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Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Development
Viterbo University & Pablo Foundation
This certificate program will prepare participants with the nonprofit skills needed to drive leadership and organizational readiness through seven class sessions. The sessions are in-person with the design of the curriculum specific to the needs of nonprofit staff, leaders, and board members. One-on-one coaching/mentoring is also available and may be virtual as determined by the participants. Coaching and mentoring are not required, but participants must attend all seven sessions to receive the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Development from Viterbo. You can apply at this link.
Enroll in the Certificate Program
The certificate program is anticipated to start in the fall of 2025 and conclude in the spring of 2026. Enrollment will begin in spring 2025. You can apply at this link. The curriculum will consist of the following seven sessions with lunch provided:
Session 1 ● Servant Leadership in Action: Empowering Nonprofits Through Purpose-Driven Leadership and Self-Awareness
Thursday, September 4, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Nonprofits organizations and servant leadership are deeply connected because both focus on service, mission-driven impact, and empowering others. Servant leaders put others first, creating an environment of trust, respect, and shared success. In this dynamic session, participants will explore the core principles of servant leadership through engaging hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions. Learn how to apply servant leadership to enhance team dynamics, build stronger relationships, and drive meaningful organizational change.
Great leadership starts with self-awareness. Participants will complete the Predictive Index® (PI) assessment, a scientifically validated tool used by thousands of organizations worldwide. This session will provide insights into individual leadership styles, strengths, and areas for growth. Through personalized 1:1 coaching and tailored reports, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their leadership style and how to better engage and inspire their teams.
Learning Outcomes:
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Define Servant Leadership and Its Relevance to Nonprofits – Explain the key principles of servant leadership and how they align with nonprofit missions.
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Demonstrate Practical Servant Leadership Strategies – Apply servant leadership techniques to enhance team dynamics, trust, and collaboration within nonprofit organizations.
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Enhance Self-Awareness Through Leadership Assessment – Interpret their Predictive Index® (PI) assessment results to understand their natural leadership style, strengths, and growth areas.
Session 2 ● Navigating Legal Issues: Building a Strong Foundation for Integrity and Compliance
Thursday, October 2, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Nonprofit leaders must navigate complex legal requirements, ethical dilemmas, and value-driven decision-making. This session provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit governance, tax compliance, employment law, and risk management. Using the Four-Way Method for Ethical Decision-Making, participants will engage in scenario-based discussions to develop strategies for aligning their organization’s mission with legal and ethical responsibilities.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand Key Legal Considerations for Nonprofits – Identify essential legal requirements, including governance, tax compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and employment law, to ensure organizational sustainability and compliance.
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Apply an Ethical Decision-Making Framework – Utilize the Four-Way Method for Ethical Decision-Making to analyze and navigate ethical dilemmas commonly faced by nonprofit organizations.
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Align Organizational Values with Decision-Making – Develop strategies to integrate ethical principles and core values into daily operations, leadership practices, and strategic decision-making within nonprofit organizations.
Session 3 ● Building Strong Boards: Governance Strategies for Nonprofit Success
Thursday, November 6, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
A well-structured and engaged board is essential to nonprofit sustainability. This session equips participants with the knowledge and best practices to strengthen governance structures, enhance board engagement, and improve decision-making. Participants will learn strategies for recruiting diverse board members, fostering effective leadership dynamics, and ensuring accountability while championing their organization’s mission.
Learning Outcomes
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Define the Roles and Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards – Understand the key functions of a nonprofit board, including governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, and mission alignment.
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Implement Best Practices for Effective Board Governance – Explore strategies to build a high-performing board, enhance board engagement, and strengthen decision-making processes.
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Strengthen Board Dynamics and Leadership – Identify ways to foster collaboration, improve communication, and cultivate a governance structure that supports long-term organizational impact.
Session 4 ● Fostering Inclusion: Strategies for Building Equitable and Diverse Nonprofits
Thursday, December 4, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Building an inclusive nonprofit requires intentional strategies that foster belonging and equity. This session offers actionable steps to embed inclusion into organizational culture, policies, and programs. Through interactive discussions and real-world applications, participants will learn how to remove barriers, promote equitable access, and cultivate an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand the Core Principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – Explore the fundamental concepts of DEI and their importance in fostering an inclusive nonprofit organization.
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Develop Strategies for Building an Inclusive Organizational Culture – Identify practical steps to create policies, programs, and practices that promote equity and inclusion within nonprofit operations and leadership.
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Recognize and Address Systemic Barriers – Analyze common challenges that marginalized communities face and implement strategies to ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making.
Session 5 ● Financial Literacy for Nonprofit Leaders
Thursday, January 8, 2026 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Understanding financial fundamentals is crucial for every nonprofit leader, whether you're an executive, program manager, or board member. This session is designed to equip nonprofit professionals with the essential financial knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, enhance financial stewardship, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their organizations.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand Key Financial Concepts for Nonprofits – Gain foundational knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, and cash flow management to support informed decision-making.
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Enhance Financial Stewardship and Accountability – Learn best practices for financial oversight, risk management, and compliance to ensure responsible resource management.
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Develop Strategies for Financial Sustainability – Explore methods for diversifying revenue streams, managing expenses, and planning for long-term financial health.
Session 6 ● Human Resources Strategies for Nonprofits
Thursday, February 5, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
People are the heart of any nonprofit, and effective human resource management is key to achieving mission success. This session explores best practices in recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and compliance with labor laws. Participants will leave with strategies to foster an inclusive, supportive, and mission-driven workplace culture.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand Key Human Resource Practices for Nonprofits – Learn the essential HR functions including recruitment, retention, and performance management tailored to the nonprofit sector.
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Foster a Positive and Empowering Work Environment – Discover strategies to create a culture where staff feel motivated, engaged, and aligned with the nonprofit’s mission and values.
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Ensure Compliance with Labor Laws and Regulations – Gain knowledge of the key legal requirements regarding employee rights, workplace safety, and other compliance issues within nonprofit organizations.
Session 7 ● From Ideas to Impact: Strategic Planning and Program Celebration
Thursday, March 5, 2025 (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Bringing great ideas to life requires a structured and strategic approach. In this final session, participants will apply Compression Planning®—a strategic storyboarding method inspired by Disney’s innovation process—to develop actionable project plans. By leveraging their leadership skills, participants will leave with a clear roadmap for implementing positive change within their organizations. The session concludes with a celebration of achievements and networking opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
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Apply Compression Planning® to Develop Actionable Plans – Learn how to use the Compression Planning® method to transform ideas into structured, actionable project plans with clear steps and timelines.
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Leverage Leadership Skills for Organizational Change – Utilize the leadership strategies learned throughout the program to drive meaningful change and innovation within your nonprofit organization.
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Celebrate Achievements and Network for Continued Growth – Reflect on key accomplishments, share insights, and engage in networking to foster connections for ongoing success and collaboration.