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New Nonprofit Leadership Academy Launches at Aims Community College

Aims Community College Continuing Education is offering a Nonprofit Leadership Academy (NLA) with applied professional development courses that can lead to a certificate in nonprofit leadership.

Woman explaining the plan to office team

The First Course Begins in Spring 2024

The NLA's first class is Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management; it begins on March 27. This class introduces critical concepts, including understanding nonprofit structures, governance, development, communications, planning, financial management, and more. This class is offered in a hybrid format and meets in person on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Aims Loveland Campus. The remaining coursework is completed online. The cost of this first course is $375. 

 The full program will launch in Fall 2024. Participants can choose from stand-alone courses or earn certificates in:

  • Essentials: nonprofit management, marketing, accounting, sustainable fundraising
  • Leadership: talent development, strategic planning, governance
  • Professional: build the certificate you need to advance your skills
  • Board Development: roles, governance, leadership 

“We want to provide resources to our local nonprofits so they are even more successful and impactful,” said Heather Lelchook, Executive Director of Continuing Education. 

“Aims will also develop programming for members of nonprofit boards. Lelchook said, “The feedback has been positive and encouraging.” 

Need for the NLA Program

Aims explored the education and training needs of the nonprofit sector. According to the Colorado Nonprofit Association, 20,000 nonprofit organizations in the state provide jobs to 330,000 people. The nonprofit industry annually has a $40B impact on Colorado’s economy.  In addition, in conversations and research within the nonprofit sector, Aims found the failure rate of nonprofit organizations is high; many don’t last more than five years, and 30 percent close within ten.

The Weld Trust is supporting this program through scholarships. “The Weld Trust is honored to work with many nonprofits to deliver services in our key funding initiatives,” said Roy Otto, Director of Community Impact with the Weld Trust. 

“Through our Weld Legacy Foundation, we are striving to provide the resources to build the capacity of our nonprofit partners. The Aims Nonprofit Leadership Academy is a great resource and Weld Legacy Foundation will be providing scholarships for our partners to earn important certificates the program will provide.” 

Learn more about this program at aims.co/nonprofit-academy