Become a CNP Campus Partner

Expand your students’ opportunities and amplify the value of your degree programs by bringing the nationally-

recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential to your university.

Certified to Change the World

What is the Campus Partner Program?

For the last 75 years, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics) has partnered with universities and colleges to prepare students to be effective and successful leaders in the social sector.  Campus partners pay an annual affiliation fee to gain access to a reduced fee for student enrollment and a myriad of resources available to students and faculty.  Students meet the requirements for earning the CNP credential through the courses they are already completing to earn their degree and co-curricular experiences such as volunteering, an internship experience, passing the CNP Exam, and attending a national conference

Certified Nonprofit Professional Logo

The future of the nonprofit sector starts with us.

Together, we can offer our students a pathway to excellence that not only fulfills their academic aspirations but also propels them toward leadership and impact.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership Credentials

Together, we can change the world

Why bring the CNP to your campus?

As leaders in nonprofit education, we have the privilege of shaping the next generation of nonprofit professionals who will navigate the complexities of the social sector. The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential is not a competitor to a traditional degree; rather, it is a partner that amplifies the value of higher education. The CNP credential is the bridge that connects knowledge with action, theory with practice, and ambition with achievement.

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

Improve student outcomes through community engagement

Achieve student success

A group of diverse college graduates holding their Certified Nonprofit Professional Certificates in their hands with dark red graduation sashes from campus partner university of houston
Campus Partner, Central Michigan University graduate dressed in maroon regalia with orange certified nonprofit professional cords around their neck

Easy to implement on your campus

Why pair a Degree with a Credential?

  • Recruit new students with an employer-connected credential.

  • Increase credit enrollment. Campus-wide program means cross-departmental credit hours.

  • Combine practice and instruction with applied activies and competency-based curriculum.

  • Benchmark student outcomes with pre- and post-assessment tools.

  • Retain and matriculate students to enter purpose-focused careers.

  • Introduce mentorship programs. Match with a CNP mentor to navigate career path.

  • Enhance career services with exclusive access to job prep content and open position postings.

  • Promote long-term alumni success. CNPs are 7x more likely to reach leadership positions.

  • Connect to global network of experts in the field, student and faculty peer groups, and CNP alumni.

What does it take to earn a CNP?

When students earn their CNP, they become a 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

Here’s what our Campus Directors had to say!

University of Houston CNP Campus Director, Lillian Aguirre Ortiz smiling

“It’s great to see how the students develop this sense of community based on their shared interests, particularly because a career in nonprofit can be extremely fulfilling but not always easy.”

Lillian Aguirre Ortiz, MSW

Director of Innovative Academic Programs and Partnerships, University of Houston

CNP Campus Director Chance Lee, K-State University

“The nonprofit sector is complex and in great need of leadership from students that reflect the evolving needs and challenges of our times.”

Chance Lee, Ph.D., CNP

Assistant Professor, Kansas State University

Here’s what our learners had to say!

Issac Garcia, CNP (Dixie State University)

“The CNP credential has helped me make connections and helped me obtain a position with an amazing nonprofit that fulfills my dream to make an impact on today’s youth.”

Issac Garcia, CNP

Dixie State University Graduate

ashely baker, nonprofit management professional, smiling with tight curly brown hair and pink lipstick

“The preparation I received for the nonprofit sector via my work to complete my CNP credential is unmatched by any class or lesson I have taken.”

Ashley Baker, CNP

University of Central Florida Graduate

Meet our current campus partners!

Arizona State University logo
Austin Community College logo
Catholic University of America logo
Central Michigan University logo
Coppin State University logo
Georgia College logo
Georgia State University logo
Indiana State University logo
Kennesaw State University logo
Maryville College University logo
Missouri Valley College logo
Salisbury University logo
Slippery Rock University logo
South Dakota State University logo
University of Central Florida logo
University of Colorado logo
University of Hawai'I logo
University of Houston logo
University of Northern Iowa logo
University of San Diego logo
Virginia Tech logo in orange and red