Description

EBI’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership’s 9-month cohort experience combines the richness of peer learning and the applicability of real-world scenarios. Participants will gain a refreshed understanding of the foundational elements that define what a sustainable nonprofit could and should look like in today’s world and the role leadership can play in defining its success.

By applying to be a part of the Spring 2026 Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership's Virtual Cohort, you agree to attend all 4 of the required cohort sessions included in your application fee. The required cohort sessions include the following:

The Foundational Elements of a Sustainable Nonprofit  

This 3-part workshop will outline the core elements of a sustainable nonprofit.  Includes required readings and homework assignments to be completed in between sessions.  This workshop is the required start of this certificate program.

WHEN: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 2026 from 9:15 am – 12:15 pm

WHERE: Zoom

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Beyond Sustainable 

This workshop will tie together participants’ individual and collective learnings and will include final project presentations.  This will serve as the required capstone experience for the certificate.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 9 & Thursday, December 10 from 9:15 – 12:15 pm

WHERE: Zoom

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Cohort Check-Ins 

These mandatory virtual cohort check-in sessions are scheduled on set dates from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in June and again in October. They will be hosted via Zoom.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17 & Wednesday, October 21 @ 12:15 – 1:15 pm

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In order to earn this Certificate, applicants must also complete 3 elective workshops (1 x Mission Delivery elective, 1 x Infrastructure elective & 1 x Revenue Generation elective) prior to November 20, 2026.  The Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership application fee includes the two mandatory workshops (Foundational Elements & Beyond Sustainable) plus related materials & two cohort check-in sessions.  The fee does not include the 3 Electives.

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The Certificate Application Fee listed below includes the two mandatory workshops plus related materials & two cohort check-in sessions. Fee does not include 3 Electives.

Early bird: (December 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025)

Priority is given to applicants who are current nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors.  

Applicants who are current nonprofit CEOs or Executive Directors are automatically accepted into the program.

All other applications will remain on hold until the January 20th deadline has passed. If you are not a current CEO or ED, you can expect to receive an update on your application status no later than January 23, 2026.

Final acceptance into the program will be based on available space after all CEO/ED applicants have been confirmed. If we’re unable to offer you a seat, a full refund will be issued.

To ensure a diverse and engaging learning experience, enrollment is limited to no more than two (2) participants from the same organization per cohort. Those not accepted into the program will be issued a full refund.

*Cancellation Policy: Our Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership refund policy is different from the standard EBI refund policy because of the level of commitment that is required.  Applicants will receive a 50% refund if request is made in writing and sent via email to ebi@rollins.edu by 12 noon on January 20, 2026.  No refunds will be awarded after this deadline.

Instructor: Ann Hughes

Ann Hughes brings more than 25 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, marketing/public relations, strategic planning, and partnership development experience to her role as the Director of Educational Experiences with the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership.

Ann was most recently the President & CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania and had previously served as the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania and in a variety of executive roles with Franklin & Marshall College, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and Catholic Health Initiatives. Ann has a successful track record of leading organizations and helping them exceed operational and fiscal objectives while also cultivating key strategic partners.

Ann has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, a Master of Science degree in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and is a certified nonprofit accounting professional (CNAP). Outside of work, Ann enjoys road trips, reading and spending quality time with family and friends.