2009/2010 class is full.  We will begin accepting applications for class 2010/2011 in January, 2010.

The Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management* is a comprehensive course of study entailing 20 full day sessions, over a 10 month period - from August 2009 to May 2010 - during which passionate expert practitioners offer participants opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and relationships necessary to lead and manage small and mid-size nonprofit corporations.

The Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations (CCBNO) co-sponsors this program with the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations (TANO).

“The Certificate Experience” is designed for both professional staff and volunteer leaders, to connect practice and knowledge. It is as flexible and creative as possible while offering participants a disciplined view of self, of the organizations in which they operate, and the overall environment of the Texas Nonprofit Sector. Meta, macro and micro approaches and perspectives, and the competencies required for effective success will be emphasized. Participants will strengthen their ability to identify opportunities and challenges; develop strategies and plans; implement the strategies and plans; oversee their implementation; and evaluate the effectiveness of what has or has not been achieved for the purpose of improving practice as well as achieving the desired outcomes.

The Certificate Experience is designed for individuals already engaged in or aspiring to be volunteer and/ or professional leaders and managers within the Nonprofit Sector of Texas, or elsewhere. It is a serious course of study requiring the commitment and investment of its participants.

Many nonprofit practitioners and volunteer leaders come to their work through passion more than by way of an education that has taught them how to lead and manage effectively in order to manifest that passion. The sharing and transferring of competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills and experience) which form the backbone of “the Certificate Experience” will lead to and support changes in attitude, perception and behavior. This comprehensive professional development will build personal effectiveness and strengthen the organizations served by our graduates.

The Certificate Experience seeks to raise the bar on the practice of professional and volunteer leadership and management in Central Texas and other regions of the state. It will foster a Nonprofit Sector community of practice, developing a cadre of informed, motivated and effective nonprofit professional and volunteer practitioner leaders who will build their professional networks so as to support each other (throughout their careers) in the difficult work of strengthening societal resources and assets for assuring the community’s quality of life.

Striking a balance between formal and informal approaches to volunteer, professional and organizational capacity building, (e.g., formal graduate study, undergraduate academic study, continuing professional education programs, online study, etc.).

The Certificate Experience focuses on the “learning” and “experience” required to be a committed, competent and effective leader and manager within the Texas Nonprofit Sector.