This certificate educates, empowers and connects executive directors, senior-level managers and emerging executives of nonprofit and public organizations. It is a premier learning and networking experience for seasoned leaders. Request more info.
Nonprofit Management Institute
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate
8 months
to earn this certificate
7 courses
on key topics
30 leaders
in each program cohort
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate
A learning and networking experience for seasoned leaders
The Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate is designed to meet the professional needs of executive directors, senior-level managers and emerging executives of nonprofit and public organizations, offered in a cohort format to promote skill-building and peer networking among seasoned leaders facing challenges just like yours.
The instructional team for this certificate includes current and former CEOs and executive directors of nonprofit organizations, with extensive experience as change-making practitioners in the social sector. We provide an engaging, practice-oriented learning environment that focuses on knowledge, skills and techniques that can be put to use immediately.
Advantages
Participants enrolled in the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate have access to the following:
- A robust and broad network of established experts and cohort colleagues that share best practices and offer guidance and support. The knowledge specialists for each course are qualified executives in the nonprofit sector. Acquire knowledge from those with firsthand experience.
- Transformational learning tailored for experienced nonprofit leaders seeking to enhance the impact they have in their organizations and the community.
- Immediate and accessible knowledge and tools that strengthen necessary skills, improve efficiency and provide the ability to implement best practices of high-impact nonprofit organizations.
- Peer-based, cohort learning that advances each participant’s ability to identify opportunities to collaborate and partner.
- No added travel time with a course structure and interactive online format that makes maximum use of your time and energy as a busy executive, while maintaining and building on your network of other nonprofit leaders.
- Prestigious certification from Arizona State University's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and its Nonprofit Management Institute. You'll demonstrate your commitment to being an expert in your field, build your credibility and stand out from the crowd.
- Capstone project, guided by our knowledge experts, that you can immediately implement at your organization to make a greater impact. Implement a new technology, branch out into a new area, develop a new initiative – increase and showcase your skills with your final project.
Required courses
NMI 203: Financial Management for Executives
NMI 205: Nonprofit Executive Leadership
NMI 210: Public Trust and Influence
NMI 211: Strategic Governance and the CEO
NMI 221: Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and New Business Models
NMI 226: Advanced Resource Development
NMI 260: Nonprofit Executive Leadership Capstone
Testimonials
Format, schedule and cost
This certificate program is limited to 30 cohort members. The certificate is comprised of six courses and one capstone project over the course of eight months.
The six topic courses are held over two half-day Zoom class sessions facilitated by NMI knowledge specialists. Participants interact in lively discourse regarding the executive topics and pre-work materials and cases. The capstone course and project is presented in the seventh and final one-day Zoom class.
All courses within this certificate contain required and suggested study materials, cases, assignments and discussions. Participants must also complete a project specific to each course section, submitted to their knowledge specialist for feedback.
2025 course schedule
All classes will be held virtually on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- NMI 205: Nonprofit Executive Leadership – May 16 & 30, 2025
- During this course, you will be introduced to current models of leadership and core leadership competencies. Taught by Paul Perrault.
- NMI 226: Advanced Resource Development – June 13 & 27, 2025
- This course delves into annual funds, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants and special events. Taught by John Scola.
- NMI 211: Strategic Governance and the CEO – July 11 & 25, 2025
- This course explores the components inherent in creating and maintaining a governing body that promotes a healthy and successful nonprofit organization. Taught by Deborah Thompson.
- NMI 221: Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and New Business Models – August 8 & 22, 2025
- In this course, you will assess your organization’s readiness for social entrepreneurship. Taught by Kate Thoene.
- NMI 210: Public Trust and Influence – September 5 & 19, 2025
- This course will discuss the role nonprofits play in influencing public policy, leading social movements, building coalitions, and organizing issue campaigns. Taught by John Phelps.
- NMI 203: Financial Management for Executives – October 3 & 17, 2025
- This session integrates financial management into executive decision making and addresses the struggle to match mission with financial resources.
- NMI 260: Nonprofit Executive Leadership Capstone and Graduation – November 7, 2025 (all day)
Program cost
| Deadline | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | At the time of application or before applications close on April 25, 2025 | $275, non-refundable (applies toward certificate cost if accepted) |
| Certificate full payment | May 9, 2025 | $3,299 |
| Cancellation fee | See cancellation policy |
Scholarships
The ASU Lodestar Center thanks BeachFleischman for providing partial sponsorship of our Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate program. With support from BeachFleischman, we are offering selected individuals scholarships up to $1,000 each to enroll as candidates in our renowned Executive Leadership Certificate program.
A scholarship application will be provided to you after you complete your program application.
Apply for our next cohort
The application portal is now open. Applications are due by April 25, 2025.
Candidates must complete the online application form, where you will be prompted to:
- Upload a current resume (in Word or PDF formats only)
- Answer general background information questions
- Submit a $275 non-refundable application fee (will be applied toward the total cost of your certificate on acceptance)
Please, only serious candidates are encouraged to apply to this certificate program.
Within five business days after receipt of your application, NMI staff will review and notify you of their decision.
Flexible online learning
The ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute offers courses in an interactive online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to this program, please complete an interest form and a program manager will get in touch with you directly.