Having spent her entire career working with nonprofits, Dr. Leah Weiner recognized a need in the sector for upper level education. She served as an Executive Director and a Development Director, and has experience in both small and large nonprofits. She completed a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a doctorate program in Organizational Leadership, but afterwards, she wanted more opportunities to learn in leadership training and development programs.

To fill this gap, Dr. Weiner started Nonprofit Learning Lab (NLL) in 2015. The organization offers intermediate to advanced level training in topics like fundraising, board development, digital strategy, and marketing. On average, the nonprofits they serve have budgets of $1 million to $6 million annually. The organization has grown quickly since it began, and expanded nationally in 2016. NLL’s fast advancement is partially due to the expansive network Dr. Weiner had from years working in the sector. Now, NLL has 50,000 contacts in its email database, and Dr. Weiner estimates that the organization will serve 10,000 individuals directly in the new year.

Initially, NLL held online conferences and webinars, which the organization still offers. Whether an organization is located in an urban or rural region, this option allows workers to learn with NLL. Members have access to a resource archive, which provides hundreds of hours of downloadable content.

“You can learn with us from anywhere,” Dr. Weiner says. In addition to the online options, NLL also has in-person nonprofit institutes in 16 different cities, where they serve all levels and roles of nonprofit organizations at various events. Dr. Weiner emphasizes that the trainers at these institutes are experts in the field and that they remain up-to-date on changes in the sector.

“You can learn with [Nonprofit Learning Lab] from anywhere.” – Dr. Leah Weiner

As NLL continues to expand, Dr. Weiner looks forward to bringing their institutes to cities where there is clear need. NLL only begins institutes in areas where nonprofits have specifically requested they open a location. NLL is currently looking to come to Chicago. For nonprofit staff and leadership seeking upper level learning opportunities, NLL’s expansion is exciting news.

You can find out more about Nonprofit Learning Lab at http://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/.