Participant Expectations
We expect Fellows to commit an average of 12 hours a month (for a total of 120 hours) to the fellowship program. Participants must be willing to actively contribute to building a positive learning community for themselves and fellow cohort members by committing to the following:
- Being present and prepared for all scheduled sessions, which will run from September through June
- Approaching the experience with curiosity, openness, respect and generosity for each other’s expertise, wisdom, lived experience and humanity
- Making space and taking space by being mindful of how much one speaks and the role power and privilege play in our interactions
- Being open to growth and discomfort and allowing each other to make mistakes without judgement or defensiveness
- Honoring confidentiality by ensuring what is said stays with the group but what’s learned leaves
Participants should carefully weigh the time commitment and other expectations before applying. A successful cohort will provide a rich experience and long-term community for participants, but requires everyone’s commitment to doing the work.
Gery Paredes Vásquez
YWCA Madison, 2025-2026 Fellow
As a new executive director, this opportunity gave me a strong foundation for my journey forward as a non-profit leader. Cultivating the gift of a community of practice with peer executive leaders in Madison! So happy to know that finally, nonprofit leaders in the greater Madison region have a program to support our professional development, capacity building, networking, and more.”
Schedule
Each month’s topic is split between two, half-day sessions: Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Sessions will be held at various locations in and around Madison.
September 23 & 24, 2026
Program Orientation and Being a Leader
Orientation will focus on what to expect and to begin building relationships.
October 14 & 15, 2026
Crafting a Powerful Value Proposition for Your Nonprofit and Programs to Match
Learn how to define and communicate a compelling value proposition for your organization.
November 18 & 19, 2026
Governance and Board Management
Examine the roles and responsibilities of boards and their relationship to staff. Gain tools for strengthening relationships with board members and increasing board effectiveness.
December 9 & 10, 2026
Financial Leadership
We will analyze the principles of financial management for nonprofits and how to balance your strategy for mission impact with your financial strategy.
January 13 & 14, 2027
Marketing and Communications
Develop a framework for a comprehensive marketing and communication plan. Also identify effective approaches for communicating with different constituencies.
February 10 & 11, 2027
Fundraising and Resourcing the Mission
Examine the fundamental forms of nonprofit revenue and how engage in mission-rooted fundraising.
March 10 & 11, 2027
Human Resources and Organizational Culture
We will examine fundamental aspects of building a thriving organizational culture and effectively managing a team of staff and volunteers.
April 14 & 15, 2027
Advocacy and Collective Impact
Explore the importance of advocacy work for nonprofits and the role public funding plays in the nonprofit sector.
May 12 & 13, 2027
Strategy and Evaluation
Explore effective practices in strategic planning and aligning programs with longer-term strategies.
June 16 & 17, 2027
Celebration and Reflection
Celebrate all your hard work, learning and relationship building!
Read the Full Course Descriptions
Download the full syllabus to see detailed course descriptions for each of the 10 sessions.
