Resource Library
Find free guides, local services, and expert tools β all in one place.
Build your skills with free certifications in community advocacy, leadership, and health. Available to Advocate and Champion members.
Upgrade to Advocate or Champion to access free certifications.
You can browse certifications below, but enrollment requires an Advocate or Champion membership.
LGBTQ+ Leadership Development Programs
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute builds pipelines of LGBTQ+ leaders through leadership development programs, trainings, research, and convenings. Programs focus on public leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. Particularly relevant for trans and queer people of color seeking leadership roles in governance and public service.
Grant Professionals Association β Grant Training & GPC Certification
Grant Professionals Association
The Grant Professionals Association offers year-long comprehensive grant training programs (Next Level Grant Training, Next Level Federal Grant Training) and oversees the GPC (Grant Professional Certified) credential β the only NCCA-accredited certification for grant professionals. Training covers grant writing, grant management, ethics, and funding strategy. For committee members involved in funding decisions and grant review.
Nonprofit Board Essentials: On-demand Learning
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University)
Free on-demand video series from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management covering essential nonprofit board topics. Short, accessible videos on governance, leadership, fiduciary duty, and board effectiveness. No registration fee, no deadline, self-paced. Great for committee members who prefer video-based learning.
Nonprofit Board Resources & Tools
National Council of Nonprofits
Free comprehensive resource library from the National Council of Nonprofits covering board governance, fiduciary duties, board recruitment, bylaws, conflict of interest, strategic planning, and board-staff relationships. Includes templates, checklists, guides, and policy samples. Trusted, practical, and free. Recommended as a bookmarked reference for all committee members.
CenterLink LGBTQ+ Leadership Development
CenterLink
CenterLink develops leaders and leadership across a network of more than 300 LGBTQ+ community centers. Programs focus on nonprofit management, community leadership, and organizational development specifically for LGBTQ+ serving organizations. Includes training, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities.
The Roles and Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards of Directors
Coursera (University at Buffalo)
A single course from the University at Buffalo focusing specifically on board roles, responsibilities, and governance in nonprofit organizations. Covers board structure, legal duties, and the board-staff relationship. Available to audit for free. Recommended for committee members exploring the board pipeline.
Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations
Coursera (University at Buffalo)
A 4-course specialization from the University at Buffalo covering nonprofit board roles, governance challenges, leadership improvement, and practical board development strategies. Covers board assessment, strategic planning, and governance improvement. Can be audited for free or paid for certification.
Free Nonprofit Board Member Certificate
NonprofitReady & CNM (Center for Nonprofit Management)
Completely free online certificate program for nonprofit board members. Three courses covering board fundamentals, fiduciary responsibilities, and fundraising β followed by a short exam. Co-developed with CNM (Center for Nonprofit Management). Self-paced, accessible from any device. No cost, no deadline. This is the recommended FIRST external certification for all Unity of Color committee members.
Nonprofit Board Training
OWL (Open World Learning)
Free online training for nonprofit board members covering governance, leadership skills, fiduciary duties, and board effectiveness. Self-paced, accessible from any device. Community-based learning platform designed for board members at all experience levels.
Trans Leadership Labs
Trans Leadership Labs
A 10-hour virtual leadership development program specifically for trans community members. Covers advocacy skills, understanding local government, community organizing, and building leadership capacity. Designed by and for trans people, with focus on practical leadership application. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all Unity of Color committee members.
Introduction to Human Rights
Amnesty International Human Rights Academy
A free introductory course from Amnesty International that explains what human rights are, where they come from, and how they are protected. Designed for activists, community organizers, and anyone who wants to understand and defend human rights in their community. Self-paced with an official Amnesty International certificate upon successful completion.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Courses
NonprofitReady & Cornerstone Foundation
Free online courses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion tailored to the nonprofit sector, covering unconscious bias, LGBTQ+ inclusion, accessible communication, and building inclusive workplaces. Designed for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers. Earn a free certificate of completion for each course.
Practical Lessons on Personal Finance
Alison
A free online course that improves money-management skills and overall financial literacy, covering intelligent savings, wise spending, electronic money management, and investment strategies. Open to everyone and fully self-paced. Upon achieving 80% or higher in the assessment, learners receive a free Alison digital certificate of completion.
Nonprofit Board Governance Courses
NonprofitReady & Cornerstone Foundation
Free online courses and training on nonprofit board governance, covering fiduciary responsibilities, board-staff relations, strategic planning, and board recruitment. Designed for current and aspiring board members as well as executive directors. Earn a free certificate of completion for each course.
CDC HIV Prevention Training Resources
CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
A free collection of CDC-backed online courses, training events, and resources for HIV prevention providers and community health workers. Topics include HIV testing, PrEP/PEP, linkage to care, and reducing stigma. Many modules offer free continuing education certificates upon completion. Ideal for front-line staff serving communities affected by HIV.
Volunteer Coordinator Certification
VolunteerBadge Academy
A free certification program for volunteer coordinators and managers, covering recruitment, onboarding, retention, and recognition of volunteers. Designed for nonprofit staff and community organizations that rely on volunteers to deliver their mission. Participants earn a certificate upon successful completion.
Grant Writing Certificate
NonprofitReady & Cornerstone Foundation
A free online certificate program that teaches how to find the right grants for your nonprofit, write compelling grant proposals, and build strong relationships with funders so you can count on funding for years to come. Ideal for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers involved in fundraising and development.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
A free 5-hour interactive online course that teaches the core goals of Psychological First Aid β how to support individuals in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or crisis. Designed for community health workers, first responders, volunteers, and anyone who may encounter people in distress. Includes a certificate of completion with 5 continuing education credits.
Social Impact Leadership Certificate
Philanthropy University (UC Berkeley Haas)
Free online courses from Philanthropy University, in partnership with the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, designed for leaders of social impact organizations. Covers strategy, fundraising, scaling impact, and community leadership. Earn a free certificate of completion in social impact leadership.
Involving Volunteers
The Open University (OpenLearn)
This course explores the role of volunteers and how organizations can effectively recruit, support, and manage them. It is designed for nonprofit professionals and community leaders looking to build robust volunteer programs. Participants learn strategies for motivation, legal considerations, and creating inclusive environments for volunteers.
Introducing the Voluntary Sector
The Open University (OpenLearn)
This training covers the fundamental principles of governance, including the roles and responsibilities of board members in the nonprofit sector. It is aimed at current and prospective board members who want to strengthen organizational oversight. Learners explore risk management, ethical leadership, and board dynamics.
Public Health Training for Community Health Workers
HealthTeamWorks
A comprehensive introduction to public health functions, covering nutrition, mental health, HIV, and chronic disease prevention. Designed for front-line community health workers to equip them with the resources needed to support vulnerable individuals. Participants receive a certificate after completing all self-paced modules.
Money Smart Train-the-Trainer
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The FDIC's Train-the-Trainer program equips community educators with the skills and materials to deliver financial literacy coaching. It is designed for advocates and service providers who want to help clients manage money and build financial resilience. You will learn how to effectively teach budgeting, credit management, and banking fundamentals.
Leadership Essentials Certificate
NonprofitReady & Cornerstone Foundation
This program covers eight core principles to advance leadership and people management skills in a nonprofit setting. Created for current and emerging nonprofit leaders, it teaches conflict resolution, team building, and inclusive leadership. Completing the program provides a verifiable certificate of completion.
Defending Human Rights
Amnesty International Human Rights Academy
An interactive course that teaches how to identify human rights violations and take action to defend them. Geared toward community organizers and activists, the curriculum covers advocacy strategies, risk mitigation, and policy reform. You will learn how to mobilize communities and campaign effectively for marginalized groups.
Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education
BoardSource
Learn the fundamentals of effective nonprofit board service β governance, fiduciary responsibilities, strategic planning, and fundraising oversight. Ideal for current and aspiring board members at community organizations.
Community Health Worker Core Competencies
National Community Health Worker Training Center
A comprehensive training program covering the core competencies of community health work β outreach, health education, care coordination, and cultural competency. Designed for individuals serving underserved communities in Central Georgia.
National HIV Curriculum
University of Washington IDEA Program
Develop the knowledge and skills to advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. Covers HIV education, stigma reduction, Ryan White program navigation, and client-centered support strategies.
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency for Service Providers
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Build your cultural competency to serve LGBTQ+ community members with dignity and respect. Covers inclusive language, cultural humility, allyship, and best practices for healthcare and social service providers.
NGPF Personal Finance Certification
Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF)
Become a certified financial coach. Learn budget coaching, debt management strategies, financial goal setting, and how to guide clients through financial hardship. Free scholarship available for community advocates.





