Grantee Spotlight

LeaderSpring

Nonprofit executive directors bear a huge responsibility in leading and managing their organizations, but often work in isolation and lack access to training and support that could help make them more effective leaders. Through a competitive application process, LeaderSpring selects a cohort of East Bay executive directors to participate in a two-year, intensive fellowship program to strengthen their individual and collective leadership. The program consists of monthly day-long gatherings, customized professional coaching, individualized study trips, retreats, and peer coaching. The curriculum focuses on progressive leadership and management topics, helping fellows to gain new skills and tools that yield practical and immediate results in their work (i.e. fund development, working with boards, finance, leadership transitions, and managing staff), as well as strengthening their leadership skills in working with their boards, staffs, clients, and other key stakeholders. The peer-to-peer learning not only supports the increased efficacy of fellows at leading their individual organizations, but also has created a growing network of committed social sector leaders who are working together to increase equity in the East Bay.