Emerging Leaders Program 2025-2026
We will announce our new group of Emerging Leaders very soon!
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, which will begin October 8th and continue monthly on Wednesday mornings, 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. See the schedule here.
The group will meet on the second Wednesday morning of each month.
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, which will begin October 8th and continue monthly on Wednesday mornings, 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. See the schedule here.
The group will meet on the second Wednesday morning of each month.
goals
participants
structure and time commitment
- Retain & Advance: Organizations keep talented staff on board and in the field, prepared to lead
- Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills and competencies.
- Networking: Facilitate connections among emerging leaders and expand professional networks.
- Resource Sharing: Provide access to tools, resources, and best practices.
participants
- Limited to a small cohort, all staff of CNC member organizations
- Nominated by Executive Directors, or self-nominated with support from ED or CEO
- 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 first Wednesday morning of of each month.
See last year's schedule here. - Duration: two hours most sessions with some three hour sessions
- Largely in-person, rotating locations at member organizations
- Agenda will be 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)
- 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 developing a peer support network