Emerging Leaders Program 2025-2026
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.
Presenting our 2025-2026 Emerged leaders! See them & their bios here
See the schedule for 2025-2026 here.
In 2026-2027 the cohort will meet on the second Thursday of each month starting October 8.
Sessions include case based workshops, training from experienced practitioners, and peer group work.
Presenting our 2025-2026 Emerged leaders! See them & their bios here
See the schedule for 2025-2026 here.
In 2026-2027 the cohort will meet on the second Thursday of each month starting October 8.
goals
participants
structure and time commitment
- Retain & Advance: Organizations keep talented staff on board and 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
- 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 Thursday (for '26-'27) morning of of each month.
See 2025-2026 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
