Continuing Education

Nonprofit Leadership Academy

Woman seated wearing red shirt and glasses in front of four other people seated at a nonprofit leadership training event, all listening to presenter off camera

The Aims Nonprofit Leadership Academy (NLA) supports the nonprofit sector with applied professional development leadership courses and certificates.

Spring Classes Are Now Open for Registration

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.

Apply Here

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 into a leadership role. Additionally, it is for business leaders who are looking to transfer their skills into the nonprofit sector and 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; or could be for the nonprofit leader 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.

Additional 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.

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.