Leadership Acceleration Program

LAP is a nine-month program designed to support nonprofit executive directors (EDs) in tackling significant opportunities or challenges within their organizations.

NPN advances Greater Boston's nonprofit community through expert-led seminars and networking forums. With over 22 years of experience providing services mainly through webinars and seminars, NPN created LAP to offer a sustained resource for executive directors (EDs). This initiative is designed to support EDs by addressing their challenges and enhancing their leadership capabilities.

The next program begins in October 2026.

If selected to participate, you agree to commit to cohort activities from October 2026 through June 2027, including group meetings which will be held on the following Thursday afternoons (three in person sessions and the rest virtual):

• October 15, 2026

• November 12, 2026

• January 28, 2027

• April 15, 2027

• June 10, 2027

The program concludes on June 10, 2027.

There is no fee for participating in the program. Nonprofit Net offers free professional development and leadership training oportunities to local nonprofits in the greater Boston area.

Small and medium-sized nonprofits often lack professional development budgets. Executive directors (EDs) face numerous challenges similar to CEOs in for-profit organizations. The LAP program aims to bridge this gap by providing leadership development opportunities to EDs in small and medium-sized nonprofits, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to succeed despite limited financial means.

NPN’s mission is to strengthen, enhance, and advance nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. By supporting the development of nonprofit leaders, we aim to buld the capacity of the nonprofit sector in Greater Boston.

Selection involves three phases, following the submission of a program application:

1. Review of applicant eligibility for the program.

2. Evaluation of alignment with performance challenge criteria.

3. An interview with members of Nonprofit Net's LAP committee to validate interest and fit.

A performance challenge is any significant issue within your organization that requires behavioral change and dedicated effort to resolve.

Expect one-on-one, results-oriented coaching. Coaches help craft performance challenges into goals, define success metrics, set KPIs, and develop action plans. Regular check-ins ensure accountability and progress tracking.