Program Components

Training Sessions
Subject-Matter-Experts (SMEs) with deep nonprofit experience deliver what you need to know to implement best practices for your nonprofit. Practical information—synthesized into two interactive training-sessions—creates space for you to learn from our experts and collaborate with other nonprofit professionals.

Consultations
After the training sessions, you’ll begin applying the provided information and resources to your organization’s practices. We’ll schedule a one-on-one consultation with your organization and our SME. You'll drive the consult agenda based on your needs. For example, you can use the consult to:  

• Ask questions about classroom-session topics,  
• Receive expert advice on any challenges you’re facing, 
• Get feedback on work you’ve already done, or 
• Present your completed documentation for expert review (and even earn the Badge).  

Completing a UNA Badge is about setting the foundation to improve your nonprofit—and then telling the community about your achievement.

Depending on the course, you’ll see more effective fundraising, reduced risk from better financial oversight, better data collection and communication, clearer messaging, and HR policies that protect your nonprofit. Your stakeholders will see an organization able to focus on making good things happen.

We’ll help you share your accomplishment by providing you with a press kit, highlighting your organization in our communications, and providing you with a letter you can share with your stakeholders that outlines your success and why it matters.

The UNA Credential is your nonprofit's course plan to success. Through our nine-course program led by experienced Subject Matter Experts, you'll gain invaluable skills and insights to propel your organization forward. From strategic planning to effective leadership and beyond, each course offers immersive training tailored to your specific needs.

Our personalized coaching sessions ensure that you can implement these strategies within your organization, maximizing your impact and making a lasting difference in your community.

The Credential is for 501(c) nonprofit leaders and staff, including but not limited to, executive directors, senior management staff, program directors and managers, development directors and managers, human resource professionals, accounting and finance professionals, and other key team members at nonprofit organizations.

Volunteers and board members are also welcome to participate so they can help implement best practices and new strategies at their organizations.

Individual nonprofit professionals can participate to further develop their knowledge and skills, however, the real benefit of the Credential lies in the practical application of course material to participants' organizations. This way, the Credential not only educates, but also drives real change within organizations.

We understand that you have a busy schedule! While it is most beneficial for participants to attend the whole credential, the sessions will be recorded and sent to registrants.

Q: Can I receive a certificate of completion for attending a Credential?
A: The Credential courses are an organizational effort and achievement. UNA only officially awards an achievement, the Badge, at the organizational level.

Q: Is there a deadline to submit documentation to earn a badge? And if so, why?
A: Yes. You will typically have five months from the date of the training sessions to provide documentation of your adoption of best practices. We allow another month for working with the course leader, the SME to fine tune your work. Due dates help create a sense of urgency for you and define for our SME's an end date for their contract with UNA. 

Q: If I do not finish the requirements in one session, can I submit them in the following year?
A: Courses and Badge requirements are reviewed and updated annually, so the information in one year could be out of date in the following year. You would need to register for the Credential and fulfill the new requirements. 

Q: Transfers
A: Transfer your course registration within the calendar year and before the first session, or apply it to another Credential for yourself or a colleague.

Q: Cancellations
A: When you cancel your reservation at least one week before the course, you'll receive a full refund.