The University of Northern Iowa Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) is a student-run organization dedicated to educating, preparing, and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. NLA is also a national alliance of 40 current colleges and universities, as well as countless nonprofit organizations that are committed to preparing undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals for careers with national and international nonprofit organizations.
Students and professionals enrolled in the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance work to achieve the Certified Nonprofit Professional certification (CNP). Receiving this certification not only prepares students to enter the field, it also equips them with the knowledge and experiences necessary to excel tremendously within the organization. In fact, research shows that professionals who receive their CNP credential are seven times more likely to rise to a director or higher levels, compared to those without the certification.
A few requirements must be met in order to become certified including:
Completing the Ten Core Competencies
Completing a 300-hour internship or field-based experience at a nonprofit organization
Attending an annual Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Management Institute (Click here to learn more)
Completing the required coursework
Completing a 500-hour service project
News & Updates
Alliance Management Institute 2018
2018 Alliance Management Institute – Kansas City, Missouri!
In January of 2018, over forty UNI students had the opportunity to attend the Alliance Management Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. They had a great time networking with nonprofit professionals from all across the country, participated in case studies, and took home some incredible awards!
2018 Awards
What’s the Big Idea? ($1000 Award)
1st Place – Best Practices in the Nonprofit Sector
“The “What’s the Big Idea?” Award recognizes a group of NLA students who have created an innovative solution to address a major challenge facing the nonprofit sector. The 2018 groups focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector. UNI’s “Big Idea” was presented in front of a panel of judges and 500 conference attendees. As the winning team, UNI received the “What’s the Big Idea?” Award and $1,000 for the organization (Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, 2018)”.
We would like to extend an enormous thank you to all of our donors for supporting our students’ journey and professional development through the attendance of the Alliance Management Institute!
Location and Contact
Contact Info
Kristina Kofoot, MA, CNP
Advisor, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a program of the Division of Leisure, Youth and Human Services
Office phone: 319.273.4507
Address: Human Performance Center 107C
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0241
E-mail: kristina.kofoot@uni.edu
Come visit us in the Human Performance Center (Connected to the WRC). Our office is located at HPC 107. We would love to talk with you!
