administration (NPA) minor, you’ll gain unique skills and insights through applied coursework and hands-on projects with local professionals and nonprofit organizations. The NPA minor will help you gain a thorough understanding of current nonprofit issues and trends and develop sector-specific skills—one of the reasons NPA graduates rise rapidly to fill positions in their organizations' ranks. Curriculum overview: NPA minors enjoy practical experience in and out of the classroom and many classes work with local professionals, agencies, and organizations to help analyze and solve real issues. NPA students may choose to complete an internship as a way to explore and clarify career goals, apply academic learning, enhance and learn new skills, gain experience, and network with professionals.

Portland State University - Masters of Public Administration

Location: Portland, OR

Program: Masters of Public Administration

Website: https://www.pdx.edu/

The Masters of Public Administration (MPA) focuses on preparing students for administrative and leadership positions in governmental and nonprofit organizations. During the MPA program, students will participate in foundational courses in: Public Administration and Democratic Governance, Public Service Ethics, Public Policy Development and Implementation, Administrative Law, Public Budgeting Process. The Masters of Public Administration program offers three specific built-in Graduate Certificates: Local Government Administration, Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Nonprofit Leadership. Students may use their 15 elective credits to complete an optional Graduate Certificate, allowing them to earn a second credential by submitting a GO-19 form. The required courses for each Graduate Certificate are listed below. Any remaining elective credits can be selected from the approved Elective list. Students not wishing to earn an additional credential may take any courses from the approved Elective list. Public Administration Master's Degree: Why PSU? Unique Partnerships and Community Connections: Portland State is well-known for its focus on community service and engagement, and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government is one of the best places to take advantage of the numerous community partnerships PSU has developed. Partnerships and cooperative arrangements exist within the Oregon University System (which includes Oregon State University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Oregon, and more) as well as with multiple health, human service, community, and governmental agencies in Portland, across Oregon, and nationally. Experienced and Committed Faculty: Our faculty members and instructors are leading researchers and practitioners in the field of public administration. Their diverse array of expertise, experiences, and interests include local and regional government, public finance and law, nonprofit management, leadership, sustainability, health management and policy, natural resources policy, and much more. Faculty members continually practice and expand their skills through scholarship and service, and our students have the opportunity to work closely with these leaders in the classroom, through funded research, and technical assistance projects.

Portland State University - Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate

Location: Portland, OR

Program: Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate

Website: https://www.pdx.edu/

The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis prepares you to design, analyze, and evaluate public programs and policies across government, nonprofit, and consulting settings. Rooted in economics, political science, public administration, and sociology, the curriculum blends theory with practice so you can make evidence-based decisions that advance equity, effectiveness, and accountability. Developed by PSU’s Department of Public Administration, this certificate draws on courses jointly administered with Politics & Global Affairs through the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA). Choose a pathway that fits your background—stack it with the MPA or complete it as a standalone credential. Program Highlights: Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative methods, Policy analysis and program evaluation anchored in real cases, Culturally responsive and ethical evaluation frameworks, Flexible formats for working professionals, Stackable with MPA; open to other PSU master’s students. Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis: Why PSU? By completing this certificate, you will be able to: Connect social theory to evaluation practice and policy analysis. Apply culturally responsive and ethical approaches to research and evaluation. Design evaluations—including stakeholder engagement and data collection tools. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze programs and policies. Communicate actionable findings for decision-makers and communities.