Viterbo University’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Development (CNLD) prepares you to become a better nonprofit partner as well as a more valuable contributor to the broader La Crosse community.
Through real-world case studies, small group discussions and interactive presentations, CNLD will help you approach your nonprofit duties with a better understanding of how nonprofits function and the issues they face in today’s complex environment. You will gain a deeper understanding of how effective nonprofits and their boards function, and will be able to incorporate broader strategic considerations into your nonprofit work. CNLD provides the tools and insight you will need to contribute at a higher level and spend your time providing forward-thinking leadership.
Who should attend?
- Nonprofit staff and administrators (most appropriate for those with 1-5 years of service)
- People interested in volunteering for nonprofit board service
- Newer board members looking to develop a broader understanding of board functions and responsibilities
- Church board members, staff, and administrators
- Experienced board members looking to sharpen their skills, recharge their commitment to board service, and connect with like-minded individuals who face common issues
Learning Outcomes
Participants who complete the full Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Development program will be armed with the knowledge they need to make well-reasoned decisions, comfortably navigate ever-complex legal and regulatory issues, and effectively carry out the duties of a fiduciary or trustee. Those who complete the program will be better suited for leadership roles.
Logistics
The CNLD is comprised of nine workshops and will meet on the second Thursday of each month, September through May, from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm on the Viterbo University Campus. Light refreshments will be served from 8:00 - 8:30 am.
Curriculum & Facilitators
Sessions will be led by nonprofit community experts and Viterbo faculty members. Each participant will also be matched with a local nonprofit expert mentor who they will meet with periodically throughout the program to assist them with the completion of a self-guided capstone project.
- Session 1: Legal Issues, Ethics and Values in the NPO Sector (September 14, 2023)
- Session2: Leadership is Who You Are (October 12, 2023)
- Session 3: NPO Boards and Governance (November 9, 2023)
- Session 4: Financial Management (December 14, 2023)
- Session 5: Fundraising and Revenue Development (January 11, 2024)
- Session 6: Inclusion Strategies for NPOs (February 8, 2024)
- Session 7: Organizational Development, Program Performance Measurement, and Evaluation (March 14, 2024)
- Session 8: Human Resources (April 11, 2024)
- Session 9: Capstone Presentations & Celebration Banquet (Date & Time TBD)
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, participants need to attend no less than seven of the first eight sessions, participate in a pre-program self-assessment exercise, select and complete a self-guided capstone project under the guidance of a mentor, and attend the Capstone Presentations & Celebration Banquet during session nine.
Registration
Registration is coming soon. Participation in the first cohort will be limited to 25 individuals; there is no limit for individual session registrations. Please register now even if your participation is dependent on a scholarship award so we can hold your spot if an award is available.
Questions? Contact Alycia Larson at aclarson@viterbo.edu or by calling 608-796-3029.





Organizations Served
Adult & Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin |
Great Rivers United Way |
La Crosse Chamber Chorale |
Altra Federal Credit Union |
Habitat for Humanity - La Crosse Area |
La Crosse Community Theatre |
Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge |
Holmen Community Center |
Marine Credit Union Foundation |
Children's Museum of La Crosse |
Hope Restores |
New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers |
Coulee Region Retired & Senior Volunteer Program |
Junior Achievement - Coulee Region |
The Salvation Army of La Crosse County |
Franciscan Spirituality Center |
Karuna Inc. |
theExchange |
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin - Badgerland |
La Crosse Area Builders Association |
YWCA |