CNC's free Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers an invaluable opportunity for emerging leaders to sharpen their skills and shape the future of our nonprofit sector. ELP is designed to empower a select cohort of staff members from member nonprofits, providing them with the tools, skills, and networks necessary to thrive as leaders. Participants engage in a mix of sessions, monthly from October through June. By focusing on diversity and inclusivity, especially in nurturing BIPOC leaders, this program aims to create a leadership pipeline that truly reflects and serves our community's needs.
Sessions include case-based workshops, training from experienced practitioners, and peer group work.
This year our regular meeting time will be on Thursday mornings.
Interested? Be notified of our August info session.
Applications are here.
In 2026-2027 the cohort will meet on the second Thursday of each month starting October 8.
(Not free on Thursday mornings? Each year we vary the day of the week we meet; Tue in '24–'25, Wed in '25–'26, Thur in '26-'27.
In '27–'28 we will restart with Tue)
Sessions include case-based workshops, training from experienced practitioners, and peer group work.
This year our regular meeting time will be on Thursday mornings.
Interested? Be notified of our August info session.
Applications are here.
In 2026-2027 the cohort will meet on the second Thursday of each month starting October 8.
(Not free on Thursday mornings? Each year we vary the day of the week we meet; Tue in '24–'25, Wed in '25–'26, Thur in '26-'27.
In '27–'28 we will restart with Tue)
goals
participants
structure and time commitment
See last year's 2025-2026 Emerged leaders here!
Last year's schedule here.
- Retain & Advance: Organizations keep talented staff on board, in the field, prepared to lead
- Develop Leaders: Enhance leadership skills and competencies
- Networking: Facilitate connections among emerging leaders and expand professional networks.
- Share Resources: Provide access to tools, resources, and best practices
participants
- Limited to a small cohort, all staff of CNC member organizations in good standing
- Nominated by Executive Directors, or self-nominated with support from ED or CEO
- Full-time staff, with at least one year in their current position—or organization if recently promoted
- Not appropriate for Executive Directors, CEPs, or founders
- Selected with an emphasis on developing BIPOC leaders while remaining inclusive.
- We welcome all nominees
structure and time commitment
- Nine monthly meetings, held on the second Thursday morning of each month (in 2026–2027)
See last year's schedule here for an example - Duration: two hours for most sessions; some will be longer
- In-person, rotating locations at member organizations
- Agendas: structured but allow for open discussion
- CNC EDs and other experienced leaders share insights, experience, and subject matter
- Workshops: Focus on specific skills e.g., supervision, difficult conversations, fundraising, networking, nonprofit basics, financial management, meeting planning and facilitation
- Problem-Solving: Small teams will meet to workshop current management and organizational challenges and share or brainstorm solutions. Some full group sessions will explore these further.
- Individualized coaching
- Special invitations to all CNC training opportunities
- Sharing: working together on issues and challenges and developing a peer support network
See last year's 2025-2026 Emerged leaders here!
Last year's schedule here.
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