Strong nonprofits need strong leaders. The Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership (CNEL) equips current and emerging nonprofit leaders with practical knowledge and proven strategies to strengthen their organizations and lead with confidence. Through four interactive courses, participants will explore nonprofit management, strategic and operational planning, financial management, and program evaluation—building the skills needed to navigate today's challenges and drive long-term organizational success.
Participants must complete all four, two-day courses to earn the Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership. Together, the four courses create a comprehensive learning experience alongside a cohort of nonprofit peers.
This program is by invitation only. RSVPs are required.
Program Details
Participants must be able to attend all four courses.
Doors will open at 8:00 AM for connection time. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided each day.
All four courses will be held at Foellinger Foundation.
Course One: Nonprofit Management in the 21st Century
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Thursday, October 22, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Facilitator: Laura Littlepage
Strengthen your understanding of the legal, managerial, and governance responsibilities of nonprofit organizations. Explore effective leadership, board, and staff relationships, collaboration, accountability, ethical leadership, and the changing regulatory environment.
Course Two: Strategic and Operational Planning
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — Thursday, November 19, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Facilitator: Christy Shepard
Develop the skills to lead effective strategic planning and turn organizational goals into action. Learn how to engage boards, staff, and other stakeholders, measure progress, and refine your strategic plan to help your organization navigate change and achieve results.
Course Three: Financial Management
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 — Thursday, January 14, 2027
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Facilitator: Jeff Spalding
Build confidence in understanding your organization’s financial position and making informed financial decisions. Explore financial statements, budgeting, cash flow, revenue strategies, risk management, and other tools that support long-term organizational strength. A background in financial management is not required.
Course Four: Program Evaluation for Mission Impact
Wednesday, February 10, 2027 — Thursday, February 11, 2027
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Facilitator: Mindy Hightower King, Ph.D.
Learn practical approaches to evaluating your programs and measuring their impact. This course introduces evaluation techniques and performance management strategies that can help your organization demonstrate accountability, improve effectiveness, and stay focused on mission.
Who Should Attend?
The Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership is designed for current and emerging nonprofit leaders who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills and organizational impact. This program is ideal for:
• Executive directors and CEOs
• Senior leaders and department directors
• Emerging leaders preparing for executive roles
• Individuals transitioning into nonprofit leadership
• Leaders seeking practical tools to strengthen strategy, operations, finance, and evaluation
About the Program Facilitators
Your CNEL course instructors are faculty members of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, with expertise in nonprofit management and practitioner experience in the field. A variety of instructional methods will be used to provide engaging, practice-oriented learning experiences focused on knowledge, tools, and techniques you can implement in your organization.
Contact Information
Have questions? Please contact Lisa Pickerman, Program Officer, at lisa@foellinger.org.