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Get the Tools You Need to Start, Manage and Scale A Nonprofit

Nonprofit Founder’s Academy

ASCENDTM to Nonprofit Success:
Courses, Coaching & Community to Launch, Lead, and Scale Your Impact

Starting and growing a nonprofit can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Nonprofit Founder’s Academy is designed to guide you through every stage of your journey, whether you're just starting, stepping into leadership, or scaling for long-term impact. 

Using our proprietary ASCENDTM approach, we provide coaching, courses and community to help you gain nonprofit success:

A – Activate Your Mission – Gain clarity on your vision, structure your nonprofit, and complete the legal steps with confidence.
S – Strengthen Leadership & Culture – Learn how to lead effectively, engage your board, and build a mission-driven team.
C – Cultivate Programs & Community Impact – Design services that truly meet needs, drive meaningful change, and create lasting impact.
E – Establish Funding & Growth Strategies – Secure funding, engage donors, and create sustainable revenue streams.
N – Navigate Operations & Compliance – Master financial management, governance, and operational systems to stay on track.
D – Develop a Sustainable Future – Scale your nonprofit, measure impact, and build long-term success.

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Control how you learn and progress

At our school we make online learning easy. Our only concern is your education. Build your future right here.

Expert-Led with Proven Experience

Our courses are created and led by seasoned nonprofit professionals who have been there, done that. We have successfully launched, scaled, and sustained organizations. You will get insider knowledge from experts who understand the nuances of running a nonprofit.

Practical, Actionable Learning

Unlike generic nonprofit courses, our courses are designed to be highly practical, guiding founders through real-world challenges like board governance, compliance, and fundraising with step-by-step instructions and templates to make implementation easier.

Coaching And 
Community Support

Unlike many online courses that leave students to figure things out alone, Nonprofit Utopia provides access to coaching and a community of like-minded peers for ongoing support.

Evidence-Based Learning

Our courses are developed using techniques that are proven to help you improve your learning and meet your professional goals and objectives. Depending on the course, this may be demonstrated through pre-and post-tests, quizzes, self-assessments and capstone projects.

Continuing Education Units

Nonprofit Utopia is a CFRE Certified Provider. Participation in select courses may assist you in learning or reviewing concepts covered on the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) examination as detailed on the Test Content Outline provided by CFRE International. 

Focus on Long-Term Sustainability

Many courses focus only on starting a nonprofit, but we go further—helping you lead with confidence, manage teams, and scale impact sustainably. The training covers compliance, budgeting, fundraising, and strategic planning to ensure nonprofits grow successfully.
Lesson series

Free Resources

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31 Critical Questions You Should Ask Before Starting A Nonprofit

Answering these questions can save you time and money and help you decide if starting a nonprofit is the way to go.
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Resource Mapping On Steroids

Use the most comprehensive resource mapping tool in the industry to help you align your resource development with your mission and vision.

Why the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy is the Best Place for You to Build Your Nonprofit

Most nonprofit courses give you information—but information alone doesn’t build a thriving, impactful organization. At the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy, we go beyond checklists and paperwork. We equip you with the strategy, leadership mindset, and ongoing support you need to launch, grow, and sustain a nonprofit that truly changes lives. We are building a community of leaders who are committed to making a real difference. You’re ready to lead, grow, and impact the world—and we’re here to give you the tools, coaching, and support to help you succeed every step of the way. Here’s why the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy is unlike any other place you’ll find.


What Sets Us Apart

1. More Than Just a Course—A Complete Growth System

This isn’t just about “how to file for 501(c)(3) status.” We’ve developed the ASCENDTM Model, a step-by-step framework designed to take you from idea to impact. You’ll get the essential knowledge, but more importantly, you’ll learn how to build a solid foundation, lead effectively, and scale your nonprofit the right way.

2. Courses, Coaching, and Community—All in One Place

Most platforms give you a self-paced course and leave you to figure things out on your own. We do things differently. You get courses, expert coaching, and a supportive online community, so you’re never stuck or struggling in isolation.

3. We Have Been There, Done That

Our courses and coaching programs are designed by people who have been in your shoes. We know from experience what works and what doesn't. We can help you navigate the nonprofit landscape and shave years off your learning curve so you have more time doing the work that you love with a greater impact.

4. Leadership Development at Its Core

A nonprofit’s success isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about strong leadership. Unlike other programs, we focus on helping you become a confident, capable leader who can inspire others, build a strong team, and create lasting change.

5. Tools and Resources That Save You Time

We know that starting and running a nonprofit comes with a lot of moving parts. That’s why we provide done-for-you templates, checklists, and workbooks that streamline the creative process, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time making an impact.

6. We Grow With You

Starting is just the beginning. As your nonprofit evolves, so will your challenges. That’s why the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy is built to grow with you. New courses, advanced trainings, and ongoing support ensure you’re equipped not just for launch, but for long-term success.

You Will Get

1. A Clear, Actionable Roadmap for Success

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re starting a nonprofit, but we’ve created the ASCEND model to guide you every step of the way. From launching your nonprofit to growing it with purpose, our step-by-step framework helps you take immediate action while growing as a leader. It’s not just about checking off tasks—it’s about becoming the kind of leader who inspires others and builds something that lasts.

2. Coaching That Empowers You to Lead with Confidence

Leadership is the key to nonprofit success, and that’s why our coaching isn’t just about “how-to” advice. We believe in empowering you to become the leader your nonprofit needs—leading with confidence, clarity, and a vision that moves others. Whether you’re tackling challenges or learning how to communicate your vision, our expert coaches are here to guide you and help you grow as a leader who makes a lasting impact.

3. A Community of Like-Minded Founders

Building a nonprofit can be a lonely road, but with the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy, you’ll never have to go it alone. You’ll be joining a community of leaders who are ready to support you, collaborate, and cheer you on. This isn’t just about lessons—it’s about connection. You’ll learn from others, share your wins, and be part of a network that challenges you to grow. Because leadership isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s about lifting others up while moving forward together.

4. Courses Designed for Busy Professionals Who Want Real Results

We know you’re busy. That’s why our courses are built to give you practical, actionable content that drives results right away. No fluff. Just the tools and strategies you need to get moving, no matter where you are in your nonprofit journey. You’ll learn how to get things done, all while growing your leadership skills and staying focused on your ultimate mission.

5. A Growing Resource to Support You at Every Stage

Leadership is about continuous growth—and so is the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy. As you evolve as a leader and scale your nonprofit, we’ll be right there with you, providing new resources, courses, and tools to support your journey. You’ll always have access to what you need to grow, whether you’re just starting out or scaling for greater impact.

6. Time-Saving Tools That Help You Lead Smarter, Not Harder

Effective leaders know that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. That’s why we’ve created done-for-you templates, checklists, and resources to save you time, so you can focus on what matters most: leading with purpose. These tools will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re always moving forward with confidence.

7. A Blueprint For Building Long-Term Impact Through Leadership and Action

Your nonprofit’s success isn’t just about what you do today—it’s about the legacy you build tomorrow. With the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy, you’re not just launching a nonprofit—you’re creating something that will stand the test of time. Our resources are designed to help you lead with vision, build a sustainable nonprofit, and make a lasting impact for years to come. Ready to Step Into Your Leadership Journey?

Ready to Step Into Your Leadership Journey?

If you’re ready to grow as a leader, build a thriving nonprofit, and make a real difference, the Nonprofit Founder’s Academy is here for you. This is your chance to take action, connect with others, and lead in a way that inspires change.

Our Courses

Valerie F. Leonard

Valerie F. Leonard is the founder of Nonprofit Utopia and creator of the Nonprofit Founder's Academy, where she helps emerging leaders launch and grow mission-driven organizations using her signature ASCENDTM and LEGACYTM  models. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, finance, and community development, she has guided nearly 1,000 founders to raise over $100 million and achieve measurable capacity gains. A certified John Maxwell Leadership coach and university instructor, Valerie combines practical expertise with deep community insight, offering coaching, courses, and consulting to help nonprofit leaders build lasting impact from the ground up.

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Step up your game with this training!

This is for me a very valuable experience and I would recommend this training to other organizations.

Sara Willson

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Concise and practical content

I would recommend this training to other organizations. It is a valuable opportunity to grow as an employer and improve our workplace culture.

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Simple to understand!

I learned a lot and now feel ready to implement these techniques into my organization. I would recommend it to other organizations. 

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Choose your plan

Standard

$697

Full access to course content, including
  • Templates, videos, checklists
  • Access to course discussion forum
  • Checklist of all the documents and attachments that must be submitted at the state and federal levels
  • Actual documents that must be completed at the state and federal levels and instructions
  • Checklist for ongoing compliance
  • Downloadable workbooks and other resources
  • Opportunities for journaling, self-assessment and reflection

Self-starters who want guidance and structure

Pro

$997

Everything in Standard plus:
  • Document review (e.g., bylaws, IRS forms)
  • 1 private 60-minute strategy session
  • Access to select content from David Beckett, world-renowned startup pitch coach and founder of Best 3 Minutes.
  • One-year membership in the private Nonprofit Utopia Community for 90 days

Most popular—get coaching and feedback

VIP

$1,497

Everything in Standard and Pro plus:
  • 3 private 60-minute strategy sessions
  • Priority feedback on all documents
  • One-year membership in the Nonprofit Utopia online community

High-touch support for mission-critical organizations. 
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