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Excellence in Action

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Excellence In Action (EIA) is our signature nonprofit management certification program, thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s nonprofit and philanthropic professionals.

Led by experienced instructors who understand the realities of the sector, EIA combines innovative, practice-based curriculum with real-world application. Participants gain the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to lead with purpose and drive meaningful impact.

Through dynamic instructional methods and peer-to-peer learning, EIA fosters a collaborative environment where professionals grow together—building a strong foundation in nonprofit management and leadership.

EIA Formats

Choose the Format That Fits You and Your Schedule!

To support different learning styles and schedules, EIA is available in two flexible formats—so you can grow your skills in the way that works best for you. Options include:

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Extended Session

One, half business day a month for 3 months

Hybrid | 10AM-3PM

Day 1
Legal Accountability and Transparency*, Governance,
Leadership and Organizational Culture

Day 2
Planning and Operations, Financial Management,
Fundraising, and Evaluation

Day 3
Strategic Directions & Alliances, Civic Engagement,
Human Resources and Professional Development
and Volunteer Management

*Only module required for recertification

2-Day Boot Camp

Two, back-to-back business days

In Person Only | 9AM-4PM

Day 1
Legal Accountability and Transparency*, Governance,
Financial Management, Leadership and Organizational Culture,
Human Resources and Professional Development

Day 2
Planning and Operations, Fundraising, Evaluation,
Strategic Directions & Alliances, Civic Engagement
and Volunteer Management

*Only module required for recertification

2025 EIA Dates

Extended Sessions*


Q2

SESSION ONE:
TUES | APR 29
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD

SESSION TWO:
TUES | MAY 20
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD

SESSION THREE:
TUES | JUN 24
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD


Q3

SESSION ONE:
TUES | AUG 26
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD

SESSION TWO:
TUES | SEP 23
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD

SESSION THREE:
TUES | OCT 28
Facilitator: TBD
Location: TBD

*Extended Sessions are hybrid, however in-person attendance is preferred when
location is local to the participant. Virtual option AVAILABLE on ALL dates.

2-Day Boot Camps*

JUN | 12 & 13
Facilitator: Amanda Fontaine
Location: MS Alliance Training Facility | Jackson, MS

AUG | 21 & 22
Facilitators: TBD
Location: TBD

OCT | 23 & 24
Facilitators: TBD
Location: TBD

*Our 2-Day Boot Camps are in person only. NO VIRTUAL OPTION available.

Recertification*


EIA certification is valid for three years.  After three years, Legal Accountability and Transparency is the only module required for recertification. Register to join day one of any upcoming extended session or two-day boot camp date.

Offered on DAY ONE of any upcoming extended session
at 10:00 a.m. or 2-day boot camp at 9:00 a.m.

2-DAY BOOT CAMPS
JUN 12
AUG 21
OCT 23

EXTENDED SESSIONS
APR 29
AUG 26

*To register for recertification, please email training@alliancems.org.

Step 1: Application

Step 2: Payment

Upon receipt of your application we will contact you
and send a custom payment link. 

Recertification:
$100
Individual Certification:
$500
Organizational Certification*:
$2,000 | 3 Team Members
+$750 | One Additional Team Member
+$500 | Per Additional Team Member
*Includes a Peer-Review Site Visit
 

Additional Resources

Key Features

Consultants & Trainers
Experts and leaders from a variety of nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors.

Comprehensive Instructional Approach
Whole Group Instruction | Cohort Model | Peer-Review Site Visit

Proven Quality
400+ Participants
150+ Certified Organizations
140+ Certified Individuals
75% Increase in Board Member Satisfaction

Certified Fund Raising Executive Points
Receive 15 CEU Points

What our participants have shared about why they chose to get EIA certified in nonprofit management. 

  • Technologically relevant and innovative curriculum that provides members with a strong foundation in nonprofit management

  • EIA nonprofit management certificate provides increased marketability in the industry

  • Ability to enable strategic change within their organizations

  • Participants enhance network through an expanded leadership cohort of peers and support

  • Gain an awareness of emerging trends in the nonprofit sector

  • Knowledgeable and accessible instructors

Additional advantages

  • A robust network of established experts and course colleagues that share best practices and offer guidance and support.

  • All instructors have extensive nonprofit experience and work in the nonprofit sector.

  • An interactive, adult-learning environment

  • Immediate and accessible knowledge and tools that strengthen necessary skills, improve efficiency and provide the ability to implement best practices of high-impact nonprofit organizations.

What Participants Say

"Although I have worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, the EIA experience provided immediate and usable tools that helped enhance my knowledge to become a more skilled nonprofit professional. It was great to interact face-to-face with individuals of all educational backgrounds and levels of experience that were committed to their organization’s mission and seeking to advance in their professional development just like me. I learned up-to-date trends affecting the nonprofit sector today and ways to lead and manage staff, volunteers, and board members more effectively. The knowledge learned in strategic planning, marketing, fundraising and resource development is invaluable."
“Through EIA we enhanced our organizational capacity and submitted an improved grant application with solid data, earning us a grant award of over one million dollars to expand the museum.  We fully credit EIA with preparing us for this opportunity.”
"EIA helped me grow professionally as a nonprofit leader, as well as identify where my organization was at risk in all the critical components. Each module provided unique, comprehensive tools I could immediately implement. The instructors were ‘masters’ in their field of expertise and provided insight into real-life applications. The information was so valuable I could not take the modules fast enough! The nonprofit sector has long awaited a certification program of this caliber. It was well worth the investment in both my time and money."
“Very good. Excellent program. Should be
mandatory for all board members.”
“I learned so much more in EIA than I did in my master’s social work program. This should be required for MCSW’s!”