UPDATED FOR 2025
Nonprofit Capacity-Building Certification
This self-paced training offered by the Nonprofit Help Center will help you build competence and confidence around 28 key areas of nonprofit leadership and management. With flexible and engaging microlearning across the always-on online learning platform, Merit®, this certificate offers a professional development experience unique to the needs of nonprofit sector.
(includes 3 day free trial)
Full participation in this certificate is applicable for 84 points in Category 1.B Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Check out a FREE 15-Minute Course!
Setting Goals Around Strategic Planning
This is the 6th course in the "Strategic Planning" topic and explores how goals keep us on target.
What is community leadership?
This is the first course in the "Community Leadership" topic and highlights the role that everyone can play in leading hearts and minds.
What Effective Advocacy Looks Like
This is the 3rd course in the "Advocacy Success" topic and explores the nuts and bolts of true advocacy.
Motivating & Supporting Board Fundraising
This is the 7th course in the "Board Fundraising" topic and focuses on staff support of the board's fund (and friend) raising.
Give us 15 minutes, we'll give you professional development you'll love.
Through our certificate program, learners build competence and confidence so that they can innovate, lead, and advance in the nonprofit sector.
28
TOPICS
252
15-MINUTE COURSES
84
DIGITAL BADGES
+ 84 CFRE POINTS
6
PERSONAL LEARNING PLANS
Short Courses with No Talking Heads
Nobody needs another "sage on a stage" style talking head video! You'll enjoy professionally-produced videos that reflect today's nonprofit workplace, all of which include closed captioning, audio-only options, and well-designed transcripts for those who want or need these accessibility features.
And what's more:
- Videos are only a part of the learning experience
- Each course includes videos that are 3 or 5 minutes in length, plus quizzes, interactive workbook reflections, and learning self-checks
Track Progress with Digital Badges
Each of the 15-minute courses within one of the 28 learning path topics will build on the last, and you'll earn digital badges along the way that can be shared. You'll also be given an optional progress tracking sheet to have at-a-glance access to your current status.
And what's more:
- You can choose your own adventure through the topics, or follow our Suggested Learner Guide
- Most learners complete the Certificate in 12 months, by spending 1 to 2 hours per week learning
Bring Learning to Life with Personal Learning Plans
Each of the Certificate's 28 topics include 9 courses that build on each other, and the final course guides you through the development of a personal learning plan. In this structured exercise, you'll envision what you can do to achieve a goal related to the topic over the next 3 to 6 months.
And what's more:
- Your learning plan is suitable for sharing with an accountability buddy or supervisor
- Each plan details your skills, timeline, and what success looks like
On Your Schedule with Personal Support
You can choose your own adventure in the topics you tackle first and how you structure your learning time. Learners also enjoy optional monthly learner meet-ups with Dr. Emilie Socash and the Nonprofit Help Center team and regular messages of encouragement!
And what's more:
- The Nonprofit Help Center team is always available via chat or video call to help you navigate your learning journey
Transformative training on topics that matter.
The 28 topics offered in the Certificate program align with the Impact Capacity Assessment Tool and draw from the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect skills matrix. Each of the following learning paths includes 9 courses on the topic. Each course includes approximately 15 minutes of learning experience.
Leading
- Community Leadership
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Mission Focused Leadership
Planning
- Decision-Making
- Strategic Planning
Learning
- Advocacy Success
- Environmental Context
- Organizational Capacity
- Performance Assessment
- Population Needs
- Program Success
Revenue Generating
- Board Fundraising
- Donor Cultivation
- Grantmaker Relationships
- Marketing
- Partnership
- Staff Fundraising
Oversight
- Impact Accountability
- Implementation Accountability
- Financial Oversight
Managing
- Community Collaboration
- Facilities
- Professional Development
- Program Implementation
- Recruitment and Retention
- Staff Deployment
- Technology
- Volunteer Engagement
Are you ready?
Start the journey to become
Nonprofit Capacity-Building Certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Program Right For Me?
This program will benefit anyone who wants to improve their understanding and real-world application of nonprofit leadership strategies and skills. It’s especially useful for those seeking advancement in the sector or who are leading teams. This program works well for exploring different aspects of nonprofit operations, or improving your performance in your current role. It also increases confidence and credibility of a nonprofit professional at any level.
Are There Any Prerequisites for Enrollment?
No. Unlike graduate programs or other certifications, you do not need to have completed any prior education to enroll in and benefit from this Certificate program. You also do not need to be currently working in the sector to gain skills, knowledge, and capacity around the 28 topics we tackle in this program. If you are considering entering the field or looking to serve wholeheartedly in a regular volunteer capacity, this course is for you.
How Much Does The Program Cost?
You pay a one-time fee of $799 for the Certificate in Nonprofit Capacity Building program. This price includes all the components listed above. You may also choose to enroll at a monthly rate of $79 per month, which offers a 7-day trial.
Is There A Refund Policy?
If you’re not satisfied with the course after 30 days, and you've spent at least an hour on the learning platform, you can email us to request a full refund. Learners who follow along with the program, go through all the materials and actively take part in their learning experience are delighted with the Certificate, and more successful in growing their careers in the nonprofit sector.
How Long Do I Have To Complete the Program And Get Certified?
You can take a year complete the Certificate and submit the required work. There’s absolutely no fixed schedule or deadline on coursework completion throughout this year. We do, however, suggest you establish a consistent weekly schedule of 1-2 hours for watching the lesson videos and completing the reflection exercises and other learning activities.
What If I Have Questions Or Need Support?
Once enrolled you’ll receive information from us on how best to contact us via chatbot or email for questions about the coursework, or our technical support team for any system (online access or performance) issues. You will also be able to submit and ask questions during the live monthly office hours sessions.
Enroll today, see growth tomorrow.
Start the journey to build competence and confidence in your nonprofit work.
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