The Aims Nonprofit Leadership Academy (NLA) supports the nonprofit sector with applied professional development leadership courses and certificates.
Continuing Education
Nonprofit Leadership Academy
Courses are designed to be applied immediately in the workplace.
- 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.
Certificates can be completed in 1 - 2 years depending on your preferred pace.
The Weld Legacy Foundation is a proud supporter of the Nonprofit Leadership Development brought to you by this program.
Applicants must work for an organization that provides services to people living in Weld County or for an organization that has received a Flagship, Proactive or Key Funding Initiative (KFI) grant from The Weld Trust.
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.
Certificate 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.
Not sure which certificate is right for you? Here are some distinguishing features and a comparison of the certificates:
For nonprofit professionals looking to level up to a leadership role. Additionally, this program is for business leaders looking to transfer their skills into the nonprofit sector who need to expand their nonprofit knowledge.
Course Options:
- Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management
- Nonprofit Finance Essentials
- Marketing Essentials for Nonprofit Professionals
- Beyond the Bake Sale: Diversified and Sustainable Fundraising Techniques
- Nonprofit Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders
Elective Options:
- Developing a Successful Board
- Grant Readiness and Grant Writing Intensive
For executive leaders of nonprofits looking to further develop their leadership skills, and for nonprofit leaders who never had formal nonprofit leadership training.
Course Options:
- Nonprofit Shared Governance and Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Leaders
- Building and Leading Teams as a Nonprofit Executive
- Nonprofit Human Resources: Building High-Impact Teams
- Marketing and Communication Plan
Elective Options:
- Developing a Successful Board
- Grant Readiness and Grant Writing Intensive
For the nonprofit professional who wants to focus on specific areas of development and wants to choose courses from both the essentials and the leadership certificates.
You design your own certificate with a minimum of 5 courses from either the essentials or leadership certificates and the NLA electives.
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 over the course of 2 years. Email continuingeducation@aims.edu to sign up for the certificate program.
Still not sure which certificate is for you? Let’s figure it out—please call (970) 339-6697 to discuss which certificate is best for you. Our NLA team looks forward to working with you.
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.