News and Information
The Alliance Blog
Shaping a better world through nonprofit leadership.
News and Information
The Alliance Blog
Shaping a better world through nonprofit leadership.
Nonprofit Externship Program Selects 5 Promising CNP Students
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is proud to introduce the five students taking part in its
What Bagels Taught Me About Leadership
In 2011, I started a job as an Executive Director . No one thinks of their
Advance Your International Development Career in 2024
Are you interested in an international development career? This article is your guide! Whether you
Prioritizing Self-Care at Your Nonprofit: 3 Best Strategies
As a nonprofit leader, you know first-hand the value of your work and how necessary
Shared Leadership’s Role in Piloting the Plane
When did you last see a pilot? Except maybe a “thanks for flying with us”
How to Elevate Your Fundraising Strategy with Matching Gifts
To be an effective nonprofit leader, you need to be well-versed in fundraising best practices
Military Service to Nonprofit Excellence: Erika Manuel, CNP’s Journey
Meet Erika Manuel, CNP, a Navy and Coast Guard veteran who earned her CNP (Certified
17 Creative Giving Tuesday Ideas to Make a Difference
As the holiday season approaches, so does an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Giving
A Lifelong Commitment to Service: Anjelica Hall, CNP
Anjelica Hall, CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional), is a shining example of dedication in the nonprofit
55 Social Sector Leaders Selected for CNP September Cohort
In the constantly evolving social sector, leadership is key to making a meaningful impact. The
5 Tips to Nurture a Flourishing Nonprofit Work Environment
While many nonprofit employees go into the sector because they feel strongly about certain causes,
Reading Between the Lines of that Fundraising Job Posting
Congratulations! Whether you are about to embark on your fundraising career or are a seasoned
Uplifting Southeast Michigan: Charnae Sanders’s Dedication to Detroit
In the heart of Southeast Michigan, Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Charnae Sanders stands as a
Overcoming Barriers to influence: Leading without Formal Authority
Building influence and driving change in an organization can be a challenging task, particularly for
Five Ways Nonprofit Boards Can Support the Marketing Function
Written by: Randye S Spina, MBA Reading Time: 4 minutes I’ve served on several nonprofit
Remove These 4 Barriers to Become an Agile Nonprofit Leader
Written by: Miriam P. Dicks Reading Time: 5 minutes You may be wondering why agility
Between the Miles: What I learned running from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Written by: Rowan Vansleve For the past seven years, I have served as the CFO
How to Solicit Donations from Major Donors for Your Gala
If your organization is gearing up to host a high-energy event like a buzzworthy auction
Donor-Advised Funds 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Nonprofits
In the nonprofit world, donor-advised funds are on everyone’s minds as they continue to gain
Creating a Harmonious Work-Life Balance: Effective Self-Care Strategies to Combat Burnout
Written by: Julianna Jones Working in the nonprofit sector can be a rollercoaster filled with
Why Nonprofits Need to Market Just Like a For-profit
In the world of nonprofits, first impressions matter. Your marketing materials play a crucial role
Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Takes New Position at Kansas City Public Schools
In an inspiring career journey that exemplifies the power of networking, seizing new opportunities, and
Boosting Nonprofit Performance: Unleashing the Power of Effective Teams
In the world of nonprofit organizations, the key to making a lasting impact lies within
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Announces Price Increase for CNP Professional Track
Date: August 3, 2023 CONTACT: Shara Szott, Chief Solutions Officer, shara@nla1.org The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance prepares to
Using Data to Identify Prospective Donors: 4 Strategies
Identifying prospective donors is a crucial first step toward building a successful fundraising program. But
![This guide reviews the three compliance challenges that nonprofits face and expert advice for approaching these issues.]](https://nla1.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Foundation-Group_NLA_3-Top-Compliance-Challenges-for-Nonprofits-Expert-Advice_Feature.png)
3 Top Compliance Challenges for Nonprofits + Expert Advice
There are numerous legal hurdles to clear in the nonprofit formation process and beyond. No
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Announces Military Discount
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Announces Military Discount on National Hire a Veterans Day Date: July
5 Tips for Writing Thank You Letters for Memorial Donations
Writing effective nonprofit thank you notes is equal parts art and science. You must rely
Keeping the Dream Team: Unleashing the Power of Employee Retention in Nonprofits
Written by: Michael Ash, Ma, CNP, PCM, PMP Reading Time: 5 minutes In the wake
7 Ways to Use Your Website for Nonprofit Talent Recruitment
Recruiting top talent is crucial for any nonprofit organization, and your website is often the
Nonprofit Internship: Audrey Gale Hall
Written by: Audrey Gale Hall Reading Time: 3 minutes Researchers estimate that up to 1
Nonprofit Internship: Lesly Fuentes
Written by: Lesly Fuentes Reading Time: 3 minutes Researchers estimate that up to 1 million
Nonprofit Internship: Richard Cass
Written by: Richard Cass Reading Time: 3 minutes Researchers estimate that up to 1 million
Beyond Work-Life Balance: Cultivating Joy and Fulfillment as a Modern Working Mom
Written by: Karen Thomas, CNP Reading Time: 5 minutes I am a 21st Century working
Artificial Intelligence in Grant-Seeking: Free Webinar
As the nonprofit sector embraces the advancements of the digital age, it's essential for nonprofit
5 Steps to Hosting a Fundraiser for Animal-Related Causes
Hosting a fundraiser can be a rewarding experience that not only raises vital funds for
4 Reasons Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Planned Giving Program
Planned gifts initiated by donors are excellent opportunities for your nonprofit. Perhaps a longtime donor
Involving Volunteers in Nonprofit Events: A Quick Guide
Nonprofit events are the perfect opportunity to bring your community together to celebrate and support
4 Benefits of Text-to-Donate for Your Nonprofit Organization
Text-to-donate, also known as text-to-give, has risen in popularity among nonprofits—and for good reason. As
5 Effective Pledge Fundraising Ideas to Try in 2023
Pledge fundraising campaigns are an excellent way to encourage your donors to make gifts by
A Rewarding Nonprofit Internship: Isaac Durham
Written by: Isaac Durham Reading Time: 3 minutes Researchers estimate that up to 1 million
Dear Donor: A Definitive Guide to Nonprofit Letter Writing
Marketing is key for your nonprofit to expand your support base, raise funds, and connect
The Importance of Nonprofit Business Continuity Plans
Written by: Ryan Crowe, MA, ACNP Reading Time: 3 minutes Nonprofit organizations play a critical
Why Earn a Professional Credential?
In today's competitive job market, earning a professional credential is an excellent way to set
Meet Your Fundraising Goals With Nonprofit Video Stories
Written by: Doug Scott Reading Time: 5 minutes Nonprofit video stories have the power to
A Life Hack for Leaders
Written by: Mark W. Clark, MS, CNP Reading Time: 5 minutes There are scarce instances
Christian Brothers University and Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Announce National Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 10, 2023 CONTACT: Shara Szott, Chief Solutions Officer, shara@nla1.org Christian Brothers
Using Data to Win Back Lapsed Donors: 4 Expert Tips
Written by: Gabrielle Perham, MBA Reading Time: 5 minutes Most nonprofits experience some level of
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Names March 1st: National CNP Day
KANSAS CITY, MO – March 1st 2023, marks the first inaugural National Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Day,
The Inspiring Legacy Behind the Kansas City Chiefs: The Story of H. Roe Bartle
Written by Miles Bilka, CNP Reading Time: 3 minutes Like many other Kansas City residents, we
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Announces New Nonprofit Credential
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 18, 2023 CONTACT: Shara Szott, Chief Solutions Officer, shara@nla1.org Nonprofit
4 Digital Marketing Tips for Social Impact Organizations
Written by: Javan Van Gronigen Reading Time: 5 minutes Social impact organizations often encounter the
How to Communicate Your Awesomeness by Strategically Using Your Authenticity
Written by: Kasey Hammock Reading Time: 3 minutes Leaders have a lot on their plates.
3 Steps to Create a Successful Monthly Giving Program
Your nonprofit relies on donations to power its day-to-day operations, from providing essential services to
5 Steps to Plan Incredible Virtual Auctions for Nonprofits
When just about all events were canceled in 2020, nonprofits were forced to get creative
A Guide to Form 990: FAQs and 3 Best Practices for Success
Written by: Mathew Tooker Reading Time: 7 minutes Your nonprofit had a successful year organizing
Running Your Fraternity’s Fundraising Events: A Mini Guide
There are a number of ways fraternities can approach fundraising projects, but by far one
Online Learning: Key Takeaways from Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s Educational Panel with NXUnite
eLearning provides nonprofit employees with educational resources and informative content, allowing them to continually develop
Elevate 2023: A Virtual Conference for Social Sector Leaders
Elevate 2023: A Virtual Conference for Social Sector Leaders Kansas City, Mo. – Social sector
Segmenting Donors for Communication: How Research Can Help
If you’re a nonprofit leader, you know the importance of forging a deep bond with
4 Strategies for Building Supporter Relationships
When you build strong relationships with your donors, you’re increasing the odds that they will
Lifelong Development as a Nonprofit Leader – The Value of Forum
Written by: Jenna McGuire Reading Time: 7 minutes In today’s world, we know that self-development
4 CNP Virtual Backgrounds
Written by: Miles Bilka, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Are you bored of using the
Developing Your Nonprofit Budget: 5 Steps for Success
Written by: Jon Osterburg Reading Time: 7 minutes The purpose of a nonprofit budget is
Crisis to Resilience: A CNP Story
Crisis to Resilience: A CNP Story Article reposted with permission from Reginald Davis, CNP, Strong
A Rewarding Nonprofit Internship: Tabby Robinson, CNP
Written by: Tabby Robinson, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes An estimated 500,000 to 1 million
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Names Interim President for a Planned Leadership Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: September 7, 2022 CONTACT: Shara Szott, Chief Solutions Officer, shara@nla1.org Nonprofit
Consistent Branding Across Channels: 4 Tips for Nonprofits
Written by: Ryan Felix Reading Time: 7 minutes Your nonprofit’s brand is your organization’s way
4 Tips for Your Next Nonprofit Outreach Campaign
Written by: Carl Diesing Reading Time: 7 minutes The nonprofit landscape is crowded; there are
A Rewarding Nonprofit Internship: Hannah Lazere, CNP
Written by: Hannah Lazere, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes An estimated 500,000 to 1 million
Nonprofit Summer Reading List
For all those reading lovers out there, we present you the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's Summer
Use the CNP to land your next job!
Written by: Jeanette Gass, CAP, CNP, CVEP, DES Reading Time: 4 minutes At the December 2021
A Rewarding Nonprofit Internship: Corey Phelps, CNP
Written by: Corey Phelps, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes An estimated 500,000 to 1 million
Planning Successful Product Fundraisers: A Guide
Nonprofits are always looking for new ways to garner support for their causes and show
The Importance of Staff Development
Written by: Amanda Onochie, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes If you've found yourself searching for
Inspirational Quotes for Nonprofit Professionals
Nonprofit Professionals make a critical and irreplaceable contribution to our communities. Thank you to
Volunteer Management: Systems & Sets
Written by: Amanda Onochie, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes Powering through our 3rd year of
Coaching vs. Mentoring
Written by: Miles Bilka Reading Time: 3 minutes The Difference between Coaching and Mentoring
Volunteer Appreciation: 5 Tips for Your Organization
Written by: Shreya Tragad Reading Time: 5 minutes Your nonprofit’s volunteers are the core of
5 Tools Your Nonprofit Will Need in 2022
Written by: Lomesh Shah Reading Time: 5 minutes Every nonprofit needs to be
Born This Way Foundation: Be There Certificate
Born This Way Foundation was co-founded in 2011 by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia
Building a Healthy and Just Nation: Independent Sector’s Upswell Focus
Written by Rashidah McCoy, MS Reading Time: 3 minutes Launched in 2017, Upswell has been
Mobile Giving: 3 Ways to Utilize It for Your Nonprofit
Written by John Killoran Reading Time: 3 minutes Mobile devices have become such an everyday
Not Another Pizza Party: How to Incentivize Your Employees to Give Graciously
Written by Caroline Vives-Vietri, MPA, MNM, CNP, CGSP Reading Time: 2 minutes How can you incentivize
Optimizing the Donor Journey with Your Website: 4 Steps
Written by Anne Stefanyk and Allison Manley Reading Time: 4 minutes In today’s fundraising landscape,
One Step in a Path to Social Change: Allyship
Written by Miles Bilka, CNP Reading Time: 4 minutes Many of you are probably familiar
The Art of the A-Thon: A How-To Guide for A Memorable Fundraising Event
A-thon events are taking the fundraising space by storm. It doesn’t matter if you’re an
Keeping Your Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers Engaged: 4 Tips
Written by: Jacob Spencer Reading Time: 2 minutes What is peer to peer fundraising? From
Forever Tied Together
Written by Erica Davis, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Like many other Kansas City residents,
Coaching as a Leadership Tool
Written by Alliance President, Susan Tomlinson Schmidt, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes July 1, 2014.
Your Nonprofit Grants Manager Is Leaving: What Comes Next?
Employee churn can always be minimized, but it’s a fact of life at any organization.
Prioritizing Attendee Comfort: 4 Tips for In-Person Events
After a year and a half of remote work and virtual events, many are
Part 4: Meet the Alliance’s Fantastic Four
Part 4: Meet the Alliance's Fantastic Four Welcome to part four of the “Fantastic Four”
Understanding the Ins and Outs of Facebook Challenges
Diversified revenue streams are crucial to your nonprofit’s sustainability and long-term growth, ensuring that you
Engaging College-Aged Adults to Volunteer
Written by Jared Baldwin, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes When it comes to volunteerism, college-aged
Part 3: Meet the Alliance’s Fantastic Four
Part 3: Meet the Alliance's Fantastic Four Welcome to part three of the “Fantastic Four”
Part 2: Meet the Alliance’s Fantastic Four
Part 2: Meet the Alliance's Fantastic Four Welcome to part two of the “Fantastic Four”
Part 1: Meet the Alliance’s Fantastic Four
Part 1: Meet the Alliance's Fantastic Four Have you ever wondered what nonprofit superheroes have
The Moral Obligation to Become a Data-Driven Nonprofit
The one thing most nonprofits aren’t doing is something we have a moral obligation to
Reflect and Rebuild: Elevate 2022
Reflect and Rebuild at Elevate 2022: A Virtual Conference for Social Sector Leaders Did someone forward you this
Peer-to-Peer vs. Crowdfunding: 5 Key Differences
At first glance, peer-to-peer fundraising and crowdfunding do not seem all that different. In fact,
Understanding Your Registration Form Data: 5 Tips
The answers provided on registration forms for your nonprofit’s events, newsletter subscriptions, and other offerings
The Growth of Social Justice Funding and the Risk of Movement Capture
Article reposted with permission from Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Since 2017, millions of
Using Jazz for Nonprofit Leadership Effectiveness
Written by Brian Fraser, Lead Provocateur, Jazzthink Consulting I’m fascinated by the problems and possibilities
What’s Fair? Exploring social justice in America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2021 For more information, contact Miles Bilka, CNP miles@nla1.org P:
How the Career Development Award Impacted My Life
Written by Ariel Kaylor, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes With unpaid internships being a common
Designing Your Nonprofit’s Website: Where to Start
Designing Your Nonprofit’s Website: Where to Start As a nonprofit professional, you know how important
Busting the Overhead Myth
Written by Tyler Adams, MNLM CNP Reading Time: 4 Minutes 30 Seconds How can nonprofits
How to Inspire Your Advocacy Campaign Volunteers: 4 Tips
Launching a successful advocacy campaign is an ambitious undertaking that requires the support and dedication
How Losing My Job Saved My Life
Written by Alyssa Turcsak, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes I firmly believe vulnerability fosters a deeper
4 Virtual Fundraising Event Planning Best Practices
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your nonprofits’ team members have likely been out of the
What I Learned From Interviewing Tequilla Lopez, CDP
Written by Dorothy Norris-Tirrell, Ph.D., CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes At the opening keynote session
Are You Ready to Return to the Office?
Written by David LeFebvre, CNP, CFRE Reading Time: 2 minutes As I returned to the
8 Essential Nonprofit Management Skills and Development Tips
As a nonprofit professional, you understand that investing in your staff is the best
A Founder Like No Other
Written by Miles Bilka, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Happy Birthday to our founder, H. Roe
Lobbying: come on in, the water’s fine!
Written by Keely O’Sullivan Kurtz, MS, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Nonprofit professionals are resource gatherers,
The Evolution of a Program
Written by Katie Rossman, MPA, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Now more than ever it is
Turning Passion into Purpose
Written by Katie Rossman, MPA, CNPReading Time: 2 minutes Growing up, I spent a lot of
What do 320 billion coffee cups look like?
Written by Keely O'Sullivan Kurtz, MS, CNPReading Time: 2 minutes Would 320 billion Starbucks cups
What is a Changemaker?
Written by Miles BilkaReading Time: 2 minutes What is a changemaker? You’ve been seeing the word
Identifying & Understanding Implicit Bias
Written by Miles Bilka Reading Time: 2 minutes In present society, we are often faced with
So, you want to stand out from the crowd?
Written by Katie Rossman, MPA, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Congratulations, you are a CNP! You
We Have a Pit Bull Problem.
Written by Susan Tomlinson Schmidt, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes When I was first getting into
What the CNP Means to Me
Written by Ariel Kaylor, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes Justice. Equity. Service. Love. These are the
We Mean Business – Nonprofit Employees with a Business Degree
Written by Miles Bilka,CNP Reading Time: 1 minutes 30 secs Since I was a kid,
What’s the Tea with Elevate?!
Written by Susan Tomlinson Schmidt, CNP Reading Time: 1 min 32 secs We’ve emailed you
Virtual Communications: Work From Home Tips for Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations have felt the immense impact of the pandemic on almost every facet of
Training Your Nonprofit Team to Use Direct Mail Appeals
Training Your Nonprofit Team to Use Direct Mail Appeals Although technology has forever altered the
Don’t worry. You can always go to flight school.
Written by Susan Tomlinson Schmidt, CNP Reading Time: 2 minutes We teach people how
Nonprofit Courses | Professional Training for Social Good
Check out how nonprofit courses can help with training and development at your organization.
Learning Management System for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide
Education is a key element of the services that organizations provide to their communities. Learn how a learning management system for nonprofits can help.
Can I Change the World?
Written by Alondra AyalaAugust 12, 2020 | 3 min. read The decision to pursue a career in
What Does Inclusion Really Mean?
Written by David LeFebvreAugust 5, 2020 | 4 min. read In our world, we talk about
What Did You Learn Today?
Written by Dorothy Norris-Tirrell, Ph.D. July 29, 2020 | 4 min. read Every day brings possibilities
Maybe You Won’t Get Invited Back
When my sons were little and I was dropping them off at a friend's house,
Welcome to Remote Working
Remote working can become a breeding ground for worries … Managers worrying that they don’t have a sense of what their staff members are doing. Employees worrying that their managers think they are doing laundry instead of working. Everyone worrying about the disruption and chaos that has become their new normal. (Not to mention those of us worrying about not having enough toilet paper!)
Transitioning In-Person Trainings to Virtual Space
Questions and Considerations We have already signed a contract with a venue. How do we
A College Student’s Guide to the Coronavirus
Move to Virtual Meetings If your school has not limited contact and/or gone to a
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and Alpha Phi Omega announce Strategic partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 18, 2019 For more information, contact Christa Beall Diefenbach Christa@NLA1.org M:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Learn about leading inclusively, overcoming your bias and seeing diversity grow, how to equitably hire and recruit, develop DEI partners and Allies through inclusion, and so much more.
Nonprofit Management and Leadership Credentials
As the community needs served by nonprofit organizations become more complex, it is critical now
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance to co-host the Career Fair & Expo at the 2019 Fair Trade Campaigns National Conference
The Career Fair & Expo will provide opportunities for students and young professionals to connect
Independent Sector’s Insights on AMI 2019
Two Independent Sector ambassadors attended AMI 2019 in Orlando, and here's what they had to