Nonprofit Leadership Boot Camp

The nonprofit sector needs resilient and knowledgeable leaders to deliver integral services, especially now, amid COVID-19 related challenges and the subsequent impact of this pandemic. CEN's Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Boot Camp is your opportunity to learn from industry experts, explore the nonprofit business model, develop your management skills, and gain a robust toolkit of resources to excel and sustain yourself in a nonprofit career. Additionally, we've embedded timely content (coping resources, fundraising strategies, etc.) to address current and evolving challenges. All of our virtual offerings are designed to be inclusive, supportive environments where participants can connect with peers and receive/provide during this difficult time. ​

The intensive boot camp is a 3-day, not-for-credit certificate course for new executives, managers, board members, and emerging professionals from the nonprofit sector.

FULL LEARNING CALENDAR

Video Testimonials

Sasha Richardson
Community Worker
African American Community Service Agency

​​"The people I was able to network with was very priceless."

Shannon Gordon
Operations Manager
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley

"Exposes you to all aspects of a nonprofit organization."

Ty Thompson
Board of Directors
Razing the Bar

"Probably the most informative [training] I've been to."

Intended Audience

​This course is intended for all nonprofit professionals and is specifically beneficial for leaders that are new to senior management and/or facing new management and leadership challenges (leaders include executive directors, department directors, program staff, board members, and key volunteers). Our goal is to serve a diverse group of leaders and organizations through every boot camp offering. Additionally, this course may also be of interest to professionals in a governmental or private setting who would like to work or volunteer in the nonprofit sector.

Course Breakdown

Leadership - Get ready to learn how to make the shift from individual contributor to leader, how to navigate the difference between managing and leading, and how to increase your impact by building a strong team.
Financial Leadership - You will gain an understanding of the unique aspects of nonprofit financials and how to use this information to create greater financial stability for your organization.
Strategic Development & Operational Planning - Explore the core principles of creating and casting your vision, how to create a strategic framework for implementation and assessment, and how to build capacity through efficient and effective operational planning.
Fund Development - You will learn comprehensive, proven fundraising concepts and principles, all incorporating the latest research. At the same time, you will explore specific tools and techniques that enable and empower fundraisers to effectively plan and manage developmental efforts as they relate to the overall strategic vision of the organization.
Governance - One key determinate of a successful nonprofit is the relationship between the board and staff. In this course you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors, how build a board to meet your strategic vision, and how to engage your board members.
Special Topics - Have included, but are not limited to; Social Media & Marketing, Partnership Development, Social Sector Policy & Advocacy, and more! ​

Post Course Results:

"My experience with this program provided me with valuable training that boosted my confidence and helped me to feel ready to take on an important leadership role. Creating a vision and serving the mission of your organization, working effectively with a board of directors, strategic planning, raising critical funds for programs and services, and providing strong financial stewardship are all vital topics of the class that have served me very well as new executive director. This well-rounded class touched on every aspect of becoming the leader you want to be - the leader that's inside all of us." 

- Lisa Rock, Executive Director of Palo Alto Community Child Care