Nonprofit organizations are vital to the fabric of Houston, addressing local needs, supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening civic engagement through their work and the connections they foster among residents, donors and volunteers. These organizations tackle pressing community challenges, from hunger and homelessness to education and health, often providing services where public or private resources fall short. From Bread of Life’s fight against food insecurity to the Southern Smoke Foundation’s service to the food and beverage workers, the breadth and depth of their work demonstrate the sector’s profound influence on Houston’s quality of life.
The Leadership Behind the Impact
The true driver of any organization’s effectiveness is its leadership. Executive leaders are central to charting an organization’s vision, cultivating donor relationships, ensuring operational excellence and managing strategic transitions. Strong leaders not only guide program delivery but also build a culture of accountability, inspire staff and volunteers, and strengthen the nonprofit’s influence — key factors that increase donor confidence and attract high-caliber talent.
Why Rice Developed the Leadership in Action Certificate
Recognizing the essential role of effective executive leaders, Rice’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership created the Leadership in Action certificate program. This unique program is designed specifically for both current and emerging nonprofit executive directors and CEOs in their first three years in the role, or those who plan to take on such a role as the next step in their career, who want to enhance their ability to drive mission success and organizational resilience.
What the Leadership in Action Program Offers
The Leadership in Action certificate program is delivered through workshop-style classroom instruction, ensuring that these first-time executive leaders gain actionable skills from day one. Key features include:
- Practical curriculum covering every aspect of nonprofit management — from governance and strategy to fundraising, communication and program evaluation.
- Cohort-based learning that fuels peer connection and collaborative problem-solving.
- Individualized coaching and feedback to reinforce leadership growth and personal development.
Through this, Leadership in Action empowers nonprofit leaders, though new to their role, to become catalysts for positive change immediately — transforming not only their approach to management but also the impact of the organizations they lead. This mission-driven approach is what sets Rice’s certificate apart, making it an essential investment for anyone seeking to lead Houston’s nonprofit future.
Support Houston’s Nonprofits
Just as the Southern Smoke Foundation champions “taking care of our own,” the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership seeks to care for Houston-area nonprofit professionals. Join us in “taking care” of those who fuel positive change across our city. Your gift creates scholarship opportunities for nonprofit leaders, helping them drive lasting impact and build a stronger Houston for all of us.
Continue Exploring
More Success Stories: Over 260 participants attend Glasscock School’s Best Boards Conference
Related Programs: Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Rice Continuing Studies: continue.rice.edu
As we work to expand access and enhance the social, educational and economic vitality of our community, our success is driven by those who share our vision and propel our progress. Learn more about how you can help move us forward.