Learning Communities Application [Spring 2023 Cohort]

Program Overview

Nonprofit New York has combined two of its most successful programs, the Nonprofit Excellence Awards and Learning Labs, to create a new model for sustained community learning, engagement, and support. As part of Learning Communities, a selected cohort will participate in a 6-month experience that answers a self-selected problem of practice. 

 

The Learning Community that will convene in the Spring of 2023 will be composed of Executive Directors and an additional designated leadership team member working in nonprofit organizations with operating budgets between $3 and $8 million dollars. We ask that the Executive Director please submit one application on behalf of both individuals.

 

Generous support from the New York Community Trust enables Nonprofit New York to include you in this initiative at no cost to participating organizations and individuals. Nonprofit New York will organize and facilitate learning, networking, and community-building events to meet the needs of the Spring 2023 Cohort. Nonprofit New York will also be documenting the lessons learned and innovations discussed as part of the Learning Community for the purposes of sharing ideas and peer learning at our Annual Conference and other Nonprofit New York events. Identifying themes and shared needs will also help Nonprofit New York enhance our capacity building programming for the entire sector.

 

Being part of this Learning Community provides the opportunity to learn with colleagues and outside experts, create a network of ongoing support, share your experiences and expertise with an audience of nonprofit professionals, and help us shape the future of this program. 

 

There are three phases of the Learning Community Program. Participants are expected to attend and engage in all activities.

 

Phase 1 - Planning Phase (~2 one and half hour meetings over one month)

  • 2/1/23* Determine a shared challenge within the Spring 2023 Cohort

  • Nonprofit New York designs a curriculum with resources and experts who can support Learning Communities members in addressing that challenge 

    • *This date is pre-determined, however, we understand being flexible should the cohort express a need to change the date or time


Phase 2 - Learning Phase (~5 one-two hour learning and practice sessions over 3 months)

  • Learning Community participants engage in trainings and workshops with experts to address the challenges identified in Phase 1

  • Brainstorm and debrief with a partner organization after each learning session

 

Phase 3 - Action Phase (~2 one hour meetings plus independent work over 2 months)

  • Develop an Action Plan and work with a partner in the program to implement and make changes within your organization 


Applicant Information














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Organization Information











Rate the following questions based on your experience and understanding working at your organization. Please respond to the questions assuming circumstances are ordinary.
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If you are selected for the program, what would be the top three organizational/operational  issues you would like to tackle over the next six months?




Closing




Thank you for taking the time to apply for the  Spring 2023 Learning Communities Cohort for Executive Directors and Colleagues. 

We appreciate your time and will reach out regarding application and selection status soon. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Darby Masland, Programs Manager, at dmasland@nonprofitnewyork.org.