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.

The Leadership Acceleration Program is one of the main programs offered by Nonprofit Net for the Greater Boston nonprofit community. Both current and former board members of Nonprofit Net serve as executive coaches in the program.

The next program begins in October 2026, with cohort activities through June 2027. In-person group meetings are scheduled for the following Thursday afternoons: • October 15, 2026 Kick-off Meeting• November 12, 2026 Performance Challenge Progress, Going Public Feedback, Tools• January 28, 2027 Early Wins• April 15, 2027 Performance Challenge Progress, Obstacles, Tools • June 10, 2027 Moving Up the S Curve - Final Meeting and Graduation

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

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.

Executive directors face challenges similar to CEOs in for-profit organizations. However, smaller nonprofits often lack professional development budgets. 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.

Selection involves three phases, following the submission of a program application:Review of applicant eligibility for the program.Evaluation of alignment with performance challenge criteria.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.