Christian Leadership Alliance

What Christian Leadership Alliance does

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on March 20, 1976, in Los Angeles and now headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. The organization equips and unites Christian nonprofit leaders through a membership-based ecosystem that combines live events, virtual learning, an online academy, a credentialing program, and content platforms. Core products include the annual in-person Outcomes Conference, the bi-annual Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience, the Outcomes Academy online learning center, and the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) program, supported by the Higher Thinking Blog, Outcomes Magazine, the CLATV Podcast Network, a member community platform (Novi-based portal), and a Career Center job board.

CLA serves four primary segments: Christian nonprofit organizations (ministries and charities), churches including megachurches, Christian educational institutions, and individual Christian leaders. Named platinum-tier members and featured partners include Compassion International, World Vision, The Salvation Army USA, CRU, The Navigators, Joni & Friends, CapinCrouse, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, IHS Global, and Best Christian Workplaces. Since 2020, the Global Digital Experience has reached 11,500+ leaders across 100+ countries, and a $50,000 Global Leader Fund targets scholarships for 1,000 international leaders for the 2026 digital event.

Revenue is generated across membership dues (Platinum $5,599, Gold $1,099, Silver $599, Individual $149), conference and event registration fees, CCNL credential enrollment and triennial renewal ($257/$97), Outcomes Academy cohort tuition, sponsorships and advertising, and tax-deductible donations. Distribution flows through a member portal, online academy, in-person conference, virtual digital experience, and donation channels. The organization is led by President and CEO Tami Heim, with a small staff of 1-10, and holds ECFA accreditation in addition to its 501(c)(3) status.

Name

Christian Leadership Alliance

Legal name

Christian Leadership Alliance

Website

https://christianleadershipalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Christian Leadership Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1976 that equips Christian nonprofit leaders through tiered membership, the Outcomes Conference, a virtual Global Digital Experience, the Outcomes Academy, and the CCNL credential.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership Development

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Professional Organizations (813920), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA), Executive Leadership Summits (C-Suite, Board, Strategy Offsites) (THAHAMAA)

Keywords

• Faith-based leadership development
• Nonprofit executive training
• Christian ministry conferences
• Professional credentialing programs
• Online leadership education

Headquarters

HQ city

San Clemente

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership subscriptions at multiple tiers (Platinum $5,599, Gold $1,099, Silver $599, Individual $149) providing access to content, community, and experiential learning. Membership is the primary revenue driver and gateway to all programs.
2. Conference & Events: The Outcomes Conference (in-person, April 2027 in Jacksonville) and Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience generate registration fees. In-person conference: $699 members/$899 non-members; Digital experience: $157 member group of 5, $357 non-members.
3. Credential Program (CCNL): Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader program with enrollment fee of $257 and $97 renewal fee every three years. Includes required coursework and capstone project.
4. Outcomes Academy Online: 10-week cohort-based online courses providing professional development. Courses count toward CCNL credential and offer elective points.
5. Sponsorships & Advertising: Strategic sponsorships offering year-round exposure across all collateral and platforms. Digital advertising opportunities through four core channels. Conference prospectus available for sponsors and exhibitors.
6. Donations & Global Leader Fund: Tax-deductible donations to support scholarships for international leaders. The Global Leader Fund aims to raise $50,000 to support 1,000 leaders outside the US to attend the Global Digital Experience 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Christian Leadership Alliance delivers membership-based professional development and leadership training for Christian nonprofit professionals, churches, and faith-based organizations. Core offerings include annual memberships (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Individual tiers), the in-person Outcomes Conference, the Global Digital Experience virtual conference, the Outcomes Academy online learning platform with 10-week cohorts, and the Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) credential program. Supporting content assets include Outcomes Magazine, the Higher Thinking Blog, and the CLATV Podcast Network.

Product overview

Christian Leadership Alliance offers a membership-based ecosystem combining live conferences, virtual learning experiences, online courses, credentials, and content platforms. The core products include the Outcomes Conference (annual in-person event), the Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience (virtual event), and Outcomes Academy (online learning center). Supporting offerings include the CCNL credential program, CLATV podcasts, the Higher Thinking Blog, Outcomes Magazine, Thriving Leader Series, Maestro-Level Leader Cohorts, Career Center, and Member Community platform. These products work together to provide Christ-centered nonprofit leadership development through experiential learning, professional credentials, and community connection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Outcomes Conference: Annual premier equipping event for Christian nonprofit professionals across all levels of an organization, held in the spring.
• Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience
• Outcomes Academy
• CCNL (Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader)
• Outcomes Magazine
• CLATV Podcast Network
• Higher Thinking Blog
• CLA Career Center

Products and services

• CLA Membership Program Annual membership subscriptions providing Christian nonprofit professionals and organizations with access to community, content, conferences, courses, and credentialing opportunities across four tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Individual). Membership is the primary gateway to all CLA programs.
• Outcomes Conference Annual three-day live leadership training event for Christian nonprofit professionals across all organizational levels, offering professional development, Christ-like leadership training, collaborative community engagement, and spiritual inspiration.
• Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience Bi-annual virtual two-month digital learning experience featuring recorded training segments, live faculty meetings, workshops, and special live presentations for Christian nonprofit leaders worldwide. Has equipped over 11,500 leaders from 100+ countries since 2020.
• Outcomes Academy CLA Center for Online Learning offering 10-week facilitated cohorts, high-impact self-paced courses, and short on-demand content for professional development. Includes CCNL courses, Thriving Leader Series, and special leadership programming.
• Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader (CCNL) Program Professional credentialing program exclusive to CLA members that promotes biblical principles and professional standards in Christian nonprofit leadership. Requires 100 educational points and a Capstone Project. Enrollment fee: $257; renewal fee: $97 every three years. Offers academic credit pathway through York University Online partnership.
• Thriving Leader Series (TLS) Five 10-week cohort experiences forming a 50-week journey to thriving leadership, followed by one-year Wise Guide accountability engagements. Delivered through the Outcomes Academy.
• Maestro-Level Leader Cohorts Cohort-based program for Third Turn leaders planning succession and mission legacy, with six to ten companions through virtual and live interactions.
• CLA Career Center Online job board platform connecting Christian nonprofits and faith-based organizations with prospective leaders and team members for mission advancement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 11,500 leaders equipped from 100+ countries since 2020 through Global Digital Experience
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• FaithSearch PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCLATV podcast sponsor for 2025. FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm specializing in Christian media, nonprofits, higher education, ministries, and faith-driven organizations. Ed Fry serves as President.
• York University OnlinemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership allowing CCNL credential holders to receive academic credits through York University. The CCNL credential holds additional significance through this partnership with York University Online.
• Cornerstone ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutcomes Academy sponsor providing independent financial planning services to Christian nonprofit organizations for over 30 years. Sponsorship supports Outcomes Academy programming.
• Best Christian WorkplacesminorOthersFeatured thought leadership partner in Outcomes Magazine. Jay Bransford serves as President and CEO. Focuses on workplace culture and employee well-being for kingdom impact.
• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville RiverfrontminorOthersVenue for Outcomes Conference 2027. Located at 255 E. Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 588-1234.
• ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)majorOthersChristian Leadership Alliance is ECFA accredited, demonstrating financial accountability. ECFA logo displayed on website footer.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Vistage: CEO peer-advisory and executive coaching membership organization; shares the recurring-membership, cohort-based leadership development model, though secular and broader in scope.
• ASAE (American Society of Association Executives): The largest US membership association for association professionals; comparable community-led GTM, multi-tier membership pricing, annual conference, and credential programs, though operating across all sectors rather than a faith-based niche.
• YPO (Young Presidents' Organization): Global peer-learning membership community for senior executives; mirrors CLA's premium-tier membership, experiential learning events, and community-led growth motion, though secular.

Direct peers

• Christian Management Association: Faith-based membership association serving Christian nonprofit and ministry leaders through conferences, publications, and professional development — overlapping directly with CLA's audience, content library, and event-driven model.
• BoardSource: National nonprofit membership organization focused on nonprofit governance and leadership development — directly comparable training, credential, and resource model for nonprofit leaders.
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP): Professional membership association serving fundraising and nonprofit development professionals; similar revenue mix (membership dues, conference, credential/CFRE designation), though broader than faith-based leadership.
• National Council of Nonprofits: Network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving nonprofit leaders through advocacy, training, and resources — directly comparable membership-driven, training-led model.

Regional players

• Christian Higher Education organizations: Christian colleges and seminaries (e.g., Columbia International University, Moody Bible Institute) that overlap on faith-based leadership formation, executive training, and academic credit pathways similar to CLA's York University Online partnership.

Others

• Habitat for Humanity International: Large Christian-affiliated nonprofit; an example of a Platinum-tier-style potential member rather than a direct competitor, but illustrates the customer profile CLA serves and adjacent faith-based leadership needs.
• FaithSearch Partners: Executive search firm specializing in Christian nonprofits, ministries, and faith-driven organizations; a current CLA partner (CLATV sponsor) and adjacent ecosystem participant serving the same buyer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CLALeader
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/christian-leadership-alliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/christianleadershipalliance
• Facebookfacebook.com/christianleadershipalliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Christian Leadership Alliance