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.
Continuing Education
Nonprofit Leadership Academy
Be Notified When Classes Open for Registration
The next session starts in Spring 2025
Scholarships Available
Click the links below to find out more about the available scholarships:
*Early registration is strongly encouraged. If you are awarded a scholarship after you have registered and paid for a class, you will be refunded.
Program Information
You can choose from three certificates to enhance your professional skills; the Essentials Certificate, the Leadership Certificate, or the Professional Certificate. Alternatively, you do not have to choose a certificate track and can instead take classes of your choosing on your timeline.
Most classes are "co-located" meaning that they can be taken live through Zoom if you can't be in person at the Loveland Campus.
See NLA program details below:
This certificate is geared towards nonprofit professionals looking to level up or those looking to break into the nonprofit sector.
Fall Classes
Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management
Essentials of Marketing and Communications
Nonprofit Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders
Spring Classes
Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management
Financial Management
Sustainable and Diversified Funding
This certificate is for experienced nonprofit leaders looking to develop their leadership skills.
Fall Classes
Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management (recommended as first course)
Talent Development and Management
Accountability and Governance for Executive Leaders
Spring Classes
Strategic Planning and Program Planning
Marketing and Communications Plan
Leading Teams as Nonprofit Executives
This certificate is for those that want to choose from courses that appeal to them.
Fall Classes
Developing a successful board
Fall Classes
- Grant Workshops
Certificate Information
Students who want to earn a certificate in this program will receive a 10% discount on all classes. To qualify, students must take a minimum of 5 courses in the course of 2 years. Email continuingeducation@aims.edu to sign up for the certificate program.
*Course lengths will range from one-day workshops to four to eight-week-long courses.
We offer flexible delivery methods to fit your busy schedule, including online, in-person and hybrid options.
The Academy launched in March 2024 with the Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management Course. Here is what one student had to say:
I have been waiting for a course like this! I was surprised this class was not full, as it is exactly what our community needs. With 16 years of experience in nonprofits, I've already gained a wealth of knowledge through this course—insights that have already helped me become a more well-rounded professional and better prepared for future roles in nonprofit management. As this class is ending, I can't help but feel a bit sad, but I am encouraged to continue my education with what is to come in this academy.
--Kodie Rosten, CASA Program Administrator for Life Stories, a Colorado child and family advocacy nonprofit
Not ready to sign up yet, but want to stay up to date about the program? Sign up here to get emails about future program updates.