Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Competencies

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Core Competencies provide the academic framework for

undergraduate coursework and related experiential education opportunities, including service learning

and internships. Competencies are met through courses, workshops, and internship experiences, and

are reviewed annually by the Committee for Curriculum Review and Assessment.

Use the Competency Tracking Worksheet to document your experiences as you pursue your

certification. You can then reference your Tracking Worksheet when entering your experiences in the

Member Management System when you are ready to certify.

Professional Competencies

Board/Committee Development

An understanding of the purpose and role of the Board of Directors in a nonprofit organization, of the

dynamics between an organization’s staff and its volunteer directors, and of staff support strategies.

Community Outreach/Marketing and Public Relations

An understanding of the role of community outreach and marketing strategies in building public

awareness of the mission and messages of nonprofit organizations.

Diversity Awareness

An understanding of professional practice and interaction skills in culturally diverse settings, enabling the

student to navigate encounters, dilemmas, and challenges in such settings.

Ethics and Values

An understanding of the importance of personal and organizational ethical standards, accountability

structures, and a code of conduct for an organization devoted to public service.

Fundraising Principles & Practices

An understanding of the variety of fundraising strategies and methods used to support the mission of an

organization, including grants, major and planned gifts, annual funds, and special events.

Historical & Philosophical Foundations

An understanding of the unique character and role of nonprofit organizations within American society,

and an understanding of the historical and social forces that influenced the sector's development.

Information Management & Technology

Basic computer and technology literacy, and an understanding of the benefits and responsibilities

associated with technology at a modern nonprofit organization.Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Management

An understanding of basic nonprofit accounting, budget development, audits, and the monitoring of

fiscal operations.

Nonprofit Management

An understanding of the central importance of mission orientation, and also of general nonprofit

management knowledge, including public policy processes, human resource procedures, and strategic

planning.

Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation

The ability to assess needs within a population, ascertain the feasibility of a program, calculate the

appropriate resources and staffing necessary, implement a program, and then evaluate and improve the

program to maximize resources and increase program quality and inclusiveness.

Risk Management and Legal Issues

A working knowledge of risk management, crisis management, and the basic laws and regulations under

which nonprofits operate.

Volunteer Management

An understanding of American volunteerism coupled with the ability to create a volunteer program that

employs effective techniques that both harness volunteer service to further the organization's mission

and also foster the spirit of volunteerism.

Youth and Adult Development

The ability to develop unique activities and programs that are responsive to the different development

stages and needs of both youth and adults, and an understanding of the dynamics and specific

challenges involved in working with each group.

Foundational Competencies

Career Development and Exploration

Personal commitment to the mission of a nonprofit organization and an understanding of the realities

and opportunities of the entry-level job market.

Communications Skills

Use of effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills, proper grammar and vocabulary in written

and oral communication, effective public speaking skills, and effective listening techniques.

Employability Skills

The ability to develop an effective resume, demonstrate appropriate interviewing skills, research

nonprofit organizations to determine capability with personal values and goals, and exhibit appropriate

personal appearance.

Personal Attributes

The ability to demonstrate a positive attitude, initiative, ethical and responsible behavior, honesty and

integrity, leadership characteristics, and time-management skills.