Empowering Future Changemakers: NACNE’s Role in Nonprofit Development
For students who are eager to make a significant impact, understanding the operations of nonprofit organizations is as crucial as their passion for a cause. The Northern Arizona Center for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship (NACNE) at the W. A. Franke College of Business offers education and empowerment to aspiring changemakers while assisting community members in understanding the mechanics of nonprofit operations and converting ideas into tangible impact.
Established in 2016, NACNE emerged in response to the realization that while local nonprofits were fueled by passion, many lacked essential business acumen and operational skills necessary for sustainability. Assistant Director Amanda Black highlighted that Director T. Paul Thomas identified an educational opportunity for students in nonprofit entrepreneurship, leading to the center’s expansion as nonprofits sought out its services, mentorship, and specific certificate programs.
“On one side, we serve our students and on the other, we provide help to the community,” Black stated. “We currently have an undergraduate certificate program that includes introductory courses, as well as financing and marketing for nonprofits. We are also developing a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit entrepreneurship that will hopefully launch in 2026.”
From Concepts to Real-World Impact
At NACNE, students and community members are connected to internships, volunteer opportunities, and receive guidance in launching and managing nonprofits. A recent beneficiary, Trent Foreman, a business economics graduate, sought NACNE’s assistance in establishing his own nonprofit.
“My father and I have been talking for years about starting a nonprofit but were not sure how to move from an idea into something real,” Foreman explained. “NACNE has been instrumental in walking us through the step-by-step process of building our nonprofit from the ground up. They helped us think about both the business side, such as structure, operations and sustainability, and the technical side of applying for 501(c)(3) status.”
Currently, NACNE operates from the W. A. Franke College of Business, with plans to expand beyond NAU to facilitate easier access for nonprofits and community members in Flagstaff.
“We offer a series of workshops for nonprofits in the community and are launching a skills-sharing coalition for those nonprofits that are struggling to find resources,” Black shared. “Our first Nonprofit Skill-Sharing Coalition meeting is scheduled for Sept. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ice House on E. Birch Ave. We want to connect nonprofits, small and large, so that they can openly share their strengths and weaknesses and sort of offer to swap or share ideas, resources and even people to support one another.”
In addition, NACNE hosts an annual conference every April that links students with the nonprofit community, with the next event anticipated to feature approximately 100 nonprofit organizations at Lowell Observatory.
“Students who are part of the program get hands-on experience organizing this event,” Black noted. “They find the speakers, choose the topics, send the invites, pick the venue and even select the menu for the event.”
Building Success Through Education
Besides offering the current Nonprofit and Social Entrepreneurship undergraduate certificate, NACNE is set to introduce a non-credit certificate program for high school students.
“A local high school approached us with this idea and need,” explained Black. “So, we developed this certificate program where high school students can take classes introducing them to the concept of nonprofit management every Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. here at the Franke College of Business.”
This initiative will also serve as a recruitment ground for high school students interested in pursuing philanthropic ambitions, similar to Foreman, who, after graduating, aims to expand the nonprofit with NACNE’s guidance, utilizing his business economics degree and undergraduate certificate effectively.
“The certificate program and NACNE’s support have made me feel confident about pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector,” Foreman expressed. “Having mentors who understand both the challenges and opportunities has been invaluable and I’m grateful to have this network as I begin the journey of starting a nonprofit.”
Alongside these offerings, NACNE is crafting a community certificate program and has been invited to conduct workshops throughout northern Arizona, enhancing its regional reach and impact.
For more information about the center and its programs, visit the NACNE website.
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