MNA Accelerator

Professional Development
for Nonprofit Managers

Hone your management skills, build your network, and level up your impact.

Whether you are steering direct service programs or overseeing back-office support, your work as a manager shapes how the mission comes to life. MNA’s Accelerator is built with you in mind. From best practices in project and budget planning to exploring performance management strategies, Accelerator provides participants with opportunities to learn, practice, and discuss how to deliver organizational strategy through effective management of programs and people.

Purchase Accelerator 2025

Throughout the Accelerator experience, participants will be invited to:

  • Discover personal strengths as a manager
  • Deepen knowledge of nonprofit management fundamentals and responsibilities
  • Connect with peers across the state

This program is built on our Nonprofit Management Fundamentals. Participants will be introduced to these fundamentals, explore them within the cohort, and be prepared to practice and master them throughout and after the program.

Nonprofit Manager Fundamentals

Montana Nonprofit Association believes managers of people and programs achieve impactful results when they:

  1. Cultivate self-awareness.
  2. Develop and sustain relationships built on trust.
  3. Create comprehensive, realistic plans that align with overall organizational needs.
  4. Accurately evaluate project and organizational outcomes.
  5. Support employee growth and development.
  6. Prioritize and advocate for inclusive and equitable approaches and outcomes.

Join any or all of our three weeks of content covering Accelerator Management basics.

Participants can join for three weeks of sessions on Accelerator basics:

Week One: Building a Foundation of Trust

  • November 3 & 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MTN

Week Two: Practical Planning and Evaluation for Nonprofit Managers

  • November 10 & 12 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MTN

Week Three: Managing and Supporting Employee Performance

  • November 17 & 19 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MTN

Participants from your entire team can take part in six sessions over three weeks, totaling nine hours of live classroom time on Zoom. Participants will explore the nonprofit fundamentals and leave with tools, protocols, and confidence implementing best practices in areas from performance management to budget planning to team culture.

This program has been developed for new nonprofit managers that oversee at least one employee. Those with more management experience, those who manage a program but don’t oversee employees, or those on track for executive leadership may also find value in this program.

  • What’s included in this year’s Accelerator program? What is different from the past?
    • Our 2026 Accelerator offers fundamentals for anyone on your team. This year’s program will offer all the same great Accelerator content, resources, and tools, with opportunities to connect and chat with other leaders. There is no application process, more flexible participation options, and the sessions will be heavy on content. We hope you are able to take the conversations and activities suggested in the series into practice with your team internally.
  • What is the sliding scale and who is eligible?
    • Our sliding scale option is an opportunity to bring your team along to the learning at an even lower rate. Any MNA Member organization or state-association partner member organization is eligible, if you cannot otherwise participate at the normal rate. We won’t ask for any verification and invite you to use the sliding scale if that meets your organization’s needs.
  • What if I want more intensive training for my team?

What past participants have said:

“Really great class, especially for its first year. It’s exactly what I had been asking my supervisor for help/training with for multiple years and met my goals for learning and then some!”

“Thank you so much for facilitating such an informative and impactful course!”

“Thank you so much for your time putting this together. I feel really grateful that I was a part of this! You both are doing great work and I think your approach is fantastic. I will definitely be recommending this course to others!“

Kickstart Your Team’s Career Development Today

Purchase Accelerator 2025

Support MNA Leadership Programming

Interested in supporting nonprofit leadership development in Montana? Become a sponsor, with opportunities starting at $2,500 up to $5,000. Sponsors gain the opportunity to share their message and brand with the Accelerator audience and beyond while helping sustain leadership programming for Montana nonprofit professionals. Contact Us for more information. We look forward to partnering with you!

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Find the leadership program that’s right for you.

MNA’s suite of leadership programs is designed to engage and inspire tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders. Our programs support nonprofit professionals with tangible skills, networking, and thoughtful discussion on progressive best management practices. Participants in these programs will emerge ready to build efficient, resilient, people-forward nonprofits for Montana. If you’re unsure if Accelerator is the right program for you, check out our Catalyst Program!

Compare Catalyst