Accessible to All Learning Styles
Structured Learning Experience
No Prerequisites
What's Included in the Certificate
A full year of work-at-your-own-pace, unlimited access to the entire Merit® learning platform.
Standards-Aligned
Alignment to the industry-standard Impact Capacity Assessment and the Korn Ferry Institute's Leadership Architect competency model
Learn from Subject-Matter Experts
All courses have been created by people who are experienced nonprofit pros with lived experience and recognized expertise in the topic.
Structured Learning Model
A structured microlearning learning model, following Bloom's Taxonomy, to ensure that real learning happens
Digital Credentialing
Along the way to completing the certificate, learners earn 84 digital badges and 5 mini-certificates to keep the momentum and motivation going.
Over 2000 nonprofit professionals from all skill levels are already enjoying Merit.
Our learners come from all types of nonprofits: suicide prevention, domestic violence response, drug recovery, children's museums, seniors support, health education centers, and more.
Nonprofit concepts, made easy
I'm newer to the nonprofit sector, and Merit is giving me exactly the language I need to be able to not just do my job, but also really participate in meetings. I chose the certificate to get a well-rounded experience for my current job...and also to prepare for whatever comes next!
by Cindy
Statewide Infant Mental Health Organization
Love the love
I chose this online certificate because I'm busy and knew I couldn't attend live sessions, even if they were online. I was a little worried that I wouldn't feel as connected, but the entire team at Merit has made sure that every learner has a way to get help, get support, and get connected with others who are working on the platform. From day 1, I have really felt the love!
by Shavon
Homeless Support Agency
Lots of Courses, in Order
I've taken a lot of classes online. I was really happily surprised to see that the way that the learning experience on Merit is super logical: while there's a lot of classes, they are presented in a really thoughtful order. I feel like I have a lot of choice of what to learn about today, but not an overwhelming amount because of the way the learning model is structured. Thanks for taking some of the thinking out of it for me!
by Greyson
Independent School Administrator
I impressed my boss!
I know that I want to stay working in nonprofits, so I invested in this certificate. When I shared my progress with my boss, she was super impressed! I thought this would be a great stepping stone for my next job, but turns out it's also helping me get considered for bigger roles in my current nonprofit.
Dylan
Children's Museum Program Specialist
Hi, I'm Dr. Emilie Socash.
I created Merit Nonprofit Professional Development for people just like you...
After working in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, I knew that I wanted to do more to support the amazing people who power our communities. My career has included launching a nonprofit theatre company, building a $50m community foundation, leading a community center capital campaign, and revitalizing the community perception of a struggling nonprofit. While each of these roles were exciting (and challenging!), I saw first-hand how limited budgets too often led to limited access to the resources that could really help every team member develop their fullest capacity...and make their fullest impact.
Which is why I built Merit, as a means of making sure that every nonprofit team member has equitable access to the tools for success.
Certificate Requirements
The Certificate in Nonprofit Capacity Building can be completed at your own pace, and includes approximately 60-80 hours of nonprofit training, depending on your own learning engagement.
Certificate Requirements:
Complete all Merit® learning paths (28 total learning paths, each with 9 courses)
Achieve a score of 80% or better on all course quizzes. (100% is encouraged!)
Fully complete all workbook exercises, including personal learning plans.
Commit to and submit one learning plan from each of our 6 nonprofit capacity areas.
Leading Capacity
"Leading" is an organization's capacity to articulate a clear vision for itself and incentivize everyone to achieve that vision. This group of courses builds on one of every effective nonprofit's core capacities: leadership to make change happen.
Learning Capacity
"Learning" is a nonprofit's capacity to collect, process, and use information about its programs, operations, and external environment in order to deliver on its mission. These courses help nonprofits better understand their strengths and weaknesses in order to fulfill their vision.
Resource Generating Capacity
"Resource generating" is the capacity of an organization to raise the funds and other resources that it needs to operate, as well as its ability to incentivize others to support the organization in doing so. This collection of courses help nonprofits build their organizational strengths around fundraising as well as stakeholder engagement.
Managing Capacity
"Managing" measures an organization’s ability to utilize its human and financial resources in an efficient and effective manner. These courses explore the strengths and challenges at play in nonprofit management and nonprofit leadership.
Overseeing Capacity
"Overseeing" measures an organization’s ability to hold itself accountable financially and for the achievement of its impact. These courses look at the role of key stakeholders and offer a capacity building approach to improving nonprofit oversight.
Planning Capacity
"Planning" measures an organization’s ability to effectively make decisions and plan for the future. These courses support the nonprofits ability in delivering results and planning for improvement.
