img-learning-communities


Program Overview

Connect with professionals in similar roles and participate in facilitated conversations with field experts based on what YOU want to learn about.

Each cohort is different, and each experience is personalized to meet the needs of our cohort participants. During the six month experience, participants determine a shared problem question, learn from experts in the field, and work with partner organizations to enact change in their organizations. At the end of the program, participants share their experience and lessons with the broader nonprofit community through Nonprofit New York events and programming.

Features:

  • Cohorts develop a shared overarching problem question to address.
  • Individuals are partnered with others from similar organizations to discuss and work through organizational improvements.
  • Participants engage in workshops led by experts in 5-6 learning sessions.
  • Organizations present their progress and share resources with the cohort in a final presentation.

Phase 1: Planning

During one in-person planning session, participants meet for a half day at the Ford Foundation to determine a shared area of focus.

Phase 2: Learning

Participants engage in 5-6 workshops facilitated by experts in the shared area of focus. These workshops are a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.

Phase 3: Acting

In the “Action Phase,” participants take what they have learned over the past 5 months and develop a plan to implement change at their organizations. The final presentations are brief and outline participants’ progress on this plan.


Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility:

Please note that eligibility varies for each cohort.

  • The organization must be an active member of Nonprofit New York. To enroll or renew your organization’s membership click here.
  • The applicant becomes the primary contact for the cohort once accepted into the program. Upon determining the problem question, the primary applicant invites other organization members to the most applicable or appropriate sessions.

Requirements:

  • Attend all sessions.
  • Present a final presentation with the cohort.
  • Share learning with the broader nonprofit community via Nonprofit New York programming.

How applications are assessed:

  1. Cohort fit & eligibility.
  2. Ability & willingness to enact change.


How to Apply

Applicants must fill out a form and submit the requested documentation to apply. When accepted, the applicant becomes the primary contact at the organization and will be responsible for attending all sessions and communicating with their respective organization. In addition to direct participation, the learning sessions are also open to other members of your organization. The primary contact is encouraged to invite other organizational members to the most applicable or appropriate sessions.

A downloadable PDF version of the application is available here. This is for preview purposes only. Please apply using the link below. Applications submitted via email will not be considered.


Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

Cohort Eligibility Application Open & Close Date Session Dates
Fall 2023 Cohort
The Fall 2023 Cohort is closed
The Fall 2023 applications have closed.
The Fall 2023 sessions have ended
Spring 2024 Cohort
The Spring 2024 Cohort is open to those in a management role in Human Resources
Applications Open - February 21 Applications Close - March 6
Planning: April 1, 2024, 9:30am - 12:00pm (in-person)
Learning: April 23, 2024, 9:30am - 12:00pm (in-person)
Learning: May 7, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (TBD in-person or virtual)
Learning: June 4, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (TBD in-person or virtual)
Learning: June 25, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (TBD in-person or virtual)
Learning: July 9, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (TBD in-person or virtual)
Acting: July 30, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (TBD in-person or virtual)
Presentations: September 10th, 2024, 9:30am - 12:30pm (in-person)
*Please Note: All in person sessions, unless otherwise noted, are held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice at 320 E 43rd Street, NY, NY 10017. Spring 2024 dates are tentative, and may change according to space and trainer availability.


Testimonials

testimonials-image
testimonials-image
testimonials-image
testimonials-image


FAQs

1. Do all participants from our organization need to attend every session?

We ask that the primary participant attend all sessions, and colleagues attend as many sessions as possible.

2. What if something comes up and we need to miss a session?

If for any reason individuals from the cohort need to miss a session, please notify the Nonprofit New York team and your partner organizations as soon as possible.

3. Are sessions recorded and shared with participants? Do we have access to these resources after the cohort ends?

Yes! Participants will have access to all recorded sessions and shared materials.

4. What is included in the final presentation?

This 5-minute presentation to the other cohort members showcases your organization’s current projects and accomplishments. It will include a short PowerPoint or other visual display and include information about what your organization was working on, what you tried, and where you are in the change process.