Contributed by Nonprofit Austin at ACC
Fourteen local grassroots nonprofits have proudly completed ACC’s new Certificate in Nonprofit Organizational Development program. The intensive 64-hour course is offered through Nonprofit Austin at ACC—a hub for professional development services for mission-driven organizations.
The specialty program focuses on strengthening leadership and management skills for running effective nonprofit organizations. Participants learn about leadership resilience, nonprofit financial management, creating strategic alliances, board development, strategic planning, risk management, fundraising, and more.
The first cohort to complete the program was from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO). Nonprofit Austin worked closely with Bill Wallace, Capacity Building Manager at ECHO, to create the new certificate to strengthen the nonprofit leadership skills of ECHO and its affiliates.
In a special celebration ceremony held on Tuesday, February 19, at the Highland Campus, members of the cohort, surrounded by family and friends, were commended for their service and received their certificates.
Chris Cervini, ACC’s Vice Chancellor of Community and Government Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cohort’s commitment to serving others, acknowledging that many cohort members would return to their work later that evening, assisting unhoused individuals amid a cold and rainy night. Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard also applauded their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts.
Additional speakers at the ceremony included Matthew Mollica, Executive Director of ECHO; David Gray, Director and Homeless Strategy Officer for the City of Austin; and Bill Wallace, Capacity Building Manager at ECHO.
Nonprofit Austin’s Executive Director, Barry Silverberg, and Associate Director, Rosalind Gutierrez, shared their deep admiration for the cohort’s passion and drive. Silverberg reminded the honorees that Nonprofit Austin will continue to support them as they embark on the next phase of their missions.
“We are inspired by your dedication and excited to witness the ongoing impact you will make,” he said. “We also want to express our gratitude to Bill Wallace and the ECHO team for entrusting us with the creation of this certificate program.”
To learn more about certificates offered through Nonprofit Austin, click here: Nonprofit Austin Certificates