Get Ready to Change the World

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

You want a career doing what matters most to you. The Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential is here to make that happen

Find a Purpose – Build a Career

What’s next after you graduate? The CNP credential is a powerful tool for building a career in the social good sector. Add this nonprofit management certificate to your associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree and you will open new doors. Perform better in your job. Earn more money early in your career. And be satisfied with work that means you are changing the world!

A group of nonprofit management students celebrating earning their CNP credential at Central Michigan University
Campus Partner, Coppin State University Mascot of a White Eagle posing next to a Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and Certified Nonprofit Professional Sign at an indoor sporting stadium
Two nonprofit professionals smiling together at a nonprofit management conference

The CNP credential is available to students at any campus!

Campus Partners

Our partnered campuses feature coursework on the core nonprofit competencies that are hallmarks of the CNP Program, from management to resource development. Students at campus partners pay a one-time discounted fee of $100 (normally $300) to enroll in the CNP Program. CNP learners have access to CNP Central, an online community for networking, learning, and resource sharing. CNP Central also provides career resources, a comprehensive study guide, and the CNP exam.  

See if your school is a campus partner!

Looking for a partial scholarship opportunity? Apply Now!

CNP Collegiate Track

Is your University or College not a partner? Don’t worry, you are a perfect candidate for the CNP Collegiate Track! 

We offer students on any campus a path to earn their CNP credential. A onetime fee of $300 includes enrollment in the program and access to CNP Central, an online community for networking, learning, and resource sharing. CNP Central also provides career resources, a comprehensive study guide, and the CNP exam.

Looking for a partial scholarship opportunity? Apply Now! 

What does it take to earn a CNP?

When you earn your CNP, you will be part of a global network of professionals leading teams that make our world better. Every person who wears a CNP badge meets five requirements. Hover over each icon to learn more.

volunteer service

Volunteer Service

professional experience

Professional Experience

nonprofit knowledge skills

Nonprofit Knowledge and Skills

leadership development

Leadership Development

general learning

Education

What can you expect?

Earn a lifelong credential

Once a CNP, always a CNP. Your digital credential can be shared on all of your social platforms. The format is easy to import to your email signature line, LinkedIn, and other social media. Once you credential, you will also receive a CNP certificate in nonprofit management suitable for printing.

CNP Central

After enrolling in the program, you’ll log into CNP Central, our platform for all things CNP. Here you’ll prepare for the CNP Exam with the Study Guide and track your progress toward the five CNP requirements. You’ll also learn from nonprofit professionals, connect with fellow students, and take advantage of nonprofit and career resources. 

Career L!FT

Hosted on CNP Central, Career L!FT helps you build the career you want in the social sector. Get help with writing a resume, completing your LinkedIn profile, finding a job, setting work-life boundaries, and protecting your mental health. 

CNP Mentor Match

Pair up with one of our CNPs working in the social sector. Ask questions you aren’t sure who to ask. Practice interview skills. Get advice on preparing your resume or building your LinkedIn profile. Our alumni are the most valuable asset of our entire network. Tap into their know-how.

Elevate

Hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, this three-day virtual conference for social sector leaders takes place every winter. Participants learn from national thought leaders, network with changemakers, and access a wealth of resources.

CNP Campus Partners

Click on your campus’s logo below to meet your campus director and start the CNP program! 

Arizona State University
Anne Kotleba, CNP
(602) 496-0188
Austin Community College
Kate Tolliver, CNP
(512) 223-7080
Catholic University of America
Jean Russell, PhD
(202) 550-1909
Central Michigan University
Dr. Emma Powell, CNP
(989) 774-1309
Coppin State University
Dr. Tenyo Pearl, CNP
(410) 951-3522
Georgia State University
Kamilyah Collins
(404) 413-0106
Indiana State University
Dr. Nathan Schaumleffel, ACNP
(812) 237-2189
Indiana University-Bloomington
Laura Littlepage
Kansas State University
Chance Lee, Ph.D., CNP
(785) 532 - 6085
Kennesaw State University
Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg, CNP
(470) 578-2878
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Stacey Hargis
(318) 795-4245
Maryville College
Amy Gilliland, CNP
(865) 981-8122
Missouri Valley College
Heather Troth, CNP
(660) 831-4231
Salisbury University
Carolina Bown, Ph.D, CNP
(410) 543-6254
Slippery Rock University
Alice Del Vecchio
(724) 738-4192
South Dakota State University
Kimberly Gustafson
(605) 688-4684
University of Central Florida
Dr. Stephanie Krick, CNP
(407) 823-0661
University of Colorado
Dr. Wendy Bolyard
(303) 315-2129
University of Hawai’i
Morgen S. Johansen, PhD
(808) 956-7551
University of Houston
Lillian Ortiz, MSW
University of Northern Iowa
Kristina Kofoot, CNP
(319) 273-4507
University of San Diego
Dr. Laura Deitrick, CNP
(619) 260-2903
Virginia Tech
Stephanie Davis
Your university isn't here?
Become a Campus Partner!

Don’t see your University?

Don’t worry, you are a perfect candidate for our CNP Collegiate Track! We offer students on any campus a path to earn their Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential

Lizzie Dilg, Certified Nonprofit Professional, smiling in her cap and gown from Central Michigan University with big balloons behind her spelling out "CNP"

“As a senior in college about to earn my degree and CNP, I accepted and started my role as Executive Director of the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. I got here with the skills I built through classes and the collegiate CNP track!”

Lizzie Dilg, CNP

Central Michigan University Graduate

Certified Nonprofit Professional, Rebecca Herrera smiling in a professional yellow blazer and black shirt

“The CNP credential has made an immense impact on my career. I have made so many connections and friendships, through this program. I am forever thankful for the knowledge, skills, and relationships I’ve gained.”

Rebecca Herrera, CNP

Arizona State University Graduate

Meet with a NLA Staff Member!

Have some questions? Schedule a 1:1 with NLA Staff!