Cohort Programs
Independence Foundation offers two leadership development cohorts that provide our grantees with confidential cross-sector platforms for leaders to convene and converse on the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations.
Conversations About Change
The Conversations About Change cohort is comprised of grantee organizations who are investigating mission-driven change. Designed in partnership with Foundation staff, this cohort explores topics such as growth and sustainability, succession planning, diversity equity and inclusion, maintaining mission through significant challenges, and optimizing staff/board relationships.
Methods of engagement include peer-facilitated learning, large group conversation, small group interaction (in peer groups and/or by organization)
Who can participate?
This program is open to Executive Directors, Rising Leaders and Board Chairs from nine grantee organizations. Grantees embarking on significant change are identified and invited to participate by Foundation staff.
How many participants are allowed per series?
A maximum of 27 participants
This series is offered yearly, meeting once per month from February through December (except August). Participants must commit to two-hour monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month.
Rising Leaders
The Rising Leaders Cohort focuses on positioning future leaders for success. Through a mix of tactical skill building and big picture leadership lessons, this cohort explores topics such as paths to Executive Directorship, the business of not for profits, leading from current position and issues related to boards.
Methods of engagement include peer facilitated learning, large group conversation, paired interaction, role plays and hands-on exercises.
Who can participate?
This program is open to Rising Leaders from our grantee organizations (one Rising Leader per organization). Applications are distributed and collected by email in December. Rising Leaders interested in this program should contact Heather McDanel at hmcdanel@independencefoundation.org for an application.
How many participants are allowed per series?
A maximum of 15 participants
This series is offered yearly, meeting once per month from February through December (except August). Participants must commit to two-hour monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month.
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