Sustained Alliance

NextGen Training for Nonprofit Leaders

The Area Foundation is proud to partner with UTSA’s Center for Professional Excellence to offer this virtual program specifically designed to provide Nonprofit leaders with critical insights, strategies, and tools across analytical topics including data analytics, data visualization, cybersecurity, and innovative process and decision making. This program builds data management skills that enable your nonprofit to stand out in a crowded field.
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Scattered Mechanical Gears

An Exceptional Program, Designed with You in Mind.

Under the direction of distinguished UTSA faculty, participants in this The other sections 15-hour program will:

  • Gain a working knowledge of critical data analysis techniques.
  • Explore fundamental data concepts, technologies, and platforms.
  • Practice data visualization techniques to tell a story
  • Understand the processes to foster innovation and creativity
  • Learn how to leverage and use AI to enhance data visualization and storytelling.

Who Should Attend?

Nonprofit professionals at all levels – CEOs, program directors, fundraisers and more who want to understand how to use data to make data-informed decisions, data analytics, data visualization and data security. The program is geared at those with minimal technical or data management experience.

Why Participate in this Program?

  • Sessions emphasize practical application.

  • Group approach encourages peer learning.

  • Digital certificate from UTSA and digital badge awarded upon completion.

  • CEUs available to those in need of continuing education units.

Cohort Curriculum

  1. Welcome To the Cohort!

  2. Program Orientation (In-person, Aug. 22nd)

  3. Module 1: Excel 101 & 102 (Virtual, Sept. 5th)

  4. Module 2: Storytelling for Nonprofit Leaders & Creating Summary Reports with Data (Virtual, Sept. 5th)

  5. Module 3: Qualitive vs. Quantitive Data - Data Collection through Surveys and Other Tools/Creating Data on a Shoestring Budget (In-person, Sept. 12th)

  6. Module 4: Innovation Process Management for Nonprofit Leaders (In-person, Sept. 12th)

About this Certificate

  • $1,200.00
  • 15 Hour Program
  • Hybrid

FAQs

  • I don’t have a technical background. Will I be able to keep up with this program?

    This program is specifically designed for nonprofit professionals with minimal technical backgrounds. However, participants will use some platforms that require a functional understanding of Excel. Additionally, it’s recommended to have two computer screens available—one for watching the faculty presenter and another for practicing the techniques.

  • I am the agency’s IT person. Should I enroll in this program?

    While this program is tailored for individuals without a technical background, it is open to IT professionals who wish to build their data management skills.

  • Why is it important for Nonprofit Organizations to advance their technical skills?

    With rapid technological advancements and the increasing pace of change across the industry, nonprofit leaders must acquire essential technical skills to position their organizations for future success. Nonprofits face growing competition for limited resources, and managing and analyzing data is crucial. These skills help quantify the organization's impact on the community, share its story with constituents, allocate resources effectively, and assess progress toward organizational goals. Data-driven decision-making also enables nonprofits to make informed course corrections when needed.

  • What is required to earn the certificate of completion? Does the certificate transfer for academic credit?

    Participants must attend and actively engage in at least four out of five classes. While attendance in all sessions is encouraged to maximize learning, make-up sessions are not available, and sessions are not recorded. This is a non-academic certificate.

  • What is a digital badge? What can I do with it?

    A digital badge is an easily shareable representation of your professional development accomplishments. You can showcase it on social media, in your email signature, and with current or prospective employers.

  • Will everyone who earns the certificate also earn the CEUs?

    Participants must request CEUs. The program is equivalent to 1.5 CEUs from UTSA. It’s recommended to contact your professional association’s governance board in advance to confirm if these CEUs meet the requirements for maintaining your licensure or professional certification.

  • How does the payment plan work?

    Participants register by paying half the fee upfront via credit card. The remaining half will be charged to the same credit card automatically after 30 days. A $25 administrative fee applies to this service. The payment plan is only available for a limited time.

  • What is Miro, and why do I need it? How do I access it?

    Miro is an online workspace for innovation, resembling traditional meeting room whiteboards. It’s a visual collaboration tool designed to enhance creativity and teamwork.

Don't Miss Out!

Registration for the program closes on August 1, 2025

Program Leads

Cerise Edmonds and Jessica Lombard

Cerise Edmonds

Cerise M. Edmonds is the Senior Executive Director for the Center for Professional Excellence at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Alvarez College of Business. With over 25 years of higher education experience, Edmonds has served in various administrative and leadership positions. As senior executive director, Edmonds oversees the Center’s operations, business development, and Executive MBA and Executive Education programs. In addition, Edmonds is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate committed to supporting mental health and connecting learners with resources and training.

Learning & Development Director Jessica Lombard

Jessica Lombard is the Learning and Development Director for the San Antonio Area Foundation. Her career includes over a decade of leadership experience, development, and leading teams within project & change management. She also has a decade of service in nonprofit work, where she served San Antonio’s youth as a youth minister. She is an experienced communicator who has a passion to help South Texas non-profits develop their teams and resources to build a positive impact on our community. Jessica strives to help and encourage others to achieve their goals at developing their non-profit missions and capacity. When not serving our great San Antonio community, you can find Jessica supporting her daughters with Volleyball or Drill team.

Connect With the San Antonio Area Foundation

  • SAAFdn Membership

    Membership program includes valuable resources and benefits. Contact Membership at [email protected]

  • Learning and Development Team

    Please notify us at [email protected] if you have any unique accommodations needs.

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Refund Policy

The Area Foundation has a No Refund policy

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    If a workshop and/or class has been unexpectedly cancelled and/or postponed by the Area Foundation, a refund or credit towards another workshop and/or class will be issued. If a registrant is unable to attend a workshop and/or class, a substitute may be sent or a credit may be issued. No credits will be given for cancellations received less than 48 hours before a workshop.