Who we are
Our mission is to improve the leadership and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. We do this through graduate education, community-engaged research, and high-impact training that equips current and emerging leaders to manage ethically, use data wisely, and partner effectively with the communities they serve. More than 500 graduates of our master’s and certificate programs now lead and support nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies across the country.
Why this work matters
- Workforce & leadership transitions. Retirements, talent shortages, and new expectations around hybrid work demand agile leadership, board development, and succession planning.
- Digital transformation. Nonprofits are adopting data systems, AI-assisted tools, and automation for fundraising, communications, evaluation, and service delivery—raising opportunities and risks (privacy, bias, misinformation).
- Equity & trust. Funders and communities expect transparent, inclusive practices and measurable impact; organizations must center equity and community voice.
- Diversified revenue. Inflationary pressures and shifting philanthropy are accelerating earned-revenue strategies, government contracts, and outcomes-based funding.
- Measurement & accountability. Boards and funders expect rigorous evaluation, cost-effectiveness, and clear theory-of-change logic. INPO prepares leaders to meet these realities—responsibly, ethically, and with community at the center.
Statewide & National Impact
- Organizational capacity strengthened — across grassroots nonprofits and multi-site agencies in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and beyond.
- Community partnerships advanced — co-created needs assessments, program evaluations, and data dashboards inform real-time decisions.
- Workforce pipeline expanded — thousands of practicum hours each year translate classroom learning into service and jobs.
- Policy and practice informed by evidence — toolkits, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed research guide funders, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Responsible technology adoption — privacy-protective, bias-aware use of digital and AI tools improves service delivery while preserving the human connection at the heart of mission work.
Connect with us
For more information, contact Hee Yun Lee, PhD, Director, Institute for Nonprofit Organizations, at (706) 542-3364 or or [email protected].
To explore the MA in Nonprofit Management & Leadership (MA-NML) and the Graduate Certificate programs, visit the MA NML program webpage.
We welcome prospective students, nonprofit partners, and funders who share our commitment to building a vibrant, equitable nonprofit sector.
