Leadership Acceleration Program

Nonprofit executive directors hold a unique and challenging position in their organizations. They report to a board of directors and most often have one or more staff who report to them. The primary responsibilities for programming, operations, fundraising, staff management, board cultivation and reporting ultimately devolves to them. And yet, most often, they don’t have peers or confidantes within their organization. It can be a lonely job.

Introducing the Leadership Acceleration Program

Nonprofit Net has launched the Leadership Acceleration Program to provide executive directors with exposure to perspectives, tools and ideas that go beyond the familiar to help them achieve their strategic objectives. In addition, the program provides a welcome opportunity for nonprofit executives to establish a unique peer network.

The inaugural program in spring of 2023 supports five to seven nonprofit executive directors in pursuing a project that is important to their organization.

Please note: Applications for the Spring 2023 program are now closed. We will open applications for a new cohort later in the year.

For program updates, please click here.

Enabling nonprofit executive directors to strengthen their leadership skills and move their organization forward

Program Components

A Significant Project Each participant is asked to propose a significant organizational project or opportunity that they hope to pursue over the course of the ten-month program. The project or opportunity must meet specific criteria.

Peer Group Meetings Three to four virtual or in-person meetings will take place over the course of the program.

Executive Coaching Through bi-weekly calls, an Executive Coach will support each participant during the ten months of the program. Coaching is also provided to the group as a whole in Peer Group meetings when participants will provide feedback, suggestions and encouragement to each other.

Tools and Concepts The program includes an introduction to tools and concepts that support leadership development and enhance the likelihood of success of their effort.

Assignments Periodic, simple assignments will promote reflection, track progress, and to keep program peers and coaches informed.

Selection Criteria

The program is open to executive directors who are interested in participating, are committed to the work involved, and who meet the criteria outlined below.

The project proposed should be among the most important opportunities or challenges facing the organization as a whole.
Executive director engagement and leadership is essential to the project.
Significant progress is possible within ten months.
Many people other than the executive director must contribute to achieve success (i.e., Board, staff, external stakeholders).
The proposed project will demand doing things differently. (It’s not just business as usual).
The project is an effort that will require the executive director to step out of their comfort zone.

An ad hoc committee of Nonprofit Net’s Board of Directors will review program applications, conduct phone interviews with promising candidates, and recommend those that address program criteria most responsively.

Program Cost

There is no charge for the first cohort of participants who are accepted into the program.

Application Process and Timeline

March, 2023 Kick off session for Spring 2023 cohort
Deadlines for the next cohort will be announced later this year.

Questions are welcome. Please email questions to LAP (at) nonprofitnet.org.