Leadership Acceleration Program
Program Overview
Being a nonprofit Executive Director is both powerful calling and a complex challenge. You lead programs, raise funds, manage staff, answer to a board, and carry your mission forward. But leadership can feel isolating.
Nonprofit Net's Leadership Acceleration Program is designed to help Executive Directors build confidence and leadership skills alongside peers. Over the course of the nine-month program, each ED advances a chosen organizational initiative while strengthening their leadership muscle with the support of a dedicated executive coach and a trusted peer group.
Nonprofit Net's 2025/2026 LAP Class and Coaches
Executive Director
LAP Cohort 3
"This is one of the most productive programs I'm in... It is more hands-on and interactive than academic... I love the structure, camaraderie and the willingness to help from the coaches."
Yoyo Yau
CEO
Bridges Homeward
LAP Cohort 3
"The combination of coaching, peer learning, and shared reflection created a valuable space for growth, connection, and practical learning..."
Bill Yelenak
President & CEO
Providers' Council
LAP Cohort 2
"The coaching helped me see things from a different angle, helped keep me accountable, and it pushed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have achieved on my own."
A Unique Opportunity
The program provides EDs with a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, advance their organization's goals, and build a network of support. Key aspects include:
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Focus on Significant Project Each participant proposes a key organizational project or opportunity to pursue over the course of the program based on defined criteria.
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Ongoing Executive Coaching An executive coach supports each participant throughout the program, with additional ad hoc coaching on topics relevant to multiple participants.
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Peer Group Connections The program includes an intimate peer group of not more than 8 EDs, with regular meetings that provide a forum for support, feedback, suggestions, and encouragement.
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Leadership Tools The program includes tools and concepts that support leadership development and the success of each participant's chosen initiative.
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Targeted Assignments Periodic assignments promote reflection, reinforce key skills, and track progress as each participant advances their performance challenge.
A Valuable Opportunity
In a participant survey, 100% of program participants:
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Were satisfied with the progress of their performance challenge
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Found the peer group valuable
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Were likely to recommend LAP to a colleague
Program Cost
There is no fee for participating in the program. Nonprofit Net offers no-cost professional development and leadership training opportunities in order to strengthen local nonprofits in the Greater Boston area.
Program Timeline
Applications for the 2026/2027 Leadership Acceleration Program will be accepted through September 10, 2026.
Nonprofit Net reviews applications as they are received, conducts phone interviews with candidates, and recommends those that best address program criteria.
The program runs from October 15, 2026, through June 10, 2027.
Learn More
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Attend our LAP Info Session on August 25 to ask questions and hear from our lead coach and past participants.
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Download the LAP application information sheet.
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Learn what past participants most valued about the program.
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Review Frequently Asked Questions about the program.
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Still have a question? Email your question to LAP (at) nonprofitnet.org.